Which Color Signal Tube?

[TRACI]

I am going to purchase a signal tube, is it a good idea to get the marker that is yellow on one side and orange on the other? I know that it depends on conditions, which color is more visable, so is the two color better to have so it could be used in any weather condition?

[RoadRacer1978]

I would think the two color would be more versatile. As you pointed out each color may be better in a different set of conditions. As long as you are not diving where a certain color has a specific meaning, then I would go with the 2 color model.

Heres a link where the Orange vs Yellow was discussed. You may find some good answers here.

Orange SMB vs. Yellow SMB

[Navy OnStar]

My wife and I each carry one. Hers is orange and mine is yellow. I did both because I felt one may be more visable that the other in different conditions. Looking back I probably would have gone for the half and half if I had seen it.

[TRACI]

I think I will probably end up getting the 2 color signal, and I also thought about getting the audible signal alert just for added precaution.

[RoadRacer1978]

It is better to be over prepared than under prepared when thing go bad. I would rather carry around an extra piece of gear and never need it than find myself unable to get anyones attention because I didn't have something.

[dallasdivergirl]

I carry a yellow/orange signal tube with my storm whistle attached. I need to get a signal mirror before the next dive season.

[No Misses]

I carry the orange SMB. If I am diving in low light conditions I will take a flashlight and strobe with me. For sound producing I carry a "Storm Whistle". I like the fact that as long as I am breathing, the whistle will work. Those tank powered horns are loud. But, they need tank pressure to operate. Once your tank gets below 100 PSI the sound drops off quickly.

I also carry a vinyl / fluorescent orange dive flag (10x12"). The wire stiffener is removed and a brass clip has been added. I can clip it to my lobster snare or spear gun and wave it high above my head. It takes up very little space in my lift bag pouch. Speaking of lift bags...mine is bright orange and can be used for signaling or providing additional buoyancy when needed.

A note about sound producing devices: always face the boat when signaling. Sound is directional. There is not much out there on the water that will reflect sound back. This will be a little distressing when you blow that ear splitting whistle and you don't hear it as loud as you did in the store. If you are in rough water, you should blow the whistle when you are on the crest of a wave. This will give you the best distance. If you do not know where the boat is, you should blow the whistle every time that you crest a wave. Try to turn 90 degrees for each successive toot (North, East, South, and West). If you have a good idea of where the boat is, focus your sound producing in that direction.

Wow, I am really starting to ramble…Here are some more scattered thoughts on the subject.

Carry signaling devices that are adequate for the dive location and conditions. A dive at the local quarry may not need all of signaling equipment that an open ocean dive in rough conditions would. For the latter I might carry an extra large SMB, strobe, signaling mirror, dye markers, flashlight, tank powered horn, and whistle.

Good luck! Remember to keep your head. The best piece of survival gear is located between your ears.

[BouzoukiJoe]

Originally Posted by No Misses

...
Wow, I am really starting to ramble…Here are some more scattered thoughts on the subject.

Carry signaling devices that are adequate for the dive location and conditions. A dive at the local quarry may not need all of signaling equipment that an open ocean dive in rough conditions would. For the latter I might carry an extra large SMB, strobe, signaling mirror, dye markers, flashlight, tank powered horn, and whistle.

Good luck! Remember to keep your head. The best piece of survival gear is located between your ears.

Nice ramble. You got my ocean kit exactly right. For the quarry I leave the strobe and air horn at home.

My SMB is orange and has a pocket for whistle, etc.

[Goober]

In addition to a safety sausage and instead of a mirror...try a cd. Simply hold the disk shiny side away from you in one hand. Hold two fingers up on the other and place them so that you can see them through the hole in the disk. Face your target and look through the hole finding your fingers you'll be able to see when you are casting an incredibly bright spectrum of silver and other colors in the intended direction.

[dannybot]

Both colors, see link: Lost (And Found) At Sea - Scuba Diving Magazine