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On Sat, 1 Apr 2000, Kent Lind wrote:

> Peter Steinhoff wrote:
> 
> > When do I need a strobe? (Or is strobes for strokes?:-)
> > I've searched the archives for this one but no luck...
> 
> Peter, I use them sometimes to clip off on the anchor line on wreck
> dives, especially when the vis is mediocre and the layout of the wreck
> is difficult to see from one spot.

That's my primary use as well. It is not the only or best means of
locating the anchor line, it is an additional means. In really poor vis or
on an unfamiliar broken-up wreck, I use a guide line as my primary means
of navigation, and the strobe is secondary. We can't really use the strobe
as a primary locator anyway - we still need to get to within 30-40 feet of
the strobe to see it here (NJ) on a good day, most days even less.

The strobe placed on the anchor line (or other upline) also tells other
divers that someone is still on the bottom. In this case having some ID on
the strobe is useful.

I have also used a strobe to mark the reel end of a guide line, when I
want to tie off the reel and explore a small area of a broken-up wreck.

Another use is in wreck penetration. A guide line remains as the primary
means of getting back to the exit. A strobe placed at the exit or at turns
inside serves as a backup. A strobe at the entry point lets others know
that someone has gone in the wreck through that access point.

I have also used a strobe at night in the Caribbean, as a boat marker when
diving form a liveaboard. In my experience with liveaboards, typically the
anchor (or mooring) line is not used as a descent-ascent line. Rather, we
just fall of the stern. In this case the strobe is hung from a line near
the stern at about 20 feet. In that location it doesn't disturb anyone,
and becomes a backup means of locating the boat - natural navigation being
the primary means.

-- 
Art Greenberg
artg@ec*.ne*







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