How to Use SMB

Divers should always pay attention to traffic on the surface. Not paying attention as you ascend can have life-threatening results in busy boating or jet ski areas. You should send up a surface marker buoy, or SMB, before you ascend to let any traffic on the surface know that divers are below. In some places it is a requirement to tow an SMB for the entire dive. Deploying an SMB can be done using your primary or alternate air source.

Things You'll Need

  • Diver's reel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove and unravel the SMB from its storage location.

    • 2

      Attach the end of the SMB to your reel line end.

    • 3

      Instruct your dive buddy to look up and check that the SMB will not be obstructed on the way to the surface. Move yourself into a slight head-down position.

    • 4

      Hold the reel and the SMB in your left hand. Inflate your SMB orally or use your alternate air source or low pressure inflator hose (LPI). If you use an LPI, disconnect it when the SMB is full.

    • 5

      Let go of the SMB. It rises toward the surface. Push the catch on the reel to allow line to spool from it if required.

    • 6

      Add tension to the line by tightening the reel when the SMB has reached the surface.

    • 7

      Reel the line in as you ascend to keep enough tension to keep the SMB standing up in the water.