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Paul Toomer: Wreck Head

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Backup Lights

Part 7 – Backup Lights

instructor-paultoomerIn the last ‘Wreck Head’ I started my discussion on primary lights with a little story about God’s primary light, the sun. Of course it has a cycle that it goes through and after around 12 or so hours in our sky it goes down. We are then plunged into darkness and before house and street lighting we all walked around banging into things and each other. Some of us fell down big holes or walked into bear caves and were eaten alive!!!

No, No, No… what utter rubbish.  God in his infinite wisdom designed his own backup light so that we could all be safe while he put the sun on a trickle charger overnight. His backup light is the moon of course.  Which funny enough is not made of cheese as previously theorised.

Toomer Wreck 2It does not take a rocket scientist (no pun intended) to work out why a backup light system would be a good thing to carry on all penetration dives. Loss of lighting in overhead environments has, unfortunately, been the cause of the untimely demise of a fair few divers. The really sad thing is it’s so easy to setup a backup system. What we want is a backup system that is pretty dependable and easy to use. And divers can’t even blame cost on not having lights anymore as the manufacturers have released backup lights to suit all pockets without jeopardising safety.

In this ‘Wreck Head’ we have a look at the design, reasoning behind, and the placement of backup light systems for overhead environment diving.

The most important thing I want from my backup light is… well, light!

Now this sounds daft but look at The Big Guy for example, he made loads of backup lights for us, they are called stars, but you can hardly bask in their light can you? So when I pick a light I want it to project a decent amount of light.  I do not need it to be as powerful as my primary light in any way shape or form. I just need to be able to see my guideline, my directional markers, potential entanglement, abrasion hazards and of course the exit which is of paramount importance.

Toomer 2With this in mind, it means we can downscale the size of the backup light. We do not need anything complex and it does not need to be the size of a Winnebago. By downscaling we get pros and cons. The pros are, we can stow the light really easily. Therefore it can be placed in an area where it is super streamlined, easily accessible and easily restowed. The cons are that unless you place it properly it can be a pain to find and if the light is not set up or placed properly it can be easily dropped and lost. Of course the final issue is that small lights have shorter burn times… or do they?

Modern backup light systems use LED (Light-Emitting Diode) bulbs that emit a huge amount while using a relatively low amount of power. LED lights also have an extremely long life with the average LED lasting around ten to twenty thousand hours. In today’s world, buying a backup light that is not LED is quite simply nuts. Hell, do any of the manufacturers make non LED lights?

The ideal backup light needs to be a thin long(ish) cylindrically shaped light with no handle on it. I prefer to have no switches either; I like lights that are turned on by screwing the light head in or out. The problem with having a light with a switch on is that sometimes switches don’t work. However, modern switches are much more reliable than they were just a few years ago.

Toomer 1I like the long cylindrical shape as I can fix a single piston clip to the base of the light and have the light hang from my Chest D Ring on my harness. The light needs to be around the same diameter as the width of a piece of webbing. This allows us to secure the light to the webbing using bungee loops or preferably bicycle inner tubing threaded onto the harness. The light must not be too long as it will hang too far towards the diver’s waist making it very uncomfortable to wear. Also, if it is too long, accessing the light will be a lot more difficult.

So, we hit the wreck with our primary, umbilical, lightsaber, monster of a light that will make those things at Wembley look like Christmas tree lights and a backup. Sorry, big mistake. We take two backup lights with us. Backup lights need to be trustworthy and reliable so the industry standard is to use non-rechargeable batteries rather than rechargeables.

The simplicity is that rechargeable batteries lose their charge quite quickly and sometimes don’t take on charge properly. Sometimes the batteries just die. With non-rechargeable batteries we open a new packet of factory made, one life only batteries, this minimises the chances of any of the above failures. But just to be double sure, we have a second light prepared in exactly the same manner. So if backup light one goes, we simply move to light two.

Toomer 4This also gives us a time advantage, as it should take an age to burn two lights out. The second light can also be given to a teammate in the event they have a VERY bad day out and lose all their lighting. My favourite reason for carrying that third light is that it can be tied into the guideline in the event of a lost buddy scenario. The small light ties easily into the line and the search diver can leave the beam of the light facing the exit in case the missing diver returns to the line. What a bloody brilliant bit of lateral thinking by the person that designed this technique.

