Delayed Surface Marker Buoy
Surface marker buoys (SMBs) and delayed surface marker buoys (DSMBs) allow scuba divers to mark boundaries for mapping or search and recovery, alert boat traffic, or provide a line as a visual reference for ascending divers.
SMBs make divers much more visible to their dive boat and other traffic on the water.
Requirements
If you’re at least 12 years old and certified as a Scuba Diver or higher, you can enroll in the Surface Marker Buoy Diver course.
The Learning
You will learn about the various types of surface marker buoys (SMBs) and delayed surface marker buoys (DSMBs) used by divers, the capabilities and limitations of each style, and how to rig and stow them. During two dives, you will learn and practice the proper techniques and protocols for deploying and using SMBs and DSMBs in open water environments.
Important Medical Information
For your safety and to avoid delays in your course:
Download and Print the Diver Medical Form
Carefully read the form and answer the Medical History Questions honestly.
If you can answer "Yes" to question 3, 5, or 10, OR any question on page 2, then written clearance to dive, without restrictions, from a physician is required prior to any in-water activities. Immediately do the following:
Take or send all 3 pages of the form to your physician (MD or DO).
Ask your physician to complete the PHYSICIAN section on Page 3 of the form and return the form to you.
Student Divers who are professional physicians may not sign for approval on their own medical form.Make a copy of the completed form and put it in a safe place. You may need it in the future.
Bring the completed original form to your first course session.
Give your completed Diver Medical Form to your instructor at your first course session. Otherwise, your training will be delayed.
For questions regarding your fitness to scuba dive, please speak with your physician. You and/or your physician can also speak with Diving Medicine Specialists at Divers Alert Network at no charge. Contact the Divers Alert Network (DAN) non-emergency medical information line at 919-684-2948 (Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm CT). Referrals to local diving and hyperbaric medicine specialists are available.
If you have a copy of this form signed by a physician within 12 months prior to the expected completion date of your course, and your medical history has not changed, then you may provide a copy of it to your instructor. Otherwise, you will need to complete a new form.
Pricing
$179
Course tuition includes:
2 open water SMB/DSMB instructional dives with your professional instructor
Use of tank and weights
Certification processing
Certification card
Get Started
Call Denny’s Scuba Adventures to enroll in the course and get started.
Student Agreement: By registering for the Delayed Surface Marker Buoy Diver Course, you indicate that you have read and agree to the course policies, terms and conditions.
Delayed Surface Marker Buoy Diver Course is scheduled as needed. Call Denny’s Scuba Adventures to schedule the class.
The Gear
Besides your basic scuba equipment, you’ll need a surface marker buoy (SMB), finger spool with line, and double-ender bolt snap.
The Next Step
With your PADI Surface Marker Buoy certification, you'll be prepared to mark dive site locations and make yourself safe and visible on the water. Consider earning additional specialty diver certifications, the Advanced Open Water Diver certification, or the prestigious Master Scuba Diver certification. You may want to expand your diving skills even more with the Rescue Diver course. Ask your instructor or divemaster or give us a call for more details.