A Surface Marker Buoy, also known as an SMB or safety sausage is an essential piece of kit for the safety conscious diver.

There are several types of surface marker buoys on the market including the open ended and self-sealing.  Scuba Cat has for several years, stocked a range from the Company “Surface Marker”. Udo Hartig, a diver himself, for optimum visibility, durability and ease of use, has designed this particular range.  It is a range that has proved popular amongst professionals and recreational divers.

"Surface marker"

An SMB is highly recommended in areas where there is boat traffic. The deployment signals to the boat Captain that there are divers completing a safety stop (5metres for 3 minutes) and are about to surface.  Deployment will also aid divers as it can be used as a reference to maintain the correct depth whilst on the safety stop.  An SMB is also essential when drift diving as it enables the boat crew to track the divers in a current.  Should the diver surface away from the boat the use of an SMB will minimize the wait on the surface, particularly in poor conditions such as high waves and poor light conditions. After all, it is so much easier to see a brightly coloured SMB at distance as opposed to a small head in a large ocean!!

Surface Marker have produced two open ended SMB’s that are compact and come complete with a carry pouch that can easily be attached to the BCD. The SMB’s are made from very durable 210D Nylon and are dual coloured, orange one side and neon yellow on the other. This is the best colour combination for a recreational diver. The orange is bright in strong sunlight and significant glare, whereas the neon yellow is excellent for diminishing light conditions. They also have “Diver Below” written in bold letters. The open-ended SMB’s come in two sizes 145cm and 175cm. The latter is a deluxe model and also has a reflective strip, which increases the visibility of the diver.

"Surface Marker"

The one component that sets these buoys apart from other products on the market is the innovative Webbing Deployment System in also known as WDS. This system is simple to use and minimizes risk of entanglement, which is common when SMB’s are used with string. The webbing system folds neatly and is secured with a small bungee cord. As the SMB goes to the surface the webbing unravels easily and it can be effortlessly gathered on ascent.  This particular system eliminates the use of a reel, which can be daunting for some divers. It is definitely a simplistic system that is proven to work. The ideal depth to release the SMB is at 5.5m, which is ideal for the safety stop. The diver can easily maintain contact with the webbing by using the stainless steel thumb ring. This can easily be released should the need arise.

The Surface Marker Pro is a self-sealing SMB, which is commonly used by professionals and technical divers. These buoys are designed to be inflated at depth. The self-sealing internal baffle ensures that the SMB remains fully inflated on the surface. Self-sealing SMBs are fitted with an over pressure release valve, which allows expanding air to escape as it ascends. This particular SMB comes in three colour combinations that cover all requirements. Technical divers on ascent and decompression stops normally use the orange. This colour signifies that all is well. However, should a problem arise then a technical diver will deploy neon yellow which indicates to the surface support that a problem has arisen and that maybe immediate assistance is required. It is also possible to attach a diver’s slate to the SMB, so communication with the surface is possible.   Instructors tend to favour the dual coloured SMB, which offers optimum visibility in all surface conditions. The range of self sealing SMBs are also furnished with the highly visible SOLAS tape and an attachment for strobes or a cyalume stick.

It is possible to encounter problems when deploying an SMB.  One problem that may arise is a jamming reel when using a self-sealing SMB, which does not have the WDS system.  It helps to have a simple reel or use a finger reel that will not jam.  Surface Marker has finger reels available that will fit snugly into the carry pouch of the SMB, which reduces the bulk of equipment.  The finger reels come complete with 30m of line, a stainless steel double ended snap hook and a thermoplastic spool for durability. When using any reel system be mindful of the possibility of entanglement and do not attach the reel to diver. If the SMB is dragged for any reason and you are attached then a rapid ascent may result.

"Finger Spool"

When inflating the SMB it is recommended to keep your regulator in your mouth at all times. If you use the primary air source and problems enfold then it is difficult to resolve them. It is important to remain calm and in control. When inflating the SMB it is advisable to use one of two methods. Firstly, the alternative air source can be held under the open end of the buoy and air can be purged inside. However, be mindful that in cold conditions this may result in a free flow. The second method of inflation is open the buoy above the primary demand valve and exhale allowing the air to enter the SMB.

