Underwater Attention Getters

[carbon]

There are a lot of comments about about underwater noise-makers. Is there a good solution to attract a diver's attention that is not overly annoying or complicated?

I assume tank bangers were a tremendous marketing ploy -- does anyone really use one?

I assume most of us don't whip out the big knife, flip it around behind us, do use the butt of the knife to rap on the tank.

Some like the air powered devices, some do not.

Some like rattles.

I dove with a DM that could "talk" underwater. I didn't believe it was possible until I heard my name underwater! The DM was about 25 feet away. I have tried to relpicate this feat unsuccessfully.

So, how about it? Do you have a favorite?

Carbon

 

[Dee]

Keep practicing! Talking through a reg takes a little getting used to.

I keep a 4" brass bolt snap on a D-ring for tapping on my tank if I really have to get someones attention. But I use it very sparingly.

 

[JimC]

I waggle my HID, which gets an instant response.

Sometimes I waggle too hard and get a reg shoved in my face. Ofcourse I'll just call that a drill when we get top side. :11:

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

I have owned many tank bangers. While they are good for getting attention, especially if you get seperated in low vis, they break easily. Biggest problem is that if a bunch of folks have them, your whole dive is comprised of having to hear ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding....
I have heard of taking a pvc pipe about 6 inches long, and capping both ends after putting pebbles or other noisy material inside.
Yes, I have used my dive knife on the tank, as have used my lobster net (metal rim), scissors, or anything else to make noise. I like Dees idea of a bolt snap. Cheap, easy to use, effective, not too annoying.

 

[ScubaFreak]

i wanna learn to talk thru my reg

 

[hermosadive]

This is what I want, but haven't found in any LDS locally. You can order online, nice and small http://www.reefnet.on.ca/products/h2yo/index.asp

 

[artic]

I personally have had luck with a ‘Storm Whistle’ (http://www.stormwhistles.com/) you can buy them online if you would like, but I found mine in my local WalMart sporting goods / marine section for around $5. They work quite well underwater (and even better above). The only problem is you need air, if you’re trying to get attention because you’re out well you’re in trouble.

I guess if you and your buddy even knew Morse Code you could really communicate down below.

 

[carbon]

Keep practicing! Talking through a reg takes a little getting used to.

I keep a 4" brass bolt snap on a D-ring for tapping on my tank if I really have to get someones attention. But I use it very sparingly.

Hey Dee,

Can you describe the technique you use to speak underwater?

Carbon

 

[OE2X]

I waggle my HID, which gets an instant response.

Sometimes I waggle too hard and get a reg shoved in my face. Ofcourse I'll just call that a drill when we get top side. :11:

Ditto. My buddies are always aware of each other. We don't get complacent about buddy skills. If I were to need a noise maker below water, I can assure you it would not compare to the noise I would make topside when I rip my buddy a new @$$&*%!

 

[Buoyant1]

My DM would hit his open palm with the "meat" of his fist... it made a pretty distinctive noise underwater.