Procedure for deploying SMB during safety stop?

[Onewolf]

In the past I've used a basic safety sausage/SMB on drift dives once we got back to the surface to let the dive boats know where we were. I've often thought it might be better to deploy the SMB during our 15-20ft safety stop. Especially given the amount of (yahoo) boat traffic we've seen recently during Palm Beach drift dives.

I've never really paid attention how other divers rig their SMB on a reel nor have I paid close attention to how they deploy them during the safety stop. So basically I'm looking for advice on what to look for in an SMB and reel that would be best for this application, how to rig the SMB/reel, and what the process is for deploying the SMB during a safety stop. Ie, "Do's and Don'ts".

Thanks.

Doug

 

[Jax]

YouTube is your friend!

YouTube - SMB Deployment (dry run)

YouTube - SCUBA: SMB Deployment

Watch the "related items" on the right -- more and more SMB flicks show up.

Warning: It's not as freaking easy as these guys make it look! Darn it!

 

[D_B]

Tip I learned for holding your depth while rigging it is to not look directly at what it is your doing, and instead look at particulate matter floating in the water .. it gives direct and immediate feed back on whether your rising or falling and need to inhale, or exhale to stay stationary, rig it by watching it with your peripheral vision , "out of the corner of your eye" so to speak

Inflating it ... when it pulls .. you let go NOW!

It's easier to do at 20 or 30 feet than it is at 15 feet

 

[Scott L]

It's easier to do at 20 or 30 feet than it is at 15 feet

It ceratinly is. In addition, it's rather difficult to properly inflate a larger SMB in shallower depths.

 

[oldschool]

I use my SMB for this exact purpose in the local lakes. You want to have it stored where it is easily accessable. A good way to find the best spot is to put on your bc and mask and select a spot that can be easily reached and seen. Some put the SMB and reel in a bc pocket. I have the Sherwood Avid BC that has a small snorkel pocket outside the bc pocket. I store the SMB here. My finger spool is clipped on to the outside of the bc pocket next to the SMB. I've tied a knot in the line 15' from the end and colored it with a black permanent marker for easy reference. Remember, as soon as you start inflating the SMB, you'll start ascending. Don't begin inflating at 15'. Depending on my current depth, I'll start inflating at approx. 25' to 30'. Before inflating, clip your line to the SMB. Inflate the SMB. A couple of good breaths will surfice as it will expand during ascent. Once it's on the surface, begin your slow ascent while winding the line until you get to the knot. Keep in mind, that distance to the surface from the knot may vary in open water, depending on waves / swells. The main thing is to practice deploying and recovering.

 

[scubadada]

YouTube is your friend!

YouTube - SMB Deployment (dry run)

YouTube - SCUBA: SMB Deployment

Watch the "related items" on the right -- more and more SMB flicks show up.

Warning: It's not as freaking easy as these guys make it look! Darn it!

Just like I do it, yeah, right. I do keep trying. Inflating at about 30 feet is very helpful.

Good diving, Craig

 

[scubadada]

YouTube is your friend!

YouTube - SMB Deployment (dry run)

YouTube - SCUBA: SMB Deployment

Watch the "related items" on the right -- more and more SMB flicks show up.

Warning: It's not as freaking easy as these guys make it look! Darn it!

I thought this was going to be the video of the awesome woman diver on the training platform that varied her depth by about an inch. Very humbling nevertheless.

Good diving, Craig

 

[Jax]

I thought this was going to be the video of the awesome woman diver on the training platform that varied her depth by about an inch. Very humbling nevertheless.

Good diving, Craig

I know the one you mean! I didn't put that one in my favorites - I felt like SUCH an epic fail when watching that one.

 

[Scott L]

YouTube - SMB Deployment (dry run)

Where did you find that clip Jax? It was getting downright erotic for awhile (58sec+).

Did you catch the SBM brand name? Very apres peau...

 

[Jax]

Where did you find that clip Jax? It was getting downright erotic for awhile. Did you catch the SBM brand name? Very apres peau...

You would notice that, wouldn't you! :blush: