I’ve been a fan of Dive Signs for a number of years for
identification since I cleaned up my cylinders of all the unnecessary ‘crap’…
In general cylinder stickers are simply
unnecessary and end up getting damaged anyway from loading/unloading and
squeezing into small spaces. You also
don’t look cool, which as everyone knows, is the most important rule of
diving. In all seriousness, most dive
centres check the cylinder test date from the stamp anyway, and O2 clean
stickers are generally positioned on the inside (backplate side) so they are
protected. Therefore, most other
stickers are irrelevant.
…So with more and more people adopting clean
cylinders, and a similar diving configuration (see my series of blogs here) it can become increasingly more difficult to
identify divers underwater, or even equipment when topside (especially
cylinders left at a filling station).
This is why I use Dive Signs on all my cylinders.
Dive Signs currently do the following
range of stickers:
Alien (glow in the dark).
MOD (maximum operating depth).
Diver ID (available in standard or explorer styles).
SOLAS (Safety of life at sea – for DSMBs).
Alert marker (to go over existing SOLAS tape on DSMBs).
Stealth (similar to Diver ID but only visible under
bright light).
Rebreather (similar to Diver ID but for oxygen and
diluent).
Wheelie bin (because why not).
I’ve had experience with Gas analysis, Diver ID and SOLAS stickers.
I used to use the Gas analysis stickers and they worked really well providing
you fitted them correctly (ie use a small amount of heat so the sticker mounds
to the shoulder of the cylinder). They
come complete with all the appropriate markings; O2, He, MOD, fill pressure,
date and initials. The only reason I
stopped using these is because I kept forgetting a cleaning agent so went back
to tape and marker pen.
I’m a big fan of the Diver ID stickers and they do
on all my cylinders, boxes and my primary light. The original version of these stickers (as
seen on my primary light) came as 2 layers; the reflective backing and the
lettering. This had the very small issue
in that the sticker could easily wear or scuff.
New newer version is much more durable as it comes with a laminated
protective layer on top. The new stickers
are much thicker to handle, but surprisingly easier to fit.
The adhesive is really strong once bonded so you don’t have to worry about them falling off, however I would add that if you need to remove them, removing the sticky residue from the cylinders can be a pain!
12 months ago, I was the unfortunate victim of a theft
which resulted in over £10,000’s
worth of equipment stolen from my car. As
you can see from the picture below, identification on the thief’s Gumtree
advert was easy and the majority of my equipment was returned.
The stickers are so
durable that my club has started using them to ID their cylinders.
I use the SOLAS stickers on my DSMBs
and lift bags. I’ve not had an issue
fitting these although I have had the odd corner peel which was easily fixed
with aquasure, but then what do you expect when it’s constantly being
rolled/unrolled?
The new version also comes complete with the laminated protective layer. And your mobile number can also be added, just in case you lose it.
Last year my wife lost her DSMB and reel whilst diving in Cornwall. Fortunately it was found at returned, all
because of the Dive Signs stickers.
I do own some MOD stickers but do not
currently use them as I still prefer pen and tape, but that’s just a personal
opinion.
Overall, Dive Signs produce an excellent product with a number of different
applications. Take a look around any of
the UK inland dive sites (and coastal sites) and you’ll see them
everywhere. I’ve been purchasing these
for my own equipment for years and will continue to do so when required.
The
boring bit!
All opinions
expressed in my articles are my own and may differ to other instructor’s and
agency guidelines; by no means are they wrong and I would not wish to disrepute
any of them. This article is for
information only and should not replace proper training.
Safe diving!
Timothy Gort
BSAC, PADI
& SDI/TDI diver training
l Mob:
07968148261 l Email: tim@rectotec.co.uk l
