johndiver999
Contributor
I don’t think you understand what I’m saying....(not to be rude)
In the Atlantic where I have dived mostly, in calm weather, the waves are regularly 1- 2 m (mostly 1 and1/2 / 2m).
You say you can only keep the DSMB upright if the wind is not blowing, the wind is always blowing dude.
I’m not arguing with you, but please explain how bigger isn’t better when visibility is concerned. To me if there is more to see, you will be more likely to be found and quicker, at least that’s what the coastguard says.
Well if there is just swells then the boat should be able to see you between waves. When it is rough and blowing and white caps, it becomes much harder to see a diver and the smb. But have you tried to keep. 9 ft smb vertical in 15 or 20 mph winds??? I’m not intending to sound rude either, it is an honest question.
After a few attempts, you may understand how difficult they are to manage in white caps and wind. As mentioned, if you are really lost and aircraft are looking for you then a larger smb blown down parallel to the surface may be more visible than a smaller one.
But hopefully the smb will be more often used to assist a boat in finding you and it is a lot better if you can keep it standing near vertical.
The really large ones are bulkier when carrying, so for all those reasons I don’t necessarily think a really large one is advantageous. Simply my opinion, use whatever is best for your conditions.
Edit: I thought of an analogy that might be relevant: Why are all rain umbrellas pretty much similar in size? Why not have a 10 ft diameter umbrella - it would protect you from wind blown rain better, right?
Last edited: