Save Your Life - Carry Trash Bags

PacketSniffer · 27th September 2007, 14:07

I've been following the story of the lost spearfishing gal (Nikki) off the east coast of Florida. She's been missing since Saturday. A discussion was spun off regarding safety gear. Carrying trash bags was mentioned in one post. This has got to be one of the cheapest, simplest, and effective means of visually signaling your position. They hardly take up any room at all. I implore all of my fellow diving brothers and sisters to stow several on your open water dives. String several together to make you a huge target out there in the vast sea. They'd also be effective at catching and stowing fresh rain water.

This is probably a good time to reevaluate your survival/recovery gear and procedures. What would you do if lost at sea?

Yellow 39 Gallon Trash Bags

By the way, if you want to read one of the best stories of people coming together for one cause, Nikki's search is one of them. It's truly incredible what has been accomplished and coordinated (air, subsurface, and surface searching). Follow the link in the first sentence if you have time. You might find some nuggets for your own local search and rescue procedures.

Oh, and there are donation accounts setup to help fund the searching. See the Spearboard site for info. A Darryl Wong speargun has also been donated for an ebay auction. Help in any way you can.

Be safe out there.

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 27th September 2007, 18:18

Have some green for bringing up this great suggestion. Anybody else have any great ideas?

PacketSniffer · 27th September 2007, 18:45

Also, on Trimix dives, one could carry mylar balloons (from party store) to inflate to get a very visible radar target in the air.

.

bythesea · 27th September 2007, 18:59

Not an equiptment suggestion but maybe one of the Mods can sticky the link to the Nikki story on the home page. I didn't hear about it till I saw this thread and there are probably others who are in the dark as well. Sucks to be alone in the water and also sucks to be holding the bag for a big bill at the end regardless of the outcome. As we used to chant to the tourists from the harbor "Chuck a nickel, chuck a dime!!!". Of course please adjust for inflation

Brad

Crazyduck · 27th September 2007, 20:29

I would like to see a moderately priced GPS EPIRB (Please…)

Halcyon sells a raft - Halcyon: Diver's Life Raft
Always thought it was a neat idea, plus it get you out of the water.

Other thoughts were-
A large half ball- hang your gear under and a great radar point.
Also a Drogue- to keep you from heading at strange angles.

I also pack a 16oz of water, and a snickers- vacuum packed.

Andrew

PacketSniffer · 27th September 2007, 20:42

Quote: (Originally Posted by Crazyduck)

I would like to see a moderately priced GPS EPIRB (Please…)

Halcyon sells a raft - Halcyon: Diver's Life Raft
Always thought it was a neat idea, plus it get you out of the water.

For those that have an aversion to anything "H" related, a Walmart raft works the same and keeps quite a few dollars in your wallet.

Quote: (Originally Posted by Crazyduck)

Other thoughts were-
A large half ball- hang your gear under and a great radar point.
Also a Drogue- to keep you from heading at strange angles.

Actually, one could deploy their reel with a cylinder attached (or reef hook) and catch the bottom, hopefully, providing you're not deeper than the length of line and scope. This would be a better option since you would stay in the dive/search area.

Quote: (Originally Posted by Crazyduck)

I also pack a 16oz of water, and a snickers- vacuum packed.

Andrew

Good suggestions though.

I should start a separate thread. ---- Nevermind. I searched and found that it's been covered here already.

***ScubaDadMiami*** · 27th September 2007, 20:51

I carry a McMurdo FastFind Plus GPS in a waterproof canister on my harness, just behind my canister light. It has enough room for two protein bars inside.

I also carry the Halcyon Diver's Raft you mention. This I put inside my CCR case with 16 ounces of water packets. Not only does it keep you out of the water, which can be a tremendous psychological boost, but it is bigger than a lift bag, is orange, and can be more easily spotted from the air.

In my pockets, I carry a flare in a waterproof canister in each pocket (2 flares total), a reflector, and a Dive Alert air horn.

My backup LED lights will burn for several days.

I put my lift bag on like a bonnet for sun exposure protection. I also carry lip balm.

The potential issue of drifting at sea for a long period is the reason that I always dive dry. Hypothermia is a big risk in these circumstances.

My goal is to be able to survive at least 12 hours of darkness and then another day floating while rescuers are searching for me. Nobody can make everything fit in their kit. However, this is a pretty good package for its size.

Crazyduck · 27th September 2007, 21:18

Quote: (Originally Posted by PacketSniffer)

Actually, one could deploy their reel with a cylinder attached (or reef hook) and catch the bottom, hopefully, providing you're not deeper than the length of line and scope. This would be a better option since you would stay in the dive/search area.

I like that idea.... Staying in place is preferable.
As long as the current does not make me a bobbing doll.

No reason we can't start a new thread- I just learned something interesting.

Thanks, Andrew

dagodiver · 27th September 2007, 21:27

She was a sweetheart for sure, always the big smile.
I dove with her a few times on the JDC trips for lobster's and
her knowing that I am a vegetarian (bad hunter

) she would always
make sure I went home with my fair share of the fresh chow.

Very Sad.

Dago.

RonMicjan · 27th September 2007, 21:38

Better still try one of these.
Pains Wessex Fastfind Plus 406 PLB EPIRB

and complete the package with this

Revere Supply - HRU for EPIRBs

my company bought me the GPS Epirb and I am ordering the canister so I can take it diving. During any off shore work I do the EPIRB is on my belt.

Take your epirb diving, the ultimate dive accessory.

27th September 2007, 14:07	#1 (permalink)
PacketSniffer ~~~~~ #417 ~~~~~ Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 437	Save Your Life - Carry Trash Bags I've been following the story of the lost spearfishing gal (Nikki) off the east coast of Florida. She's been missing since Saturday. A discussion was spun off regarding safety gear. Carrying trash bags was mentioned in one post. This has got to be one of the cheapest, simplest, and effective means of visually signaling your position. They hardly take up any room at all. I implore all of my fellow diving brothers and sisters to stow several on your open water dives. String several together to make you a huge target out there in the vast sea. They'd also be effective at catching and stowing fresh rain water. This is probably a good time to reevaluate your survival/recovery gear and procedures. What would you do if lost at sea? Yellow 39 Gallon Trash Bags By the way, if you want to read one of the best stories of people coming together for one cause, Nikki's search is one of them. It's truly incredible what has been accomplished and coordinated (air, subsurface, and surface searching). Follow the link in the first sentence if you have time. You might find some nuggets for your own local search and rescue procedures. Oh, and there are donation accounts setup to help fund the searching. See the Spearboard site for info. A Darryl Wong speargun has also been donated for an ebay auction. Help in any way you can. Be safe out there. __________________ Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory or defeat. Last edited by PacketSniffer : 27th September 2007 at 14:12.
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27th September 2007, 18:18	#2 (permalink)
*ScubaDadMiami* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 2,138	Re: Save Your Life - Carry Trash Bags Have some green for bringing up this great suggestion. Anybody else have any great ideas? __________________ Howard Packer IANTD CCR Instructor Miami Beach, Florida CCRDiveTraining.com
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27th September 2007, 18:45	#3 (permalink)
PacketSniffer ~~~~~ #417 ~~~~~ Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 437	Re: Save Your Life - Carry Trash Bags Also, on Trimix dives, one could carry mylar balloons (from party store) to inflate to get a very visible radar target in the air. . __________________ Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory or defeat.
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27th September 2007, 18:59	#4 (permalink)
bythesea New Member Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: W.Mass, USA Posts: 74	Re: Save Your Life - Carry Trash Bags Not an equiptment suggestion but maybe one of the Mods can sticky the link to the Nikki story on the home page. I didn't hear about it till I saw this thread and there are probably others who are in the dark as well. Sucks to be alone in the water and also sucks to be holding the bag for a big bill at the end regardless of the outcome. As we used to chant to the tourists from the harbor "Chuck a nickel, chuck a dime!!!". Of course please adjust for inflation Brad
(Offline)

