Underwater Laser Pointer

[javelindan]

I poked around on the web and found some info on laser pointers. They are used to point at objects underwater and are promoted as being more effective (focused beam, doesn't disperse) and "safer for the environment." I doubt the safer for the environment claim since this and all other laser pointers I've seen (common for business presentations) have very clear warnings to avoid shining the beam in a person's eyes since quick and permanent damage to a person's retina could result. This being the case, people need to be careful in terms of how they would use a laser pointer for signaling other divers. From an environmental perspective, as sensitive as human eyes are, I know there are lots of plants and animals which are more sensitive to light than we are so there may be some concerns about using them underwater. I'll do some homework on this point and will update this post with any additional info I can find.