Do you carry an emergency GPS distress signal when you dive?

Question

This is still new technology.  I imagine in 5-10 years all open water divers will carry GPS/VHS.  What's working today?

Answer 1

I haven't used one, but it does sound like a potential life-saver.  Currently, I rely on researching the dive shop I go out with to ensure they are reputable and won't leave a diver behind.  Most of the places I've been diving, you go to areas with multiple boats and they do a good gob in checking people on and off the boat.  Additionally, if you are diving with a guide, and truly using the buddy system, you are hopefully not going to get yourself into a situation where you are lost.  Finally, I always carry a safety sausage and whistle to ensure I can be heard and seen if I ever get too far away from the boat and do not feel like I can swim back in.  I imagine even if I had a GPS distress signal, I would still carry both of those items.

Answer 2

I do not. Most of my dives are within 2 or 3 miles from shore. If I get stranded I can swim back to shore (yes it would suck). I dive off of Juno beach and its pretty crowded most days; I don't think it would be hard to signal a boat. If you have / use a signaling device it wouldn't be vary hard to get someone or some things attention.

 I'm not saying that I wouldn't have one if I could afford one either...

Answer 3

I don't, but but I do carry a safety sausage and light, a PADI whistle, and an old CD compact disc to be used like a mirror for signaling purposes. Its round, plastic, shiny, no sharp edges and fits nicely in the pocket of my BCD. Might sound strange but better safe than sorry.