Scuba diving offers a unique opportunity to explore the underwater world, but it also comes with its own set of risks. As a scuba diver, it’s crucial to have the right equipment to increase your safety and be prepared for emergencies, especially when diving in remote locations. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the essential personal emergency equipment scuba divers should carry when diving in remote locations.
The ultimate emergency call device for diving in a remote location is PLB which stands for Personal Locator Beacon. PLBs are small, handheld devices that send a distress signal to rescue services in an emergency. They can be used when other communication devices may not work, making them an essential piece of equipment for scuba divers diving in remote locations.
1. Radio-Based Short Distance PLB
The Nautilus LifeLine Marine VHF Rescue GPS is a must-have piece of equipment for any scuba diver who wants to increase their safety. It’s a small and compact device that works as a PLB, EPIRB, and satellite messenger. With the LifeLine Marine Rescue GPS, divers can communicate directly with boats and ships around them, making it easier for rescuers to locate them in an emergency. This device is also super tough, affordable, and easy to use, making it an excellent option for scuba divers diving in remote locations.
Features of Nautilus:
- Universal - All modern commercial ships and most yachts are equipped with AIS and DSC allowing universal worldwide use of the Nautilus Marine Rescue GPS.
- Accurate positioning - GPS position accurate to 1.5 metres and a man overboard distress message will be broadcast to all AIS equipped ships up to 34 miles away as well as a special DSC message to the marine radio on your own vessel.
- AIS/DSC Technology Each GPS is programmed at our factory with an MMSI number allowing automatic AIS functionality as soon as your unit is powered up. USA Region Only: Your ship’s MMSI must be loaded with the simple to use built-in optical sensor to activate DSC functionality
2. Global GPS GARMIN in-Reach Mini 2 PLB
The GARMIN in-Reach Mini2 Satellite Communicator is another device that scuba divers should consider carrying when diving in remote locations. It’s a palm-sized satellite communicator that allows divers to maintain off-the-grid contact with the outside world. In case of an emergency, divers can trigger an interactive SOS message to GEOS, the Garmin-powered International Emergency Response Coordination Centre, which has professional 24/7 global monitoring and response. This device is also lightweight and compact, making it easy for divers to carry with them on their dives. Another huge advantage is - if you already have Garmin Dive COmputer or about to buy one, you can plug your emergency diving device such as Garmin inReach Mini to your dive computer to operate some functions by just using your dive watch.
Features of Garmin inReach Mini2:
- Offshore? Out of mobile phone range? Communicate on the 100% Iridium® satellite network - in range as long as satellites are above your head
- In case of emergency, trigger an interactive SOS message to GEOS, the Garmin-powered International Emergency Response Coordination Centre (IERCC) with professional 24/7 global monitoring and response centre (satellite subscription required) .
- Track your location, and share it with those at home or out in the field so they can see your progress or ping your device for your GPS location and more (satellite subscription required)
- Instead of relying on mobile phone coverage, your messages, SOS alerts and tracking are transferred via the global Iridium satellite network (satellite subscription required
- Connects to following Garmin Dive Computers: Garmin G1 and G1 Solar, Descent Mk1, Descent Mk2, Descent Mk2i, Descent Mk2S.
3. Knife, Light, Strobe, DSMB
Sometimes even inexpensive kit can become quite important in emergency. When diving in remote locations, it’s essential to have a knife or a cutter, light, and DSMB (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy). A dive knife can be a life-saving tool in an emergency. It can help divers cut through fishing lines or other dangerous debris that may entangle them underwater. A dive light is also crucial when diving in low-light conditions, allowing divers to see and navigate their surroundings clearly. Most of all a dive light or a strobe equipped with SOS mode is an excellent tool for attracting attention to your position on surface at night in emergency. Lastly, a DSMB is an essential piece of safety equipment that divers can use to signal their position to boats and other divers on the surface.
Our personal diving safety collections:
- Scuba diving knives, and line cutters
- SMBs and Reels & Spools
- Strobes and Dive Torches
4. First Aid Kit and Oxygen Kit
This one is easy as these should always be readily available from the boat or a liveaboard you are staying on. It’s also important to carry a first aid kit and an oxygen kit when diving in remote locations. A first aid kit should include basic medical supplies such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. An oxygen kit can be used to treat divers who may be experiencing decompression sickness or other diving-related injuries. Having these kits on hand can help divers be prepared for emergencies and increase their chances of survival if an accident occurs.
It’s important to remember that emergencies are rare in diving, but by being prepared and having the right equipment, scuba divers can increase their safety and be ready to respond to emergencies if they occur. When diving in remote locations, it’s essential to carry a range of personal emergency equipment, including communication devices, a knife, a light, a DSMB, a first aid kit, an oxygen kit, and a PLB. By having these items on hand, scuba divers can dive with confidence and enjoy the underwater world while minimizing the risks.