27th September 2007, 20:29	#5 (permalink)
Crazyduck Underwater Mechanic Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TEXAS, Dallas/ Ft.Worth Posts: 712	Re: Save Your Life - Carry Trash Bags I would like to see a moderately priced GPS EPIRB (Please…) Halcyon sells a raft - Halcyon: Diver's Life Raft Always thought it was a neat idea, plus it get you out of the water. Other thoughts were- A large half ball- hang your gear under and a great radar point. Also a Drogue- to keep you from heading at strange angles. I also pack a 16oz of water, and a snickers- vacuum packed. Andrew __________________ Howdy Senor- What’s Happening! Rob Davie April 2005- Presently in a state of transition from Open Circuit to Closed Circuit. "You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by it." - Buddha.
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27th September 2007, 20:42	#6 (permalink)
PacketSniffer ~~~~~ #417 ~~~~~ Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Houston Posts: 437	Re: Save Your Life - Carry Trash Bags Quote: (Originally Posted by Crazyduck) I would like to see a moderately priced GPS EPIRB (Please…) Halcyon sells a raft - Halcyon: Diver's Life Raft Always thought it was a neat idea, plus it get you out of the water. For those that have an aversion to anything "H" related, a Walmart raft works the same and keeps quite a few dollars in your wallet. Quote: (Originally Posted by Crazyduck) Other thoughts were- A large half ball- hang your gear under and a great radar point. Also a Drogue- to keep you from heading at strange angles. Actually, one could deploy their reel with a cylinder attached (or reef hook) and catch the bottom, hopefully, providing you're not deeper than the length of line and scope. This would be a better option since you would stay in the dive/search area. Quote: (Originally Posted by Crazyduck) I also pack a 16oz of water, and a snickers- vacuum packed. Andrew Good suggestions though. I should start a separate thread. ---- Nevermind. I searched and found that it's been covered here already. __________________ Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checked by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory or defeat. Last edited by PacketSniffer : 27th September 2007 at 20:58.
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27th September 2007, 20:51	#7 (permalink)
*ScubaDadMiami* Moderator Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 2,138	Re: Save Your Life - Carry Trash Bags I carry a McMurdo FastFind Plus GPS in a waterproof canister on my harness, just behind my canister light. It has enough room for two protein bars inside. I also carry the Halcyon Diver's Raft you mention. This I put inside my CCR case with 16 ounces of water packets. Not only does it keep you out of the water, which can be a tremendous psychological boost, but it is bigger than a lift bag, is orange, and can be more easily spotted from the air. In my pockets, I carry a flare in a waterproof canister in each pocket (2 flares total), a reflector, and a Dive Alert air horn. My backup LED lights will burn for several days. I put my lift bag on like a bonnet for sun exposure protection. I also carry lip balm. The potential issue of drifting at sea for a long period is the reason that I always dive dry. Hypothermia is a big risk in these circumstances. My goal is to be able to survive at least 12 hours of darkness and then another day floating while rescuers are searching for me. Nobody can make everything fit in their kit. However, this is a pretty good package for its size. __________________ Howard Packer IANTD CCR Instructor Miami Beach, Florida CCRDiveTraining.com
(Offline)

27th September 2007, 21:18	#8 (permalink)
Crazyduck Underwater Mechanic Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: TEXAS, Dallas/ Ft.Worth Posts: 712	Re: Save Your Life - Carry Trash Bags Quote: (Originally Posted by PacketSniffer) Actually, one could deploy their reel with a cylinder attached (or reef hook) and catch the bottom, hopefully, providing you're not deeper than the length of line and scope. This would be a better option since you would stay in the dive/search area. I like that idea.... Staying in place is preferable. As long as the current does not make me a bobbing doll. No reason we can't start a new thread- I just learned something interesting. Thanks, Andrew __________________ Howdy Senor- What’s Happening! Rob Davie April 2005- Presently in a state of transition from Open Circuit to Closed Circuit. "You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by it." - Buddha.
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27th September 2007, 21:27	#9 (permalink)
dagodiver New Member Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: florida Posts: 6	Re: Save Your Life - Carry Trash Bags She was a sweetheart for sure, always the big smile. I dove with her a few times on the JDC trips for lobster's and her knowing that I am a vegetarian (bad hunter ) she would always make sure I went home with my fair share of the fresh chow. Very Sad. Dago.
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27th September 2007, 21:38	#10 (permalink)
RonMicjan Cap Ron scourge of the NW Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Classic Kiss Dolphin Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cape Disapointment, The Graveyard of the Pacific Posts: 1,101	Re: Save Your Life - Carry Trash Bags Better still try one of these. Pains Wessex Fastfind Plus 406 PLB EPIRB and complete the package with this Revere Supply - HRU for EPIRBs my company bought me the GPS Epirb and I am ordering the canister so I can take it diving. During any off shore work I do the EPIRB is on my belt. Take your epirb diving, the ultimate dive accessory. __________________ Marine rescue, towing and salvage. Interfering with natural selection since 1983. www.tmishop.com Diving bits etc. www.seatowpdx.com The Summer Job
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