TM 55-1680-350-10
2-26. Fluorescein Sea Marker
2-26.
The fluorescein sea marker (27, fig. 2-1) is a sodium salt-type dye which is for use
in making a yellow-green color of the seawater surrounding your raft to attract rescue
aircraft. The marker dye is contained in a small, waterproof fabric packet and there
are two packets provided in the individual, overwater, survival kit. Each packet is
equipped with a retaining tape for securing the dye packet to your person. During
clear weather and calm seas, the sea marker is visible for about 1 hour at an altitude
of 3,000 feet, and a distance of 3 to 5 miles. However, rough seas will dissipate the
sea marker very quickly and visibility from any altitude or distance shall be limited. To
use the sea marker, pull the marked "pack-opening" tab on the outside of the packet
and disperse the packet contents in the water alongside your raft. For rapid
dispersion of sea marker, apply vigorous agitation to the packet in the water.
NOTE
To conserve the sea marker, do not release the packet
contents until you are sure that a rescue aircraft is in
your immediate area.
2-31
