Divers SMB's (Surface Marker Buoy)

Divers Surface Marker Buoys, SMB’s are one of the most important pieces of safety equipment a diver carries. An SMB may be deployed throughout the dive perhaps during a drift dive to allow a boat to follow the divers, or simply “fired” on an ascent from a wreck dive so a boat skipper knows the diver is ascending and can monitor the divers.

Selecting the correct SMB is really important, perhaps a 3m SMB for offshore diving when the sea state might be rougher and maybe a compact signal tube as a back up. Also how does the diver intend to inflate the SMB is another important factor in selecting the SMB, wether the diver will use an alternate air source, exhaled gas, a crack cylinder or an Easifill connection to an inflator hose. 

Most importantly a diver needs to be comfortable and practiced in using their SMB and should carry and use on on ever dive to ensure safety.