Bitz Scuba Diving Equipment Guide - Surface Marker Buoys

Introduction

Which Attachments?

Which Buoyancy Compensator?

Which Computer/ Dive Timer?

Which Compass?

Which Contents Gauge?

Which Dive Bag?

Which Fins?

Which Knife?

Which Mask?

Which Reel?

Which Regulator?

Which Snorkel?

Which Surface Marker Buoy?

Which Suit and Options?

Which Tanks? Overview

- Which Single Cylinders?

- Which Pony Cylinders?

- Which Twin Sets?

- Which Deco/ Stage Tank?

- Which Argon System?

Which Torch?

- Which Back-up Torch?

- Which Main Torch?

Which Watch?

Which Weight System?

Marking Template for EAN50

Marking Template for O2

Modifying AP Valve SMB's

Modifying Other Style SMB's

What Do I Need to Make My Own B'C'?

Introduction

Modified Valve Drill

Valve Drill

Modified S-Drill

S-Drill

Switching to Deco Bottle

Which Surface Marker Buoy?

Surface marker buoys (SMB's), more commonly referred to as "blobs", are used to inform boat skippers of the position of divers. This allows the divers' position to be tracked in a current and also means that skippers can avoid inadvertantly running divers over whilst they are just below the surface. A further advantage is aiding search and recovery if a diver should become separated from his/her boat. They fall into three main groups:

Orange "Permanent" SMB's, which are inflated before the diver enters the water and are then towed around throughout the whole dive.

Orange "Delayed" SMB's (DSMB's), which can be launched from the bottom and are used to mark the location of a diver or the point at which he is ascending. These can also be used as "Permanent" SMB's if necessary so may represent better value for money.

Yellow "Delayed" SMB's (DSMB's), which are launched from the bottom to indicate that there is a problem and that the diver needs assistance.

"Delayed" SMB's are generally tubular in shape and have an open end into which gas can be fed to fill the buoy. The only ones worth considering are those which "self-seal". The alternative, open-ended DSMB's tend to fall over when they hit the surface, spilling the air inside them, which allows them to sink.

The self sealing buoys have a couple of flaps of material inside them which allow air into the buoy but are then closed by the pressure of air inside. Because they seal shut, they are provided with over pressure relief valves, which prevent them bursting as the air inside expands when they rise. This valve also allows the user to deflate the buoy after use.

As previously mentioned, Yellow "Emergency" Delayed SMB's are used as a signal to indicate a problem underwater. This use of a Yellow SMB is particularly common in "Technical Diving" circles; unfortunately a few less enlightened souls may still be found using them as normal marker buoys. The use of a Yellow "Emergency" SMB could for example be used if a diver has lost his Orange SMB during the dive or perhaps more importantly if he has insufficient gas to complete the planned dive without risking an early ascent to the surface and needs help. See An ABC of Yellow SMB's for further information.

Look for the following features:

Does it incorporate a self-sealing design, which won't allow it to deflate when it reaches the surface?

Is there a method of keeping the buoy rolled up until it is needed?

Does it have a large mouth, which will make it easier to fill?

Is it a bright high-visibility colour? It must NOT be yellow, unless being bought as an "Emergency" DSMB.

Does it have sufficient buoyancy to support you at the surface if your Buoyancy Compensator should fail? 10Kg should be plenty

Can you put your name on it in large letters so you can be identified? Yellow tape works well on orange SMB's. See the links on modifying SMB's below.

Is the SMB inflated using a small CO2 cartridge (shown right). These are far less likely to be accidentally operated than some other auto-inflation types and benefit from being quickly and easily deployed. They cannot be manually inflated if the firing mechanism should fail.

Those which are inflated using a mini-cylinder much like those fitted to some buoyancy compensators are a bad idea because they are easy to operate accidentally and may drag you to the surface when you least expect it! Once again they cannot be manually inflated if the firing mechanism should fail.

There are two sections in "Making Stuff" on customising SMB's:

Modifying AP Valve Style SMB's
Modifying Other Style SMB's

Some Divers see a smb and a reel as a luxury item, that is to say one of the last pieces of equipment which tends to be bought, however it is a necessity for all UK diving. Any diving buddy pair should have at least one smb between them, but preferably one each.

