When diving, one of the essential pieces of equipment to have is a surface marker buoy (SMB).
An SMB is a buoyancy device that is deployed from underwater to the surface to signal the boat or shore that divers are present in the water.
SMBs come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, and they serve various functions.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take a closer look at surface marker buoys and explore their types, functions, and how to use them effectively.
Types of Surface Marker Buoys
SMBs come in different types, each serving a specific purpose. Here are the common types of SMBs:
Open Bottom SMB
An open bottom SMB, also known as a lift bag, is a buoyancy device that divers use to lift heavy objects from the bottom of the water.
It consists of a bag with an opening at the bottom that allows air to escape as the bag ascends to the surface.
Once it reaches the surface, the diver can close the opening to keep the air inside, and the SMB becomes a signal to the boat or shore.
Closed Circuit SMB
A closed circuit SMB is a self-sealing device that divers use to inflate with gas from their regulator.
Once the SMB is full of gas, it automatically seals, and the diver can release it to the surface.
Closed circuit SMBs are useful in strong currents because they remain inflated until the diver manually deflates them.
Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB)
A DSMB is a surface marker buoy that divers deploy during ascent. It has a weighted bottom and a buoyant top, which allows it to remain upright in the water column.
DSMBs have a line attached to them that the diver uses to control the buoy’s ascent. When the diver is at the safety stop, they release the line, and the buoy ascends to the surface.
Inflatable Torpedo Buoy
An inflatable torpedo buoy is a streamlined buoyancy device that divers use to tow behind them during the dive.
When it is time to surface, the diver inflates the torpedo buoy, and it shoots to the surface, indicating the diver’s location.
Functions of Surface Marker Buoys
SMBs serve various functions when diving. Here are some of the primary functions of surface marker buoys:
Safety
SMBs are essential for safety when diving because they indicate the diver’s location to the boat or shore. In case of an emergency, the diver can inflate the SMB to signal for help.
Navigation
SMBs are useful for navigation because they can help divers find their way back to the boat or shore. By deploying an SMB at the beginning of the dive, the diver can use it as a reference point during the dive.
Decompression
DSMBs are useful for decompression because they indicate to the boat or shore that the diver is at the safety stop.
This is important because it allows the boat or shore to know that the divers are in the water and gives them an estimated time of when they will be ready to come out.
How to Use Surface Marker Buoys
Using an SMB effectively requires practice and skill. Here are the steps to follow when using an SMB:
Choose the Right Type of SMB
Choose the right type of SMB depending on the dive’s requirements. If you need to lift something heavy from the bottom, use an open bottom SMB. If you are diving in strong currents, use a closed circuit SMB, and if you need to deploy a buoy during ascent, use a DSMB.
Deploy the SMB at the Right Time
Deploy the SMB at the appropriate time to ensure that it serves its purpose.
If you need to use the SMB for navigation, deploy it at the beginning of the dive, and if you need it for decompression, deploy it during the safety stop.
Inflate the SMB Properly
Inflate the SMB properly to ensure that it remains visible on the surface.
If the SMB is underinflated, it may not be visible, and if it is overinflated, it may pop or become difficult to control.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for inflating the SMB, and test it before the dive to ensure that it is working correctly.
Control the SMB’s Ascent
When deploying a DSMB, it is essential to control its ascent using the line attached to it.
Release the line slowly to ensure that the buoy ascends smoothly, and avoid letting it go too quickly, as it may become entangled in the diver’s gear or other lines.
Monitor the SMB During the Dive
Monitor the SMB during the dive to ensure that it remains visible on the surface. If the SMB disappears, the diver may have to surface and re-deploy it.
If the SMB is drifting away from the boat or shore, the diver may have to swim towards it to retrieve it.
Retrieve the SMB After the Dive
Retrieve the SMB after the dive to avoid leaving it in the water. If the SMB has a line attached to it, reel it in carefully to avoid tangling it with other lines or the diver’s gear.
If the SMB does not have a line attached to it, the diver may have to swim towards it and retrieve it by hand.
