Sophie Heptonstall , BSAC ’ s Head of Diving and Training , provides a safety update on the correct use of Surface Marker Buoys
LEARNINGCURVE
Safety and the dSMB
Sophie Heptonstall , BSAC ’ s Head of Diving and Training , provides a safety update on the correct use of Surface Marker Buoys
Surface Marker Buoys ( SMBs ) and delayed Surface Marker Buoys ( dSMBs ) are a crucial tool for diver safety , enhancing visibility and communication with surface support . However , divers must ensure that they are able to release their dSMB or SMB quickly should it gets snagged , pulled or the line get stuck .
Following on from the June 2024 safety bulletin issued by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch regarding a fatal injury to a diver after contact with a recreational dive support boat , BSAC would like to remind all members about the safe use of SMBs and dSMBs and advise that the reel should also not be clipped to a diver when conducting stops .
Entanglement
The line connecting the SMB to the reel or spool can easily become tangled with other equipment , underwater structures , or marine life . If the line gets snagged , it can restrict your movement and potentially lead to rapid , uncontrolled ascents or descents if the line is not able to be released quickly . It is advised that the SMB / dSMB should not be clipped to a diver at any time .
Buoyancy control
Maintaining neutral buoyancy is critical for safe diving . If a dSMB or SMB is clipped to you and becomes trapped or caught by anything under the surface of the water , it can affect your buoyancy , making it difficult to stay in control . Losing control of buoyancy can lead to collisions with the underwater topography , other divers , cause injury to yourself and potentially cause DCI if you are rapidly pulled towards the surface .
Best practice
The following procedures are recommended for the use of delayed Surface Marker Buoys . These procedures should be thoroughly discussed with and understood by all team members prior to undertaking any dives . This includes all divers and members of the surface party and boat skipper .
■ Divers using surface marker buoys should clearly label buoys with the name of their owners and labelling / colour noted by the Dive Manager .
■ When deploying a dSMB from depth , the diver should not attach the reel to themselves , as they may be carried up by the device if the reel jams . Great care should be taken to avoid entanglement in the line .
■ When carrying two dSMBs on a dive , the general UK dive community consensus is that an orange or red buoy is deployed under normal diving conditions . In an emergency , or when assistance is required , a yellow buoy should be deployed . While a yellow dSMB is often used in an emergency situation , this is not always the case . It ’ s important that all divers and surface cover are clearly briefed on specific dive protocols and any specific meanings or surface actions required upon deployment of a specific colour dSMB and / or labelling on a dSMB or deployment of multiple dSMBs together .
■ When using a yellow buoy as an emergency buoy , it ’ s useful to clearly mark on the buoy the word ‘ Emergency ’ together with the diver ’ s name . Once a yellow buoy is seen , the support team and or boat can then initiate the briefed and agreed emergency protocols depending on the situation . �
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