One of the most important skills for the responsible, and safe diver is being able to deploy an SMB (Surface Marker Buoy, sometimes known as a safety sausage). This piece of equipment plays a number of vital roles…
It can be deployed from below the surface to allow a dive group to mark the position on the surface so that boat traffic will be aware and able to keep clear, while notifying a dive boat that the divers are ready for a pick-up.
For divers below the water using a line to control the SMB, they can also use this as a reference for their ascent rate, and for making safety stops.
They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours. They’re easy to roll up and store away, and require little maintenance!
A must-have piece of equipment, and a must-have skill!
Dive safe