Safety and Signaling Devices for Scuba Divers

It is every diver’s nightmare and although it is rare to be lost at the surface, you must be equipped for such an eventuality. To guide rescuers to your position, you should carry high-visibility surface location aids. The boat crew must know what color equipment you are wearing, and which aids you are likely to be using.

Even on a relatively straightforward dive, the current can take you a long way away from your boat and heavy swell can make you difficult to locate. If this happens, stay close to your buddy, and, if possible, secure yourself to them. Signaling to the boat will speed up recovery, and there are various gadgets available for this. The devices that are most commonly used are inflatable surface marker buoys. It is best to use the long “safety sausage ” type, which stands up in the water, and remains inflated once deployed, rather than an open-ended one. If you opt for the latter, make sure you also carry an alternative device, such as a collapsible flag.

Surface horns and power whistles can also be used. They are of limited range, but can help to attract attention if the boat is not too far away. You should always carry a flashlight since the beam can be easily spotted at night, especially when moved slowly in a scanning motion, both vertically and horizontally. Make sure you also carry a backup light. Strobe lights are even more effective, since their flashing light travels in all directions, eliminating the need for scanning. Flashlights and strobes must be robust and reliable; regular inspection and maintenance is vital, with special attention to sealing surfaces and O-rings.

Reflective signals are useful in bright weather. It is worth carrying an old CD or mirror to use as a reflective device or even buy a scuba diving signal mirror to attract attention. Reflective patches on your hood and upper body may be visible to aircraft searching overhead. Dye markers stain the water and can help a search from the air, but should only be used once the aircraft is overhead, since the dye rapidly dissipates.

If you find yourself on the surface with no signaling devices whatsoever, waving your arms or even your fins and shouting may help to alert attention if your boat cover is nearby. Keep calm and persist with signaling until help arrives.