video light

Hello,

I am flying to Maui in November. Does any of you can tell me where you usually store your dive lights during flights (handluggage or suitcase)? Is it nescesarry to get a written permit by the airline prior transporting dive lights on usa flights. (it's nescesarry in germany - there dive lights are handled as explosive good).

Thanks

Christian

Over 100 watt-hours is hazardous cargo in the US so most lights and batteries are OK. If you have big video light batteries, over 8A-12V or 4A-24V, you will "technically" have a problem. My custom batteries are unlabeled and no one has asked (they are "officallly 25V, 4A). I include a statement in my luggage claiming that meet requirements and doubt anyone checking them actually knows the 100 Wh rule.

I would avoid packing large batteries (or a large number of batteries) in a carry-on. Carryon security may get upset (especially in LA).

When returning to the US from Bali I was required to remove the batteries from every one of my battery-operated devices. Never happened before.

I've always removed the batteries from my dive/camera gear, so when asked (80% of the time that happens) I can say its done. Apart from the advantage of not having to fish around in my tightly packed bags, IMHO when you give the impression of know the "rules" it can tend to help in improving the demeanour of check-in staff

Anything I don't want to take batteries out of (usually my dive computer) I carry on.

I think the rules about dive lights originate from the fire hazard if they get switched on in your baggage ..

The fire hazard thing explains the battery removal requirement. I've never been asked before, though. The 100 Wh requirement who knows. A large battery could be an explosion risk or could leak large amounts of bad stuff. Lithium batteries can be very nasty. I was told that my 100 Wh NiMH batteries really, really needed to not be exposed to salt water. The same guy said that a similar power LiIon battery could create a terrible explosion if partially flooded. If you are going to do that you'll want it close to your head if you know what I mean.

I think large video light batteries (other than lead-acid) should be in metal cannisters with screw-on endcaps. I can say from personal experience that the stainless clips won't do!

Hmm... guys, how do you go about transporting your Sunray Mod Lights? Lithium ion batteries, and they're unremovable right?

Do you carry them on? Or just put them in checked baggage with a note?

Appreciate the information as I'll be travelling with one to Malaysia in a month's time.

Yeang

Hi!

Any device that may create excessive heat or emmit inflamable gases is regarded as dangerous. There's a long list of simple household items that might cause troubles when on a plane.

Theory:

The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulation (DGR) has a section 2.3.3.2 where the handling of dive lights is described.

Dive lights have to be packed in the carry on and batteries (or, if not possible, the bulb) has to be removed to avoid switching on.

Lead-Acid batteries are strictly forbidden (danger of leaking acid - it could ruin the whole airplane). Also, items that react badly when humid or wet (condensation!) like LiIO batteries are a hazard.

Some flight operators require prior registration of such equipment.

Check details at the IATA website

The real world:

Check-in staff sometimes doesn't know these regulations very well. There should be a site officer at every check-in who is able to read and understand the DGR. Try this after 10pm at Mexico City airport ;-(

I have 3 strong lights and therefore lots of experience in this field.

It's wise to dismantle the lamp so you might pass without re-packing. It's also wise to keep all the stuff (bulb, batteries, tools to open the lamp etc.) in the carry-on so you're able to proof that it's real working torch when requested. Check-in staff sometimes has pretty funny ideas.

I usually call the airline and ask if they know about the regulations and if they care. If possible, I ask for a written statement on how they want the items to be packed.

This may be the hard way but it (sometimes) saves time and troubles when at the check-in counter. Most of the time the problems arise on the homebound flight. You're possibly in a country where you either can't speak the local language good enough, standards might be different and if you're in an area where divers are not that common, check-in staff doesn't recognize even the simplest items as harmless. I had to argue about the fact that a compass on my dive computer won't interfere with the on-board navigation system and that the device has to be carried at cabin pressure ...

Helge ;-)=)