Be seen, be spotted, dive safely!

So why do you need a course to use a Surface Marker Buoy?

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There are lots of reasons. As many instructors will tell you, the deployment and use of a Surface Marker Buoy can be tricky. Using it incorrectly can lead to accidents.

​But at the same time, SMB's are a valuable piece of advanced diving equipment that provides a vertical reference line during open-water ascents. They also provide a visual surface reference for a diver’s location, which is invaluable to your boat skipper and a vital staging point for completing decompression and safety stops.

This Speciality certification counts as one of the five Speciality certifications required for your Master Scuba Diver certification.

Course Overview

A highly practical course where you will learn about the different types of SMB and the differences between them.  Learning and practising deployment whilst using each of the different types and different types of reels.

You will also learn how to resolve potential issues that can occur underwater allowing you and your buddy to remain safe.

All of this is to allow you to assess which combination of Reel and SMB works for you and how to configure it in conjunction with your existing dive equipment whilst maintaining trim and buoyancy

What do I need to be able to start?

  • Be a  PADI Open Water Diver  (or equivalent certification from another organisation)
  • At least 12 years old
  • Mask / Snorkel and Dive Computer

What will I Do?

Confined Water:
  • During a confined session, we will introduce you to the different types of Surface Marker Buoy and reels that can be used with them and then you will practise deploying them.

​Open Water Dives: Two Dives
  • Learn how to prepare the different SMB's and the different ways to configure them.
  • Learn how to configure your dive equipment to accommodate carrying them without affecting your trim and streamlining
  • Learn the different methods of deploying each SMB previously discussed
  • You will learn and practise single person and two person deployment in normal diving scenario's
  • Discuss the risks and hazards of deploying (and maybe experience them)
  • Discuss the effects of tides and currents and impact to deploying your SMB
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Learn to avoid this!

How Long does it Take?

One confined water session
​2 Dives over one day in open water

What do I need to know?

Included in your course price is
  • All dive equipment (except those listed above) including drysuit if the holder of drysuit speciality
  • PADI processing fees
  • Project AWARE e-certification card. 
  • ​Loan of various SMB's and Reels for you to practise and use during your training with us.

If you have your own DSMB & Reel then make sure you bring them along, you can use yours to gain confidence in your own equipment. ​

If you do not yet own other pieces of dive equipment like Drysuit and Baselayers we will provide if you are the holder of a Drysuit Speciality

Any Other Costs?

Entrance fees for open water site and personal travel costs.

Whats Next?

  1. Join our Dive Club
  2. Come diving
  3. Go Diving 
  4. Gain five PADI Specialities and apply to become a PADI Master Scuba Diver

Our Surface Marker Buoy Speciality Price

£225.00

Integrate with your Advanced Open Water Certification

£130.00

Dive Rutland is a 100% AWARE Partner, which means we make a donation on your behalf to Project Aware and you get a Project AWARE e-certification card available via the PADI app
Reviewed May 2021