You're on a dive enjoying a beautiful reef. The time finally comes when you've consumed your gas and you and your buddy ascend to the surface. Once you break the surface you realize that you're are faced with the nightmare scenario every diver dreads...The boat is gone!
Maybe you just can't see it. Several minutes go by and you realize this is not the case. Maybe they had an emergency, surely another boat will come pick you up.
An hour and a half later you realize that's just not happening. What now? You and your buddy are stranded at sea and you haven't seen a boat for hours. That fancy SMB that can be seen several feet out of the water is useless, same goes for your whistle, they're only good if there's a boat nearby and looking for you.
I realize that this is a situation most of us don’t care to think about. Let’s face it, most of us dive to escape reality and relieve the stress we experience in our lives. Unfortunately, this scenario is more common than we want to admit. Being a SCUBA instructor, I read several stories about lost divers every year. Sadly, these divers are not always found before it is too late.
What if I told you there was a product available that could ensure that if, god forbid you ever found yourself on the surface all alone, you would not be left hoping that someone would come get you.
Say Hello to The Nautilus Lifeline Marine Rescue GPS
The Nautilus Lifeline Marine Rescue GPS (Nautilus Lifeline for short) is the device divers have been waiting for years!
It's is a personal signaling device made just for divers. It's small enough that you can fit in your BCD pocket or on your SCUBA rig using the optional pouch. This allows you to take it with you on every single dive.
This is the first device of it's kind that can actually ensure that you'll feel secure knowing that you will always make it back to your friends and family no matter what happens on your dives.
In the event that you are lost at sea, the Lifeline allows you to send out a signal to commercial vessels, private yachts, military vessels and the Coast Guard that travels up to 34 miles. This signal will send your position and let any vessels in the area know your position so you can be picked safe and sound.
The truth of the matter is that we are not 100% in control of our destiny when we go in the water. No matter how diligent we are as divers...
There are things that happen that are out of our control!
Things like storms and a change in wind speed can affect surface conditions making it more difficult for dive operators to see you on the surface. Also, changes in current and visibility could make it difficult for you to get back to the boat, especially if you are diving off a private boat. Not to mention an emergency on the dive boat or even a dive operator forgetting you are in the water. All of the above has happened to divers over the years, and these are just a few scenarios that could cause a diver to get lost at sea.
The scary part is that we have no control over these things.
Just like the seatbelts and airbags in your car, the Nautilus Lifeline is there to protect in case the unimaginable happens. It is your insurance against the unexpected.
It is compact which means that it can easily be stored in a BCD pocket or you can attach it to a BCD strap using the optional pouch. The batteries on the Lifeline can last up to five years and are easily user replaceable. The CR123 batteries and be purchased at any drug store or even online.
As long as you keep the cap closed, it is waterproof to 425 feet. The cap should only be removed on the surface when you are ready to activate the lifeline. It is positively buoyant and waterproof in all surface conditions, even with the cap off. The Lifeline comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warrantee.
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How Does It Work?
The Lifeline sends your GPS position to the Coast Guard, all commercial dive vessels and many yachts within a 34-mile radius. The signal is accurate to within 1.5 meters. It’s broadcast via AIS (Automatic Identifications System) and DSC (Digital Selective Calling) which are the two most commonly used nautical messaging systems throughout the world. This means that if you need to use it, all modern vessels equipped with a VHF radio will receive your distress signal.
What is included with the Nautilus Lifeline?
It comes well packaged in a box with an antenna winding tool. The batteries and pouch are sold separately. You can see for yourself what's in the box as well as how the device works first hand in the unboxing video below.
The Evolution of the Nautilus Lifeline
As mentioned earlier, this is truly a device designed by divers for divers. The video below shows the story of the Nautilus Lifeline Marine Rescue Radio (this is the first-generation Nautilus) and how the original idea for the lifeline came to be.
The device shown in the original video was the first generation of the device (technically it’s now called the “Nautilus Lifeline Radio”) It is discontinued and no longer available. The newest generation is called the “Nautilus Lifeline Marine Rescue GPS”.
First Generation Lifeline
The newest generation does not have a built in VHF radio. This is actually a good thing. The reason is because it means that the device is half the size, does not need to be registered, it does not require programming, and does not need to be constantly charged.
It makes owning and operating the lifeline extremely easy. You just take it with you on every dive, rinse it off with the rest of your gear, and change the batteries out every 5 years or so. It really doesn’t get much easier. When the latest generation was released, its creator was interviewed about the differences. You can see that interview below:
How Much does all this peace of mind cost??
The price of the the Lifeline makes owning the device a complete no-brainer. It retails for $200 dollars however, you can purchase the Nautilus Lifeline Marine Rescue GPS here for just $179. Click the link to find our more!
I don’t think there is any price I wouldn’t pay if I were stranded at sea for even a short while. The peace of mind having a device like this gives you is priceless. It’s something every diver should own.
The Nautilus Lifeline Rescue GPS is a great for anyone who is active on the water. Whether you are a SCUBA diver, free diver, surfer or an avid boater, it will ensure you will never feel alone on the water again. It is also makes a great gift for anyone who loves being on the water!
I hope you enjoyed our review. Feel free to share this article with your SCUBA diver friends and leave a comment below if you have any questions for us.