Search and Rescue - Lasers and Signaling Devices

[Hoag]

Lol. There you go moving the goal post again. First you claim SAR team would never go to a laser. They would return home. Well that’s been factually proved wrong, but that doesn’t count now because one isn’t enough for you. Lol ok. Yes I cited an example that shows lasers work. Which means they do work. Lol. Fact. That’s exactly why US law allows laser use for this type of situation. Because it works. I get the hint. Your stubborn and have to be right all the time. Got it.

I don't think that they would go to a laser, but I am also not afraid to ask actual SAR aircrew, and to accept their answer.

As for having to be right all the time, I get the impression that you will ignore the answer from JRCC Victoria unles they agree with you.

As for US Law, you are aware (I would hope) that US law does not apply everywhere so your continued reference to it only carries weight within the US and its territorial waters, not globally.

Like I said before. If carrying a laser make you feel better, then go ahead and do it at least you aren't like one person who said earlier in this thread that they would fire a surface to air missile at the SAR aircraft if he had one in an attempt to be noticed.

 

[Diver below 83]

I don't think that they would go to a laser, but I am also not afraid to ask actual SAR aircrew, and to accept their answer.

As for having to be right all the time, I get the impression that you will ignore the answer from JRCC Victoria unles they agree with you.

As for US Law, you are aware (I would hope) that US law does not apply everywhere so your continued reference to it only carries weight within the US and its territorial waters, not globally.

Like I said before. If carrying a laser make you feel better, then go ahead and do it at least you aren't like one person who said earlier in this thread that they would fire a surface to air missile at the SAR aircraft if he had one in an attempt to be noticed.

I would prefer using something a little smaller with tracer rounds. At least they can see the trails. Lol

 

[GJC]

After reading this entire thread, the 2 threads about the best device from a rescuers point of view and the thread about PLBs will save you life, I needed to write a summary for myself comparing devices.

Attached is that summary. Hopefully it will help somebody else out in trying to absorb all the information that has been presented so far.

The rating numbers are my own assignments and someone else may want to rate things a little different than I did. The lower the number, the lower the cost, effectiveness, etc.

And of course I spelled the file name wrong.

Also forgot to mention on the file that Rescue laser is not a pointer laser you use for PowerPoints, not a toy or hobby laser and not an industrial laser. It is a Rescue Laser that illuminates in a line, not a spot so it is easier to hit a target and is not powerful enough to do eye damage or burn the paint on an aircraft or pop balloons.

 

[wgw04024]

No, I did read it back then. But this thread wasn't really about mirrors.

 

[Hoag]

No, I did read it back then. But this thread wasn't really about mirrors.

Actually, the thread is about "Search and Rescue - Lasers and Signaling Devices". (Copied directly from the top of the page) I would say that a rescue mirror very definitely falls into the category of "signaling devices".

 

[Ryan Neely]

So ... if I understand correctly:

1.) Dive with a buddy and take all reasonable measures not to become lost at sea. If this happens though ...
2.) As a general rule of thumb, a laser pointer is never a good idea for use as a signaling device in relation to aircraft (though I'm not as clear as it relates to cargo ships or other seafaring vessels).
3.) If a diver has been using a laser pointer instead of a pointer stick to identify marine life and becomes lost at sea, the use of a laser pointer as a signaling device could work. However ...
4.) When putting together signaling devices as part of our kits, a laser pointer should be a last-resort option.
5.) Better options would be a PLB, a hand mirror, a strobe, a flashlight, dye packs, etc.

Is this a good synopsis of the major points?

 

[Johnoly]

So ... if I understand correctly..............Is this a good synopsis of the major points?

We're all divers and we all dive differently and have different background experiences. What works for you doesn't work for someone else. That doesn't mean either it is wrong or right. And just like politics, you are not going to change someone's mind no matter how much you want to explain it to them.

If you read all 28 pages, the best synopsis that comes from it is... YOU LEARNED ONE NEW BIT OF INFO/TIP !!

 

[Ryan Neely]

If you read all 28 pages, the best synopsis that comes from it is... YOU LEARNED ONE NEW BIT OF INFO/TIP !!

Amen,@Johnoly. Amen. I thank my Input/Learner every day for this ability.

 

[chillyinCanada]

Why is anyone using a laser pointer under the water? If the concern is blinding pilots, let's start with not blinding critters.

 

[Ryan Neely]

Why is anyone using a laser pointer under the water? If the concern is blinding pilots, let's start with not blinding critters.

Oh, I totally agree. There's no real need for a laser pointer at all. In fact, I was a little appalled when I saw a green laser pointer being marketed for these purposes. Though, after some thought, the marketing message made sense. Why jab a pointer stick in a critter's home when you can just aim a laser near it? (Though, I don't yet understand the need for the pointing sticks, either. Either your buddy can see what you're pointing at or she can't.)

That being said, one does wonder of sea animals would react to a laser pointer the way cats do. That would be equal parts amusing and disheartening.