Underwater Communications

[gballard]

My dive buddy and I recently bought full face mask communication systems. We have used them a few times already,it's a big change from mask and reg.I was a little apprehensive about using the ffm. I was a little worried about how to clear, how to equalize .After using the mask, and trying these skills it was very easy .Talking under water is a great way to communicate on dives, especially in low viz. I bought the Ocean Reef system, I really liked the fit and the look of the mask,the sound is very clear.I looked at O.T.S., but they don't make the mask.I'm wondering how many people are diving in the area with communications systems.

 

[ScubaTexan]

Sounds like a lot of fun. There was a great article about FFMs in Alert Diver not long ago.

 

[divinman]

I really enjoy the quiet of my dives. I don't want my buddy yakkin in my ear the whole time. That said, from a safety standpoint they would be nice to have if you got in trouble.

Terry

 

[gballard]

I really enjoy the quiet of my dives. I don't want my buddy yakkin in my ear the whole time. That said, from a safety standpoint they would be nice to have if you got in trouble.

Terry

I guess at the begining you want to talk all the time,after using it for a while the yakking dies down to a reasonable amount. Two things I like about the ffm is that it is so hard to flood and I never seem to have fogging problems.

 

[headhunter]

I really enjoy the quiet of my dives. I don't want my buddy yakkin in my ear the whole time.

Of course, we have to keep in mind that you dive a lot with Roy.

Christian

 

[gballard]

Of course, we have to keep in mind that you dive a lot with Roy.

Christian

Hey Christian,

You almost remembered correctly...the name is Ricky.

 

[headhunter]

Hey Christian,

You almost remembered correctly...the name is Ricky.

Well... you're Ricky, but I was talking about Terry (divinman) diving a lot with Roy (ShakaZulu). Roy is well known for the gift of gab (says Mr. Pot about Mr. Kettle)!

Christian

 

[Ted S]

OTS is actually based in Orange County (Santa Ana) and has great stuff. I've never had the chance to dive with their gear but I've been to their office several times and chatted with the president and reps about what they have to offer, how u/w communications came to be and what they do with the stuff. One of these days...

 

[ChrisM]

Not going to slam your choice for using them, but I hate them. Used to use them at the Aquarium as a volunteer diver. The AGA model (or Ugh model). The scubapro was much nicer.

I assume you have your safety protocol worked out in case of a malfunction? Also carry a spare mask in case you need to ditch the FFM? Hard to share air with those without losing your mask as well (unless the mouthpiece can be removed from the mask, I think the OTS can, not sure) I just think they add a level of risk that isn't appropriate for recreational diving. For search and recovery/hazardous waste diving, they're appropriate. If you've thought out the OOA scenarios and have it dialed in, if you like them , I say go for it.

Plus, as Terry said, last thing I want to hear on a dive is "Hey! Look at that sheephead!!"

YMMV, my.02, etc etc.
Chris

 

[gballard]

OTS is actually based in Orange County (Santa Ana) and has great stuff. I've never had the chance to dive with their gear but I've been to their office several times and chatted with the president and reps about what they have to offer, how u/w communications came to be and what they do with the stuff. One of these days...

I do know a little about OTS, I know they are the leaders in underwater communications for military and the film industry. I acually made the plastic molds for the origional buddy phone, that was about 10 or 12 years ago. I worked on the project with Jerry Peck, he's the electronics wizard for OTS. At that time I wasn't diving yet, so I found the concept interesting but something I couldn't use . I acually tried on all the masks they had available at last years Scuba Show in Long Beach. I didn't find any of there masks comfortable (that's just me though ). I tried the Ocean Reef mask ,and it felt it fit my face perfectly. I bought the Ocean Reef Neptune 2 and I love it.