Just look at the image on the left, Who would be spotted first...bit of a no brainer really!

Recommendations

The AP Valves Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (called the "SMBC" by AP Valves) is the most popular choice as a "Delayed" SMB and has proven reliable in use. They cost about £35.00 and if you should ever have a problem, AP Valves' customer service is second to none.

If you have problems getting hold of suitable yellow tape to mark it, you can try www.rs-components.com, part number 711-968

With regards to Yellow "Emergency" DSMB's, the "Aquatec JR Signal Mark (Auto)" which is fired from a "mini" CO2 Cylinder has proven to be reliable according to those who have used it in anger. It is quick and easy to deploy, but if it fails to fire then you can not manually inflate it. These cost about £40.00.

AP valves also makes a Yellow version of their popular "SMBC". This can only be manually inflated so it is slower to deploy in an emergency.

Remember that if you own an "Emergency" SMB and should lose your Orange SMB then you probably lost your reel at the same time, so it is a good idea to buy and carry a backup spool just in case.

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Key:

Good/Essential Features.

Mixed Good/Bad features depending on the circumstances.

Bad Features.

Points requiring your consideration depending on your personal circumstances.

Warnings - Points to be very careful of.

Bitz Health Warning. This feature may seriously damage your health.

Tips, Ideas and general information for your attention.

General bullets.

Hit Counter Complements of http://www.digits.com.

Diving can be a hazardous sport and the information contained within this site is not intended to replace formal training.
Furthermore no responsibility will be accepted for any accidents, injuries or financial disadvantage, howsoever caused.

Surface marker buoys (SMB's), more commonly referred to as "blobs", are used to inform boat skippers of the position of divers. This allows the divers' position to be tracked in a current and also means that skippers can avoid inadvertantly running divers over whilst they are just below the surface. A further advantage is aiding search and recovery if a diver should become separated from his/her boat. They fall into three main groups:
	Orange "Permanent" SMB's, which are inflated before the diver enters the water and are then towed around throughout the whole dive.
	Orange "Delayed" SMB's (DSMB's), which can be launched from the bottom and are used to mark the location of a diver or the point at which he is ascending. These can also be used as "Permanent" SMB's if necessary so may represent better value for money.
	Yellow "Delayed" SMB's (DSMB's), which are launched from the bottom to indicate that there is a problem and that the diver needs assistance.

	Does it incorporate a self-sealing design, which won't allow it to deflate when it reaches the surface?
	Is there a method of keeping the buoy rolled up until it is needed?
	Does it have a large mouth, which will make it easier to fill?
	Is it a bright high-visibility colour? It must NOT be yellow, unless being bought as an "Emergency" DSMB.
	Does it have sufficient buoyancy to support you at the surface if your Buoyancy Compensator should fail? 10Kg should be plenty
	Can you put your name on it in large letters so you can be identified? Yellow tape works well on orange SMB's. See the links on modifying SMB's below.
	Is the SMB inflated using a small CO2 cartridge (shown right). These are far less likely to be accidentally operated than some other auto-inflation types and benefit from being quickly and easily deployed. They cannot be manually inflated if the firing mechanism should fail.
	Those which are inflated using a mini-cylinder much like those fitted to some buoyancy compensators are a bad idea because they are easy to operate accidentally and may drag you to the surface when you least expect it! Once again they cannot be manually inflated if the firing mechanism should fail.

Key:
	Good/Essential Features.
	Mixed Good/Bad features depending on the circumstances.
	Bad Features.
	Points requiring your consideration depending on your personal circumstances.
	Warnings - Points to be very careful of.
	Bitz Health Warning. This feature may seriously damage your health.
	Tips, Ideas and general information for your attention.
	General bullets.
	Hit Counter Complements of http://www.digits.com.

Diving can be a hazardous sport and the information contained within this site is not intended to replace formal training. Furthermore no responsibility will be accepted for any accidents, injuries or financial disadvantage, howsoever caused.