Using the backup light is really simple. Both lights are piston clipped to the chest D rings on the left and right sides of the harness. If one has to be used, the diver simply pulls the light free from the bungees or tubing, turns it on and aims it in the direction they want to go. NEVER unclip the light from the D ring – if you drop the light, it stays attached to the D ring and most importantly, YOU! Another great advantage of setting your backup light system like this is that if you have to work with both hands, you can let the light go and it will naturally shine down illuminating whatever you are working with.

And there you have it.

I hope you agree with me now that not carrying a backup light system is quite frankly mad! Simple, cheap, streamlined and easy to use. And let’s face it, they look über cool too!!!

RAID_Concepts_vFPaul is the Director of Training at RAID. To find out more about the courses that RAID offers, visit www.diveraid.com.

 

After living in South Africa for 23 years, Paul moved to the UK, where he discovered diving. Within months of learning to dive he had his own centre in London and rapidly progressed to Course Director before finding his passion for technical diving. Paul is an avid wreck, cave and rebreather diver, and has worked as an Instructor and Instructor Trainer for PADI, IANTD, and TDI. Paul recently held the position of Director of Technical Training for SSI, but moved on when he was offered the chance to co-own and run his own training agency. Paul now holds the role of Director of Diver Training at RAID International.

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Join Pharaoh Dive Club for Red Sea Splash Family Summer Camp in August 2024

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family summer camp

3rd AUGUST 2024  – 1 or 2 WEEK PROGRAMMES

Daily water programme with Snorkelling & Scuba Diving.

Beginners or qualified, something for all.

Leave the kids with the Splash Team for days of Excitement, Fun & Adventure!

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BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000

There are various options for accommodation with options for 2, 3, 4 or 5 guests.

Eco Huts provide accommodation for families of up to 4. The best option to enhance the adventure and closest to camping with basic facilities. For August we will provide central air cooling for all the Eco Huts.

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Deluxe Chalets are only suitable for 2 guests. Fully air conditioned rooms with private bathroom and other facilities.

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Boutique Rooms are available for families of up to 5.
Individual bespoke rooms fully air conditioned with private bathroom and other facilities.

Eco Huts: £675 per adult / £425 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Deluxe Chalet: £830 per adult / £505 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Boutique Room: £925 per adult / £550 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge

BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000

This is a truly unique opportunity to have a Family Desert Adventure totally away from it all! You will be based at the remote Roots Red Sea on the coast of the Egyptian Eastern Desert, 140km south of Hurghada city.

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Red Sea Splash main focus is Snorkelling & Scuba Diving but that’s not all, we provide a rounded week of activities in support.

Pool& Field Games – Arts & Crafts
Marine Biology Workshops
Cultural Activities – Orienteering Adventures

Roots Red Sea have established strong links with the local communities of Hamerwain  & El Quseir affording our guests to have a true taste of the local culture, SPLASH CAMP embraces this opportunity and bring in the local children to join in the fun with our adventure seekers.

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During the day, families are welcome to take part in all activities together or the kids can be left with the SPLASH CAMP team while the parents enjoy the facilities or go diving themselves!

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At the end of the day, its family time while the SPLASH CAMP team take a break. For those with the energy, there are family evening activities planned a few evenings.

Open Air Movie Night – Desert Star Gazing Walk & Talk
El Quseir Evening City Tour

The second week is very special, we head off on the Big Blue for a liveaboard safari around Fury Shoals.

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BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000

U-8 Splash Club

Sadly we can’t offer Scuba Diving to the Splash Club but we can have lots of fun Snorkelling & Free Diving!

Splash Club includes:

Certified Snorkel Course – Marine ID Games – Intro to Free Diving
Arts & Craft Sessions – Adventure trails – Cultural Playtime – Pool Games

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U-12 Explorer Club

In addition to an exciting snorkelling and Free Diving Programme in the Splash Club we can take you under the water on SCUBA to a whole new world of fun and wonder. If you are under 10 your first breath under water will be as a Bubblemaker and continue with daily Seal Team Missions. From 10 we will complete a Discover Scuba Diving experience in the amazing Red Sea. Alternatively we offer a full junior certification programme to become an international qualified Scuba Diver.

