No matter where or when you prefer to dive, you know that having access to great tools can make a world of difference. Here, we’ll take a look at seven fun and innovative tools that may help you enjoy safer scuba diving.
Ideations Dive Alert and Dive Alert Plus
This innovative pneumatic signaling device uses quick-connect hose couplings to seamlessly integrate with your power inflator. Ideations makes a variety of models to fit with different connectors; simply choose the one that’s right for you, install it, and enjoy the feeling of knowing you have an excellent audible surface signaling device that can be heard for about a mile.
Backup Dive Computer
Your dive computer is an amazing tool – one you rely on for monitoring decompression status, bottom time, the amount of breathing gas remaining in your tank, and much more. But what if it were to fail? Keeping a backup dive computer on hand is the best way to ensure that you never have to resort to guesswork in the event your computer fails while you’re enjoying that dive site you’ve waited years to explore.
Spare Air Kit
No one wants to run out of air, but underwater air emergencies do happen. A refillable spare air kit can be a real lifesaver in the event the unthinkable does happen.
Satellite-Based Electronic Rescue Beacon
Boats have carried EPIRBs for years; now, divers have an equally effective method for attracting rescuers’ attention in emergency situations. Some EPIRBs are satellite beacons only; others come with VHF radios that allow you to call for help or communicate with your dive boat. All are equipped with waterproof housing, and some come with nice extras such as strobe lights that allow rescuers to see you quickly after dark or in low light situations.
Surface Signal Kit
DAN offers an outstanding surface signal kit that rolls up neatly for easy storage in a BC pocket. The kit includes a six-foot orange safety sausage with reflector strips and a radar reflector panel, plus a whistle, a signaling mirror, and a Princeton Tech safety light that fit neatly inside the mesh pocket at the bottom of the safety sausage.
Self-Activating Strobe
Available in a number of colors, self-activating strobes are just right for night diving and for use as a visual signaling device after dark. Easy to clip to a D-ring or cam band, it activates when in contact with water. Weighing in at less than an ounce, this fantastic little safety device offers approximately 200 hours of burn time.
Halon Corsair Diving Tool
This is a one-of-a-kind diving tool that incorporates a sharp, rust-resistant dive knife with a straight edge and a serrated edge plus two dive lights. There are three different positions for mounting the lights to the knife, and the entire assembly is easy to attach to a D-ring via a locking retractable lanyard. The LED lights are rated to a depth of 300 feet, making this a great choice even for tech divers.
These are just seven of the many innovative tools available. Best of all, as time passes, additional items are certain to come onto the market; who knows what divers will have access to ten years from now!