Dive Alert Plus

[Travelnsj]

Originally Posted by Tully Mars

Wonder if the noise omitted is harmful to marine life. I don't use mine UW unless there's an actual emergency. Which means so far never... OK I tested it once.

But is Navy sonar can mess with sea life how can this thing not?

No idea if it harmful to Marine life but Divers who use underwater Dive Alerts, Tank Bangers or Rattles....well when you get back on the boat be prepared for the wrath of some divers....LOL....I've given my 2psi before and seen a DM not be very nice about it. Leave those toys to your DM/Dive Guide or use them very sparingly.

I have used my Surface Dive Alert three times in 6 years once in the Galapagos, once in Sipadan and recently in the Philippines when we surfaced in 6' to 9' seas.

[Tully Mars]

Originally Posted by Travelnsj

No idea if it harmful to Marine life but Divers who use underwater Dive Alerts, Tank Bangers or Rattles....well when you get back on the boat be prepared for the wrath of some divers....LOL....I've given my 2psi before and seen a DM not be very nice about it. Leave those toys to your DM/Dive Guide or use them very sparingly.

I have used my Surface Dive Alert three times in 6 years once in the Galapagos, once in Sipadan and recently in the Philippines when we surfaced in 6' to 9' seas.

I've only had mine a short time. I'd never use it except in an emergency. I'm awfully tried of people "playing" with them. I always tell people I'm diving with that if I blow it threes times there's a problem. Just like rifle hunting in the woods, three shots in a row means 'little help here."

[CompuDude]

I wouldn't worry about the noise of the quackers, at least. It can be pretty noisy underwater as it is, depending on species. The issues with Navy Sonar and such are completely different, and totally different levels of volume. Regardless, the occasional blast in an emergency is very different to something done routinely, like the Navy was doing.

[Tully Mars]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

I wouldn't worry about the noise of the quackers, at least. It can be pretty noisy underwater as it is, depending on species. The issues with Navy Sonar and such are completely different, and totally different levels of volume. Regardless, the occasional blast in an emergency is very different to something done routinely, like the Navy was doing.

That's good to know. Was kind of thinking if lights at night are a issue for some sea life then massive noise like these things are making might be too.

Thanks for the info.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by Tully Mars

That's good to know. Was kind of thinking if lights at night are a issue for some sea life then massive noise like these things are making might be too.

Thanks for the info.

NP. Startling critters for a moment (at best) once in a while during an emergency is VERY different from pounding their eardrums continuously during a 6 month deployment.

[cyclone3565]

Is the plus available for the SS1 yet. I like the fact of being able to change to surface mode.

[Tully Mars]

Originally Posted by cyclone3565

Is the plus available for the SS1 yet. I like the fact of being able to change to surface mode.

You should call ST's. I have a feeling they probably do make one. I had no problems finding one's for my Zeagle and ProSub. Now if I can just find the cash for the ProSub one.

[Chilkie]

Originally Posted by Rainer

I'm sorry, but there just isn't a need for these stupid sound makers in the water. They're ANNOYING. No one wants to listen to this crap; it's one reason most of us dive- to get away from sound pollution. Please, be considerate to others in the water and don't go around honking. If you need your buddy's attention, signal him (wave of the hand, use a light, or reach over and tap him). No need to be 20' away from each other. Get closer. No need to ignore each other. Learn to up your situational awareness game. Make eye contact during the dive. Know where your buddy is at all times. You'll have no problem getting his attention if you're both making efforts to pay attention. A lame underwater toy is not the solution to a bad buddy. If need be, have a frank discussion with your buddy until you're on the same page. Or find new buddies. But please, be respectful of those who don't want to hear you blasting an air horn under water.

While I understand where you are coming from, I disagree with some of what you are saying. I concur that folks should not use these items to simply try to get the attention of their buddy in a run of the mill situation. However, I do think that in the event of an emergency both above and below the surface that these items are very worthwhile.
Surfacing in rougher than expected seas, being pulled away from the dive boats by strong current, all of these are very real occurrences. No matter what the cause of the incident, be it diver error or something beyond their control...having a signal device could be a very effective way of letting folks who can assist know that there is someone in distress.
I can live with someone disturbing my serenity if it means that lives are saved or potential injury is averted.

[Tully Mars]

I agree. They're situations where using these things underwater is necessary. My buddies in trouble or out of air, I'm tangled up in something etc...

My problem is people are using these freaking things to point out stuff like "oh, looky an eel!" or "Hey! an octopus!' People using these for non-emergency situations piss me off.

That not what they're made for and not their purpose.

[Empacher]

Originally Posted by cyclone3565

Is the plus available for the SS1 yet. I like the fact of being able to change to surface mode.

I own one that fits my SS1!
Call ST and they will get you the right one!