Essential Dive Safety Tools
Diver's Communication Torch (DCT)
. The DCT is a powerful dive light that’s depth rated to 500 feet, with a noisemaker integrated into its rugged ABS casing. Just shake the light and you’ve got an effective attention grabber. ScubaLab testers tried it out underwater and found that, true to its claim, the noisemaker can be heard from a distance of 100 feet. Offering an eight-hour burn time at full power, the DCT comes with batteries and a lanyardIdeations Dive Alert Plus
. One way to attract attention, both at depth and on the surface, is with a pneumatic audible alarm. The latest version of the Dive Alert Plus connects without tools between your BC’s inflator and its quick-disconnect hose. For surface use, all you have to do is squeeze and it activates a horn that can be heard from as far as a mile away. Underwater, another squeeze emits a loud buzz. Either way, people will know you’re there.Oceanic B.U.D. Backup DC
Most divers rely on dive computers to monitor no-decompression limits and to stay clear of the deco zone. But if the DC crashes, all dive data is gone, and so is the day’s diving — unless you carry a backup. Designed specifically as a backup DC, the B.U.D. is nitrox capable to 50 percent and comes with two algorithms, so it’s easy to match to your primary computer.- ScubaPro C200 OctoThe octo reg is the traditional approach to backup breathers. Octos breathe as good as most primary regs, and they’re relatively inexpensive. SCUBAPRO’s C200 high- viz yellow cover and 39-inch hose are easy to see in emergencies, and the extra-long hose makes for easy air sharing with a dive buddy. The C200 comes with a diver- adjustable dive/predive switch that lets you detune the octo to minimize free-flows when it’s hooked to your BC.
- Submersible Systems Spare Air 300Some divers prefer a “bailout” system independent of their reg and tank, and the Spare Air 300 can provide vital extra breaths to help you get safely to the surface. It comes with a 3-cubic-foot bottle, regulator, nylon carry pouch, mouthpiece cover and lanyard, as well as a tank-fill adapter for easy recharging from a scuba tank.
- Atomic Aquatics SS1 AASDivers who appreciate a more streamlined dive rig tend to prefer an alternate air source as their backup breather. The SS1 is low profile, so it rides relatively flat on your left shoulder. Inflate/deflate buttons are positioned for easy one-hand operation, even when the SS1 is in your mouth. But more important, the SS1 is a superb breather, better than many primary regs. It’s designed to be removed from the BC for cleaning and storage with the regulator.
- Torrent LEDThis light’s compact casing holds eight AA batteries that deliver close to five hours of burn time at full power, and 30 hours at less than full power. The Torrent is small enough to fit in most BC pockets yet feels substantial in the hand. Its locking thumb switch eliminates accidental activation. Most important, this torch cranks out some good illumination. The lens is double O-ring sealed and depth rated to 328 feet. Batteries and lanyard are included.
- Seasoft Scuba Raygun Hi BeamEven loaded with batteries, the Seasoft RayGun weighs just over 6 ounces yet packs a punch when it comes to power. You’d be hard-pressed to find a dive torch this size that delivers as bright or as wide a spot as the RayGun. Its polycarbonate body is textured for easy gripping, and its double O-ring sealing system uses a twist on/off light switch.
- Aqua Lung Suunto SK7 CompassThe best nonelectric underwater compass we’ve come across, the SK7 sports high-visibility numerals, convenient side-viewing window and phosphorescent card. It’s easy to read, and its +/- 30-degree tilt makes it usable at any angle. The bezel ratchets every 5 degrees to allow for precise navigation.
- Nautilus Lifeline Satellite-Based Electronic RescueOur hands-down favorite for local diving is the Nautilus Lifeline. The Lifeline is fully waterproof and depth rated to 425 feet. It’s also falling-down-simple to use. The Lifeline makes use of VHF radio and GPS. Press the green button, and you can use your VHF radio to make nonemergency contact with the dive boat. The orange button, preset to Channel 16, sends out your verbal distress call directly to the Coast Guard, and the red but- ton transmits a digital Mayday with your exact coordinates to the Coast Guard and any boat in the area equipped with Digital Selective Calling.
- Spyderco Warrior Black BladeThe Warrior Black might be more knife than you need for your standard top- side cutting needs, but oh, what a knife it is! Measuring just over 10 inches long with 5.5 inches of curved black blade, this is one wicked cutter. Its blade is ground from rust-free H-1 steel and, according to Spyderco, it possesses the same differential hardness properties of a clay-tempered Samurai sword. The Warrior also comes with a textured handle and ballistic nylon snap-closed sheath.
- Scubamax KN-800 Titanium KnifeMade of 100 percent titanium, the blade is just over 3 inches long with a blunt point, smooth cutting edge and line cutter. The knife’s handle parts can be easily removed with a hex wrench for cleaning.
- Riffe Terminator 1 KnifeThe narrow stiletto blade is made of Teflon-coated 420 stainless steel, and features a fully serrated edge on top and smooth edge below. There’s even a notch at the base of the 4.5-inch blade for removing speargun shafts from stuck places.
- Mares Force Bat Titanium Folding KnifeMany divers who don’t like carrying a fixed blade often prefer a folding knife. Feather light, the Force Bat weighs only 2.5 ounces and features a 3.5-inch rust-free titanium blade that folds into a contoured handle.
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