Question What is the DIR method when it comes to deploying an SMB?

[eightytwenty]

DSMB deployment was a skill in my Deep Diver class with SSI. I screwed it up on my first dive, so the instructor made me do it on my next one.

I really want to practice it some, but with shore diving here in La Jolla, I am afraid I will attract lifeguards trying to save me. Our instructor, as a courtesy, let the lifeguards know we would be practicing. Not sure why lifeguards would investigate in Diver Below buoy, but maybe that is a thing? Should have practiced on my recent boat dives here in San Diego, that is probably best time to do it.

I have personally seen the lifeguards in La Jolla respond to an SMB being shot. Not really much they can do until you're on shore, though. I'd say practice it to your heart's content, and if asked, just explain you were training. If you're really worried about it, you can always tell the lifeguards beforehand.

 

[happy-diver]

Deploy your dsmb on dives when you need to deploy it and there's not much more learning to learn than that
Who knows with too much practice when it comes time, you may be so tired of deploying it you won't be able

 

[Rich1280]

Bearing in mind this is the DIR forum, there are some answers not covered above. Part of the decision making about a DSMB is what are the advantages and disadvantages of certain techniques and tools. Crack bottles and CO2 cartridges have inherent risks and problems, same as open bottom and closed bags. You need to work out where the best risk profile sits for you, and consider that. Generally CO2 and crack bottles don't sit in the DIR camp, certainly amongst the UK dive group.
If you want some examples and answers, try these videos:
Jose put some of his training vids on and they're pretty good references I think.

Garf was a GUE instructor in the UK and put some videos up too.

There's plenty on YouTube of you search.

Rich

 

[Imla]

Gotta love GUE. Surprise... SOPv 3.0 Has a protocol... who would have thought (thunk?)
Page 14
SMB Deployment

If the diver is on a CCR, the procedure is preceded by the diver going off loop and to their OC regulator. And back on loop after SMB is deployed.

 

[Wibble]

As flaccid a blob as anyone's ever seen on the surface of a swimming pool.

The only kind of SMB in the sea is one that will be seen from a distance. That's big and wide; those Halcyon 6ft ones are excellent. When I dry one out it takes me about 12 lungfuls of air to fully inflate it -- and it makes me giddy through hypocapnia.

Whilst the pool trick is an excellent training task with a training blob (that's one lungful of air on the surface to inflate), those bags are of no use as a primary SMB at sea. Nor as a backup for that matter. May work as a signalling bag, although yellow's the better colour.

Inflating a full-size SMB needs a drysuit inflation hose.

Or, for less worry and ease of use, send up a CO2 bag that doesn't empty your drysuit gas. If it doesn't work, then manually inflate it using the drysuit hose. Or roll it up and send up the backup (big) SMB.


Doing It Right means using the right tools and techniques for the job. Itty bitty training blobs for use in a lake/quarry/pool may be fine. But not out at sea. When time's up, you need that bag up pronto. You don't want to be faffing around assembling the spool+bag either.

Most UK divers use a reel and larger SMB. As it's generally one bag per diver, you throw a bag up on every dive.

 

[ofg-1]

As flaccid a blob as anyone's ever seen on the surface of a swimming pool.

You talking about me?

 

[mariosx]

Doing It the Right way is whatever is the most appropriate way that works for your circumstances.

Ways to fill a bag:

• Using CO2 gas cartridges - very effective, small, quick
• Using a crack bottle filled from a passing open circuit diver's backgas -- work well, bit big
• Using a drysuit inflation hose or bailout hose to fill using the spigot -- works well, not using expensive breathing gas
• Using an "octopus" to blow air up the chuff of an open bag. This is a crap method and many people have been dragged to the surface when their "octopus" got tangled.
• Exhaling up the aforesaid chuff. I give up...

<<Doing It Right is every way imaginable, including "crap methods", other than the way DIR agencies teach it>>

 

[happy-diver]

You're the guy they're looking for that when invited for dinner dumps wheel barrows full of dirt in peoples hallway

Even when the dinner is first class

 

[Valerii Vakshul]

I recognized you.! You ChatGPT, hello.

 

[happy-diver]

I talk to myself too, a sign of stability