"Thank you"

Surface Marker also supply 25kg and 65kg lift bags. Scuba Cat has been loaned several by Surface Marker for use on the clean-up events that are held at least bi-annually. The main events are Earth Day and International Clean-Up. The latter event is a extended to a weekend accommodating participants on one of the two liveaboards, MV Scuba Cat and MV Scuba Adventure.  The loan of the lift bags has proved invaluable over the years for lifting various objects varying in size. They are also ideal for marking objects that need lifting on subsequent dives. The lift bags are available in orange and neon yellow and are made from the very durable 210D Nylon, the same material as the SMB’s. The bags are furnished with a top handle and dump valve, which allows the diver to make a controlled ascent rate when surfacing. They also have a strong stainless steel ring for attaching rope. The self-sealing system ensures that the lift bag will remain inflated on the surface.

One of the latest products is the signal mirror. This is compact and can easily be slipped into a BCD pocket. Should you find yourself in the daunting position of not being seen by a boat the mirror comes into it’s own. The unique feature of the mirror is that it can be directed at a specific target and can be visible for 32km!!!!! You could even signal to a passing aircraft…

"Signal Mirror"

Signalling devices are a must. If you would like to become more confident deploying an SMB then why not do the Distinctive SMB Deployment Speciality or The Drift Diver Speciality.

Search and Recovery is the ideal Speciality if you would like to learn how to use lift bags.

Scuba Diving is a sport and  as with the majority of sports there are safety guidelines and it is important to follow these to eliminate risk.

Here are a few considerations for safe diving.

" Safe Diving Practices"

always teach the fundamentals at Openwater Diver level. These include dealing with buddy separation and DCI.  Should you be separated from your buddy then the rule is that you should search for no more than one minute and surface safely. Hopefully, you will be reunited at the surface as your buddy should be doing the same. The key thing here is not to continue to dive alone. If for any reason your buddy does not surface, it could mean that he/she may be in difficulties and if  this is the case then time is of essence if a rescue has to take place.

"Buddies"

Decompression sickness and illness can occur, but it is highly unlikely. There are certain things that you can do to minimize the risk. One of the major causes of DCS is dehydration, so drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Diving itself is a dehydrator as is the loss of fluid from the body due to sweating.   It is always useful to carry a supply of rehydration salts to aid rehydration.  Also be aware of how much alcohol has been consumed the night before a dive and do not consume alcohol prior to a dive or between dives.  If you decide to snorkel between dives or immediately after diving then stay on the surface as micro bubbles are in your system and duck diving is like having a “mini” dive.  The micro bubbles can be forced into the tissue. The other recommendations are that you do not exercise or have a hot shower immediately afterwards as again this can force micro bubbles into the tissues.  Always remember that flying after diving has time guidelines from 12 hours for a single dive and 18 hours for multiple dives.  To help eliminate nitrogen in the body it is recommended that a safety stop should be done for a minimum of 3 minutes at 5metres. It is important to be a SAFE diver..slowly ascend from every dive!!

Many dives are conducted from boats, which gives rise to certain safety issues.  Divers surfacing should have signaling devices, so that moving boats can see that there are divers below. The most common is the SMB (surface marker buoy) The SMB is normally deployed on the safety stop at 5m. The SMB is sometimes known as a safety sausage and is generally orange in colour. There are two types commonly used, the self sealing and the open ended.  It is not necessary to have a forest of SMBs when surfacing, but be close to the person who has it just in case a boat does pass by.  Also watch your depth while you are doing your safety stop. Try and maintain 5m and not go shallower. Remember, a boat can pass over you at 5m, but at 3m if you don’t have a signaling device, you may be on a collision course.  Engine noise direction is impossible to determine. However, if the noise is getting louder it is approaching you, quieter it is moving away.  Wait to surface once you know that it is safe to do so.

"SMB"

If you see your boat underwater should you swim to towards it? The answer is no. Always surface to the side or at the back of the boat and do deploy the SMB. It is important for the crew to see you. If it is a live boat and the boat constantly moves to pick up divers you do not want to be under the boat if the propellers are engaged.

There a variety of signaling devices on the market including strobes, mirrors to name a couple. However, it is highly recommended that as a diver you should have two devices with you, audible and visible. The audible could be something as simple as a whistle that can be attached to the BCD.  It is also advisable to carry a cutting tool should entanglement happen. The most common  is a small dive knife that again can be attached to the BCD. If you do get entangled remain calm and systematically free yourself with the help of your buddy. Try not to turn around as you may make the situation worse.

"Whistle"

Diving is a very safe sport but there is no room for half measures when it comes to safety. The guidelines are there minimize risk and should be followed at all times.