Materials Used for Surface Marker Buoys
Surface marker buoys can be made from a variety of materials, including nylon, PVC, and vinyl.
Nylon is a durable material that is resistant to punctures and tears. PVC is another common material used for SMBs, as it is lightweight and easy to inflate.
Vinyl is also a popular choice, as it is flexible and can withstand extreme temperatures.
Proper Maintenance of Surface Marker Buoys
To ensure that surface marker buoys remain in good condition, it is essential to follow proper maintenance procedures.
SMBs should be rinsed thoroughly with fresh water after each dive to remove any salt or debris.
It is also recommended to store SMBs in a cool, dry place to prevent damage from UV rays or extreme temperatures.
SMBs should be inspected regularly for signs of wear and tear and replaced if necessary.
Safety Considerations When Using Surface Marker Buoys
When using surface marker buoys, it is essential to take proper safety precautions to ensure a safe and successful dive. Here are some important safety considerations to keep in mind:
- Practice deploying and inflating the SMB before the dive to ensure that you are familiar with the process.
- Make sure that the SMB is properly inflated to ensure that it remains visible on the surface.
- Control the SMB’s ascent using the line attached to it to prevent it from becoming entangled in the diver’s gear or other lines.
- Monitor the SMB during the dive to ensure that it remains visible on the surface.
- Retrieve the SMB after the dive to avoid leaving it in the water, which could pose a hazard to other divers or marine life.
Using Surface Marker Buoys for Underwater Navigation
Surface marker buoys can be used as a tool for underwater navigation, especially when diving in low visibility conditions or unfamiliar dive sites.
By deploying an SMB at the beginning of the dive, divers can use it as a visual reference point to orient themselves and maintain their position throughout the dive.
Some SMBs even have built-in compasses, allowing divers to take bearings and navigate more accurately.
Environmental Considerations for Surface Marker Buoys
As with any piece of dive equipment, it is essential to consider the environmental impact of using surface marker buoys.
SMBs that are lost or abandoned in the water can become hazards for marine life, entangling or choking animals that come into contact with them.
It is important to always retrieve SMBs after the dive and dispose of them properly, or better yet, use reusable or biodegradable SMBs that minimize the impact on the environment.
Alternatives to Surface Marker Buoys
While SMBs are a valuable tool for divers, there are alternatives available that may be better suited for certain types of dives or personal preferences.
For example, some divers prefer to use dive reels or spools with line markers to signal their position to the surface support team.
Others may use inflatable safety sausages or signal mirrors instead of an SMB. It is important to choose the tool that works best for the dive and to practice using it before the dive.
Incorporating Surface Marker Buoys into Dive Training
Surface marker buoys are a critical piece of equipment for any diver, and it is essential to incorporate their use into dive training programs.
By including SMB deployment and safety procedures in dive training, divers can develop the necessary skills and confidence to use an SMB effectively in any dive situation.
Additionally, incorporating SMB use into dive training programs can help promote responsible diving practices and minimize the impact on the environment.
Wrapping Up: Surface Marker Buoys
surface marker buoys are an essential piece of equipment for any diver, serving a multitude of purposes from safety and navigation to decompression stops.
By deploying an SMB, divers can ensure that they remain visible to the surface support team and communicate their position during the dive.
With various types of SMBs available, including inflatable, collapsible, and self-sealing, divers can choose the option that works best for their specific dive needs.
It is important to always follow proper SMB deployment and safety procedures to ensure a safe and successful dive.
By practicing SMB deployment and maintenance, divers can develop the necessary skills and confidence to use an SMB effectively in any situation.
Additionally, incorporating SMB use into dive training programs can help promote responsible diving practices and minimize the impact on the environment.
Whether using an SMB for safety, navigation, or decompression, divers should always consider the environmental impact of their equipment choices and take proper precautions to ensure that they leave the dive site as they found it.
By following these guidelines and incorporating SMB use into dive training, divers can ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience while minimizing their impact on the underwater environment.