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U-16 Adventurer Club

For qualified Scuba Divers regardless of age it’s the Adventurer Club and exploration of the local reefs and marine life. There will be 2 dives every day with the Open Ocean marine field station team who will introduce you to Red Sea marine life and workshops on marine research. Alternatively there are opportunities to continue your scuba diving certifications with our instructional team.

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Parents are welcome to join the club activities and join the courses.

BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000

Big Blue might seem like the new kid on the block, but the team behind the highly acclaimed liveaboard is far from that. They have been running Red Sea safaris since the late 1980’s and were in fact part of the early pioneers who ventured out to the unknown on vessels that in today’s world, really shouldn’t have left the harbour! It’s that experience and the years of operating the award-winning Roots Red Sea resort which truly set Big Blue apart from the crowd!

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Large lounge area, spacious sun deck and terrace deck.

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Airy restaurant with five tables with up to six chairs per table, serving a varied and delicious menu with special dietary requirements catered for.

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The spacious cabins have side by side beds and a large walk in wet bathroom.

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Ample dive deck for divers & snorkelers.

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Safety is everyone’s priority, whether you are relaxing on board, swimming, snorkelling  or diving.

On board Big Blue is fitted with smoke alarms, emergency lighting and a fire alarm system. The lower corridor has a full-size door fire exit at the bow and open stairs to the stern. There are evacuation plans in each room along with life jackets, glass breaker tool and a fire extinguisher.

BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000

Red Sea Splash at Fury Shoals is a very rare opportunity to get involved with marine biology expedition for children and adults. Open Ocean biologists are on board to provide fascinating and entertaining facts about the marine life you will see. The team will provide workshops on marine life identification and survey methods both of which, should you wish, you will have the chance to put into practice during your safari.

family summer camp

The week is open to snorkelers, scuba divers and non divers too!

Fury shoals is perfect for first time mariners as it offers plenty of protection from the weather.

We board at Port Ghaleb on Saturday evening and prepare to set sail early on Sunday morning.

family summer camp

Heading south, our first day will be diving the reefs of Abu Dabbab before sailing overnight to reach our ultimate destination the Fury Shoals.

Here we will spend four days swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving amazing reefs. This includes guaranteed DOLPHIN encounters at Sataya Reef!  After the last dive we haul anchor and head back to Abu Dabbab for our final two dives before disembarking our boat BIG BLUE.

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Camp Extension Cost*
Adult £650 per adult
Under 16 £350 per child

BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000

FURTHER INFORMATION – INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM

TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000

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Meet Pure Dive Resort: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Diving in Bali, Indonesia

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If you’re passionate about the underwater world, listen up! We’ve got an incredible opportunity for you to experience the vibrant reefs and majestic marine life of Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia.

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info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com

Pure Dive Resort isn’t just another dive centre; it’s a team of experts dedicated to providing world-class scuba diving and freediving adventures around Nusa Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan, and even Bali.

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info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or completely new to the sport, Pure Dive Resort has something for you:

For certified Divers: Discover stunning dive sites, encounter manta rays, seasonal mola-mola (sunfish), and a dazzling array of marine life.

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For beginners: Embark on your scuba journey with beginner programs like Try Scuba and Basic Diver, Open Water and Advanced certifications.

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As a valued Scubaverse follower, you get an exclusive 10% discount on any Dive & Stay or Learn & Stay package booked at Pure Dive Resort for 2024. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, explore breath-taking reefs, and create unforgettable memories in this diver’s paradise.

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info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com

Ready to make a splash?

See you in Nusa Penida!

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Experience the Red Sea in May with Bella Eriny Liveaboard! As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to dive into the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. Join us on Bella Eriny, your premier choice for Red Sea liveaboards, this May for an unforgettable underwater adventure. Explore vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs Enjoy comfortable accommodation in our spacious cabins Savor delicious meals prepared by our onboard chef Benefit from the expertise of our professional dive guides Visit our website for more information and to secure your spot: www.scubatravel.com/BellaEriny or call 01483 411590 More Less

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