Emergency Strobe Advice

SteveHall · 20 September 2004, 21:46

Just got myself an Emergency Strobe, Quite Impressed!! - It Flasshes..Ohhhh...

http://www.compass24.com/cgi-bin/abn...rnliste=852308

My Question is... I am only ever going to need this in an emergency, but the manual thing says strap it to you arm? I would have thought it strapped to my buoyancy aid would be better in an emergency - But I cant find a way of getting it onto my buoyancy aid, its a compass automatic one but I cant find it any more on the web site.

Anyone got any ideas how to strap it on as the strap is massive and I don't want to have it in the way if the jacket needs to inflate.

Rogue Wave · 20 September 2004, 22:13

take the strap off and tie wrap it to the inside of your jacket. There will be some thing to tie on to.

gingercoastie · 21 September 2004, 08:55

The best place to have it would be on your head. Military aircrew have a velcro patch on their helmet and one on the strobe. Maybe you could put it on a strap similar to the type used for head torches.

Simon Hawkins · 21 September 2004, 11:13

I agree with Rogue Wave. Inside the life jacket should be a place for the strobe to be attached to. Where does the whistle attach too and also is their some material that holds the mouthpice in position.

Simon

Mike B · 21 September 2004, 11:29

Steve,

Agree with the above.

I also have compass jackets and if you open up the jacket and look on the opposite side to the mouth piece there is a loose piece of bladder fabric with a hole in it. This should enable you to sit the strobe in it and tie it on.

Cheers

Mike

Rogue Wave · 21 September 2004, 21:04

if you are going to take the advice of the two fine posts above this one, then don't cut the tie wrap. The cut ends can be kwite sharp and may puncture the jackets bladder

SteveHall · 22 September 2004, 08:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike B

Steve,

Agree with the above.

I also have compass jackets and if you open up the jacket and look on the opposite side to the mouth piece there is a loose piece of bladder fabric with a hole in it. This should enable you to sit the strobe in it and tie it on.

Cheers

Mike

Thanks for the advice.

But....The gas is on that side so it will add a massive bulk to that side as the strobe it quite big.

I think i will attach it via tie wraps to the red strap that's in there.

Then if i do need to use it will be to hand and not strapped over my shoulder as its not automatic so i would have to turn it on myself

Simon Hawkins · 22 September 2004, 09:34

The red strap!! You will find this is the grab strap and will trail in the water when the lifejacket is inflated. The purpose of the light is to be seen in the dark and therefore should be mounted by the shoulder area as the purpose of a lifejacket is to lay you on your back when in the water. If you attach it to the red strap then the light may possibly be underwater and serve no purpose.

SteveHall · 22 September 2004, 11:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon Hawkins

The red strap!! You will find this is the grab strap and will trail in the water when the lifejacket is inflated. The purpose of the light is to be seen in the dark and therefore should be mounted by the shoulder area as the purpose of a lifejacket is to lay you on your back when in the water. If you attach it to the red strap then the light may possibly be underwater and serve no purpose.

True, but i think it would be harder to turn on if it is over my shoulder and i am in the water, at least if its on the strap i can hold it/wedge it after i have turned it on

jwalker · 22 September 2004, 11:39

Why don't you do what it says on the tin? If you go out at night, strap it to your forearm. You can then turn it on with your other hand because it won't be lost and, when you are panicking and flailing your arms around, your hands will be held high so the strobe may be more easily seen. You can also hold it in the direction of a recue boat so that you can ensure you are being seen.

Simon Hawkins · 22 September 2004, 11:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveHall

True, but i think it would be harder to turn on if it is over my shoulder and i am in the water, at least if its on the strap i can hold it/wedge it after i have turned it on

Do you not think it would be better to get an automatic light as a manual one will be no good if you hit the water and are unconscious.

jwalker · 22 September 2004, 11:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon Hawkins

Do you not think it would be better to get an automatic light as a manual one will be no good if you hit the water and are unconscious.

Simon, now you've done it, Steve'll realise that two are needed.

SteveHall · 22 September 2004, 18:27

I think will put it into a pouch on my belt, so if i fall in i will allways have it there as it seems 2 hard to put it on my jacket in a good place