For the Keys where we often get current due to the Gulf Stream, I usually carry an orange backup 3.3.' SMB ready attached to a 150' spool. This is clipped to a bungee in my thigh pocket via the SS double ender on the spool. The line is attached to the SS D ring on the SMB. I would not recommend the plastic gate clip style ones.
If its a tec dive or remote location, I also take either an orange 6' Super Big SMB or a 80lb lift bag. this is stowed in either the backplate pad, or at the bottom of the backplate or (not my favorite) under bungee on a deco bottle for open circuit diving or in a pocket if Im on CCR. The primary reel is clipped to your butt d ring or sidemount buttplate or similar so that it doesnt interfere with other gear or your fin kicking. They are not ready attached so that you dont loose the whole show if you fumble it or it comes unclipped. You would be left with at least a spool plus 2 bags or a reel, spool and one bag. Plus, as howard said, we use the primary reel for wreck penetration and other stuff.
Regarding color - IIRC some research by Halcyon / GUE / associates concluded orange best in bright sunlight and yellow being more visible in overcast skies. In some parts of the world, one color can mean distress, so you need to be careful. When we are running charters, we dont mind what protocol is used as long as everyone is on the same page.
A few tips:
- A fast bag on the surface often means theres nobody under it.
- one bag per buddy team can often be better than one each. A second one goes up if you get seperated or theres an issue. This can be an indication for the boat crew to assist.
- practice shooting, assembling and disassembling SMBs in a pool / shallow as often as possible. its a perishable skill
-Never, Ever, ever hold on to a reel or bag that is pulling you up to the surface. Just let go. the boat will get your bag and reel and work out whats happening. Its fairly easy to track divers drifting dwn current even without an SMB if its planned.
- Safety sausages are designed to be stowed and deployed once on the surface, usually orally. An SMB is designed to be shot from underwater to mark the general location of divers. They are not the same.
- Get at least 1.5 x the line for your depth and know how much line you have. E.G. - dont shoot a 100' spool from 100' especially in a current. Use 150' spools instead as your line will go up at an angle.
- Spools make great ascent lines. Clip the line of at 10' increments for a visual reference.
- You need a 6' SMB for a boat to see you in 1-2' seas in good visibility from approx 1/4 of a mile.
-In big seas, your SMB may not be seen.
-Closed circuit is better than semi or open ended. Air tends to spill out of those.
-pull the line tight before shooting and during drifts / ascents. Slack line is the cause of most problems
-You can get the SMB to stand up on the surface by tugging on the line slightly
-Be careful of going too negative. Your marker might be sat 1' underwater.
Hope this helps!
