Scuba diver's Personal Locator Beacon - how never to be lost at sea

[Dave Dillehay]

WE take the Nautilus GPS/Radio (made in Canada) almost everyday on our trips way up north to the shark caves. But we have had a lot of floods. You do not have to register them in Cozumel as the local rescue station monitors them all the time and get GPS numbers from them. MY suggestion is open them once when new, check them out then seal them carefully…only to be opened when absolutely needed.

Dave Dillehay

Aldora Divers

 

[Dan]

Please advise, I am looking at getting a PLB but I am unclear about what is a good, simple system for divers, do I need a special housing? We are warm water vacation divers, what is a good PLB for us?

I got PLB1 for $250 and a $50 mail-in rebate = $200.

Ocean Signal PLB1 rescueME Personal Locator Beacon The GPS Store

 

[DandyDon]

I got PLB1 for $250 and a $50 mail-in rebate = $200.

Ocean Signal PLB1 rescueME Personal Locator Beacon The GPS Store

So they're matching the $50 rebate this fall? How nice. I do like the even smaller size on that one, about the size of a pack of cigarettes (King, not 100s), and the 7 year battery. That gets your ownership costs down from 75¢/week to 55¢/week.

Now, it only floats when kept in the supplied flotation pouch. I'd hate to fumble that in an emergency and see it sink to the depths. Is there a secure way to make sure that doesn't happen?

 

[Dan]

Originally I used an old camera case that I bought it in eBay for $2 + $8 shipping, as shown in this thread: Ocean Signal RescueME PLB1

Then I remember I used to have an even smaller camera case that I sold to my dive buddy. Upon inquiry to her about the case, she said that she have never used it & she's willing to sell it back to me, as shown in the above picture. So, when I get it back, I'll check it out on the fit.

I think the camera case will float. I plan to put a string on the PLB1 & tie it to the camera internal screw. That camera itself will be tied to my BCD pocket zipper head.

I saw one similar underwater case on sale in eBay: http://m.ebay.com/itm/Sony-Marine-P...%3A5e7713ba1570a6a8eb967d86fffe7791%7Ciid%3A2

 

[DandyDon]

I think the camera case will float. I plan to put a string on the PLB1 & tie it to the camera internal screw. That camera itself will be tied to my BCD pocket zipper head.

I doubt that the camera case will float after opening. I think it'd be best to keep the PLB1 in the flotation pouch, as well as find a way to connect them so you can take the PLB1 out of the pouch for use without risk of it sinking if you fumble and lose control. ACR makes other models that only float if kept in their flotation pouches, but you have to remove them to use them - so I skipped those.

I saw one similar underwater case on sale in eBay: http://m.ebay.com/itm/Sony-Marine-P...%3A5e7713ba1570a6a8eb967d86fffe7791%7Ciid%3A2

That one is $67 USD with shipping! I have several old camera cases, but the sinking risk after opening worries me. Your PLB1 has a lot of appeal being even smaller than my ACR2881, but be sure it's well connected to the float pouch.

And don't trust a lanyard to tie to your BC. Those are designed to break in an emergency pull. I use a bolt snap and a good quality, thick cable tie.

 

[Dan]

Don,

Your question about how to keep it floating, got me thinking. I went & looked into the PLB1 box & found its floating foam case. So, tied it to the PLB1 and shoved them into the old Sony camera case, as shown in the pictures below, dunked them in the water-filled tub and saw the Sony case case with the PLB1 & its floating case was floating. So, I think this setup should work & good to take them down to 130' (40m).

 

[DandyDon]

So, tied it to the PLB1 and shoved them into the old Sony camera case

Good that the PLB1 connects to the float pouch, and the PLB1 inside the pouch will go inside the case. That sounds safe.

I went & looked into the PLB1 box

Box? Carry the PLB in your car in case of emergency. Don't trust a cell phone for that.

 

[Dan]

I meant I found that float pouch in the original box (see the picture, below).

Thanks for the tip. I'll carry it with me in that float pouch in the car, in backpack, just like my cellphone from now on, especially when I'm traveling.

 

[DandyDon]

I meant I found that float pouch in the original box

It's always good to review directions and limits as compared to what's in the box.

Thanks for the tip. I'll carry it with me in that float pouch in the car, in backpack, just like my cellphone from now on, especially when I'm traveling.

You might as well. It might save a life someday somewhere. There are many places where cells don't work.

 

[NDL_Diver]

WE take the Nautilus GPS/Radio (made in Canada) almost everyday on our trips way up north to the shark caves.

The new nautilus is avalable for $179 preorder at Nautilus LifeLine Official Website: Marine Rescue GPS. 5 year battery, user replaceable, 425 ft depth rated.
Looks smaller that original.
It only is An emergency GPS beacon, not a voice radio. Transmits DSC alerts/ GPS to boats.
Preordered mine today, delivery November.

Al