West palm beach

[beaverdivers]

We use the term SMB for Surface Marker Buoy ( in a previous post I used submersible ). A device deployed on the suface is a SS ( safety sausage ).

Why isn't a SMB that is deployed at depth as good as a dive flag?

Both will attrack curious boaters, won't they!

 

[scubajim 1]

Am I understanding you correctly? You are saying it is okay for divers to separate from the flag, and operate with an SMB? When dive vessels are dropping multiple groups is not uncommon for divers to be separated from the vessel by distances well beyond the 300 ft. requirement. So an commercial dive operation would allow divers to separate from the flag on only rely on an SMB. Just want to be sure I'm hearing you correctly.

No you aren't...you are supposed to stay within range of the DM with the flag...when you surface you blow your surface marker. Most boats get everyone dropped very quickly so grouping isn't a problem. (See Jen's post above about the trouble with large groups) And divers should make every effort to stay near the DM, but the law does not state each diver must have her/his own flag...just make a reasonable effort to stay within 300 feet of the flag.

I'm sure if you wanted to drag your own flag the boat would let you...you'll spend most of the dive tending it and not enjoying the reefs.