Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnscubanut
I was unaware of the changes, thanks for giving the heads up on that one!
As for those twat divers, if they are BSAC members they should know to check out with the coastguard & leave word ashore. Give a radio check, carry a spare radio as a back-up & inform coastguard asap if missing divers, giving their last known position!
I can only think that they were private dive boats?
At least this time no-one was lost!
|
As a matter of due course we always radio the coastguard when launching, this does two things;
1, ensures the Fixed VHF works.
2, lets the coastguard know who we are (CG66), where we are going, how many on board and when we are due back, (you can always radio and tell them you are running late).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnscubanut
A few weeks ago we were diving off the Farne Isles, Northumberland. Called Humber coastguard to inform them of our plan, no answer from after calls. Aberdeen coastguard eventually answered us & dedided to relay the message on!
Similar distances away from us, but I guess the atmospherics as suggested played a part in the reception, or non-reception???
|
I have to confess I have not been out of late owing to a further expanding family but I also have the number for Humber and Forth CG in my phone.
I once had to call the CG from a friends RIB when the fixed and hand held VHF failed, we were a long way off, I was surprised and chuffed when I realized I still had a signal on my phone.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter_C
Losing divers is bad...really bad. Especially if the fog rolls in.
First of all the divers should have their own safety gear. A Storm Whistle, and an SMB (Surface Marker Buoy) to make them self seen. I also carry an air powered whistle that hooks to my reg set that is so loud you need to put your head underwater. Probably my single most important piece of rescue equipment, and also my most fragile, is my Nautilus Lifeline VHF DSC equipped radio. If I am going diving, let alone drift diving I will always carry a PLB or radio. A PLB is hands down the best piece of equipment for survival a diver can carry. The ACR Resqlink + floats and fits into a pretty small canister.
Nautilus LifeLine Official Website: Marine Rescue Radio With GPS |
After being lost at sea whilst diving twice, once off Mexico and once in the Indian ocean I now have a Nautilus lifeline. Touch wood have not yet and I won't have to use it in anger.
And for what its worth, (my own opinion on divers overdue), they get 5 mins grace, nothing more, nothing less. then its a pan pan, it can always be stood down but in the mean time the emergency services are primed and ready for action when you do push the OMG button.
Safe diving
Lee
Breawatch
