🤿🌊🐠🦀In scuba diving, *SNB* (Surface Marker Buoy) and *DSMB* (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy) serve distinct purposes, though they are sometimes confused.

🤿🌊🐠🦀In scuba diving, *SNB* (Surface Marker Buoy) and *DSMB* (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy) serve distinct purposes, though they are sometimes confused. Here's a clear breakdown of their differences:

Deployment Context:

SMB:

- Used **on the surface** during or after a dive.

- Often towed by divers while swimming to signal their location to surface support (e.g., boats). Common in drift diving or low-visibility conditions.

- May be pre-deployed before descending (e.g., marking a dive site).

DSMB:

- Deployed **from underwater**, typically during ascent or at depth.

- Activated *after* the dive has started (hence "delayed"), often near the end of the dive to mark the diver’s ascent point. Critical for safety stops or drift dives where surfacing away from the boat is expected.

Design and Inflation:

SMB:

- Simple, tube-shaped buoy inflated orally or via a low-pressure inflator **at the surface**.

- Brightly colored (e.g., orange, yellow) and may include reflective tape or a flag for visibility.

DSMB:

- Designed for **underwater inflation**, using a regulator exhaust, oral breath, or dedicated air source.

- Often includes a **reel or spool** with line to attach to the diver, allowing controlled ascent of the buoy from depth.

Purpose:

Safety is always a priority in diving.

SMB:

- Primarily for **surface visibility**—alerting boats to divers’ presence during the dive or post-dive.

- Can also mark entry/exit points or underwater features.

DSMB:

- Signals the **ascent location** to surface support, especially in currents or open water.

- Enhances safety by indicating divers’ position during safety stops, reducing the risk of boat strikes.

Skill Level:

SMB:

- Simple to use; requires minimal training (basic surface inflation).

DSMB:

- Requires **advanced skills**—managing buoyancy, line deployment, and inflation while submerged. Poor technique can lead to rapid ascents or entanglement.

Key Takeaway:

SMB = Surface-based marker for ongoing visibility.

DSMB= Submerged-deployed marker for ascent/emergency signaling.

While terms are sometimes used interchangeably, understanding their distinct roles ensures safer diving practices and clearer communication with surface support. 👇🌊🐳🐬🐠

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