Carried with the diver throughout the dive this very compact unit is depth rated to 425fsw, at the surface with the communication lid opened it is "splashproof" like a regular marine VHF.  It has a normal range of about 5 miles, so if you can see a boat, you should be able to talk to it.  The digital emergency signal can transmit much, much farther.

Operation of the Lifeline is very simple and easy using just three buttons on the radio.  The first button is GREEN and it allows the diver to talk with the boat on a selectable "chat" channel for routine communication.  The second button is ORANGE and this button is preset to talk on VHF channel 16, which is the marine hailing and distress channel that most all boats monitor.

The third button is the RED button under the movable shield.  This button activates the emergency call message and sends out a DSC distress message.  This is a digital broadcast that includes your GPS location and information about the identity of the radio using the encoded MMSI data.  Because this is a digital broadcast the range of the radio greatly increases over a voice call.

ANY modern Marine VHF radio within range will receive this digital emergency call and activate an alarm to alert the receiving radio operators of the distress call.  The USCG monitors the frequency of these DSC calls 24/7 using their Rescue 21 system.  On our boat the location of the emergency call shows up on our GPS network displays allowing us to pilot the boat right to the spot.  The RED button only functions if you have followed through on the radio registration and obtained a unique MMSI number for your unit, all done from your PC over the internet for free - no cost.

The Nautilus Lifeline is extremely simple to set up and use:  You fully charge the unit (using USB) prior to first use and check the charge status prior to diving.  Using a simple program, downloaded for free from the Nautilus Lifeline site, you register your unit and can also update the firmware and software automatically as needed.  You can select the VHF radio channels you want in your Lifeline for the region you are going to be diving.  All this is done using a simple USB connection. 

The pre-dive check is fast and easy.  You push the ORANGE button three times very quickly and the Nautilus does a system check and gives you a "Good to GO" right on the screen.  You then inspect the O Ring seal and close up the unit and you are dive ready to 425fsw! 

The MSRP for the no longer available Lifeline Radio VHF radio unit was $299 and the carrying pouch is $40. 

The new Marine Rescue GPS, emergency broadcast only unit is less cost then the original units and works extremely well, you just cant talk on the radio with it. 

No excuses, get one for open ocean diving.