OMS SMB Experience Needed

[Norda]

I am looking at the OMS BCA-255 as a multi-purpose SMB, lift bag, etc. My question is whether the bag will stay upright in the water or is downward pressure or weight at the bottom required when using it for a safety stop?

Thanks, Bill.

 

[redacted]

They advertise 4 lb will keep it upright. But that is only a visibility distance concern. The valve will not allow air to spill even if it is laying on its side. I have not had to use mine much but so far I'm very satisfied. Do practice with it a bit before you have a real need to use it. My first try was very ackward.

 

[Norda]

Thanks Awap.

The only reason I am concerned is that I expect to do some diving in areas that have frequent boat (and jet ski) traffic so I would like it to be relatively visible during safety stops. This would hopefully give some time (especially for the jet skiers who have a tendency to go back and forth a lot) to see us before we ascend to the surface.

Do you use the 4lb weight?

Bill.

 

[redacted]

No, I don't. I've been using a spool that is is a couple ounces. So I guess it just flops around a bit on the surface. Even laying on its side, its large enough to be visible. I guess you could always yank on it a bit to make it more visible.