Anyone carry a mirror

[Kristen]

Maybe a stupid idea but I just wondered if anyone carried a mirror with them when diving. A useful signal device and possibly, if you become entangled, something you could use to see what was entangled behind you etc (depending on size of mirror obviously).

[Ian B]

Originally Posted by Kristen

Maybe a stupid idea but I just wondered if anyone carried a mirror with them when diving. A useful signal device and possibly, if you become entangled, something you could use to see what was entangled behind you etc (depending on size of mirror obviously).

Some divers like to carry a mirror to check their kit in the water. I've also heard of someone carrying an old CD in their BCD pocket. One of the giveaways in a magazine. Aparently its a good reflector, easily seen from some distance on the surface.

[nigelH]

Originally Posted by Kristen

Maybe a stupid idea but I just wondered if anyone carried a mirror with them when diving. A useful signal device and possibly, if you become entangled, something you could use to see what was entangled behind you etc (depending on size of mirror obviously).

Well I've just spent a few minutes playing with a small mirror and can definitely say that using it I absolutely haven't got a clue what is going on behind me. I suspect that at about paperback book size I might have a chance but in the murk, with a mask on I don't think it would help.

On the surface I've heard the idea but the number of times I need to signal a boat and it is nice and sunny... well if there's no mist they can see me easily so....

I've heard the reflector/CD idea before but now I've thought it through I'm rather unconvinced.

[Wacker]

Scubapro use to do a stainless steel mirror with a target hole to aim it with when signaling not sure if they still do it though.

[DJL]

Buddy can check stuff for you.

If you're skipper ain't around then flares are going to be more usefull then a mirror!!

Dave.

[scubadoguk]

Originally Posted by DJL

Buddy can check stuff for you.

If you're skipper ain't around then flares are going to be more usefull then a mirror!!

Dave.

Horses for courses. Most divers would carry a torch or lamp supplying the power to dazzle, a mirror would help by allowing you to annoy the crap out of someone many times over.
A flare would work great if the flares are used at the proper time! if there is no one to see them you have let off the pyro with little effect. Smoke is only good if the smoke is not blown all over by winds etc. Dye packs again are great if the rescuer knows what part of the ocean your in so save all of those till the search is in your area.
Whistles again are good if they are loud enough to overcome wind and mileage-the pathetic things on most BCD are useless- try a Storm whistle they are much louder.
Safety sausages the oral/blow up or power inflator type give you 6 ft of hight above the normal surface elevation, the guy in the search vessel needs every help you can give him/her. you are a very very very small dot in the ocean.
I know been there done that from both angles.

[Finless]

Originally Posted by Kristen

Maybe a stupid idea but I just wondered if anyone carried a mirror with them when diving. A useful signal device and possibly, if you become entangled, something you could use to see what was entangled behind you etc (depending on size of mirror obviously).

I'd heard of the CD/mirror as a surface signalling device but don't think it would be much use in an entanglement situation. I have never known anyone who has one for that purpose. Why not take one on a dive and see if it is practical to use?

Ref surface signalling, I rely on a large DSMB, a flag (folds into 3 and bungied between wing and cylinders) and a power whistle which fits between wing inflator and the hose (I believe you can get one one that works whilst under water for attracting attention).

I have heard that helicopter search teams love the high reflection tape - I am trying to buy a roll to enhance my vis on the surface should I be unlucky enough to still be there when it gets dark.

[Fathoms Down]

Originally Posted by Wacker

Scubapro use to do a stainless steel mirror with a target hole to aim it with when signaling not sure if they still do it though.

They are called a heliostat (spelling?) and are used to signal aircraft if you know how to use one; if you don't then they are as much use as a chicken drumstick when it comes to attracting attention. Some divers carry a CD instead but these are less use as they are not very reflective and the printing on one side makes them harder to use.

If you are after something to allow you to look behind you then most camping shops do stainless steel mirrors for a couple of pounds.

[Tonto]

We get the odd hard drive to take apart here and the platters make pretty good signalling mirrors, slightly smaller than a CD and slightly larger hole in the middle.

[hopper]

Anyone carry a mirror?

It would appear that Finless does to apply lippy to his emails.