What smb and where to buy it?

[ggunn]

Maybe it was something unique to the operator; Dive Paradise.

Others have posted that DP requires everyone to have an SMB but I have never heard of any op that requires all its customers to deploy one on every dive. That seems a bit excessive.

 

[ggunn]

NEVER EVER "TAKE THE ELEVATOR" up from a 15' SS via BC inflation.

Um, of course not. I don't know if that's part of everyone's OW training but it certainly was in mine.

 

[kelemvor]

Others have posted that DP requires everyone to have an SMB but I have never heard of any op that requires all its customers to deploy one on every dive. That seems a bit excessive.

Well, maybe I misspoke or gave the wrong impression. Everyone had to have a SMB. when my wife and I ascended, I deployed my SMB - she did not deploy hers. Not everyone came up at the same time, so the folks that came up with the DM probably just relied on the DM.

 

[uncfnp]

Lots of info. My take.

If you are just wanting an SMB for Coz and you mostly stay with the guide, just get one of the small bags to orally inflate on the surface if by chance you do come up away from the group. These are also pretty easy to deploy at the safety stop with a small finger spool.

36

50' Finger Spool

If you plan to use it elsewhere, especially if sporty seas are possible and you are interested in learning to deploy at depth, this is my favorite.

6ft High Vis YELLOW SMB

For this you will need a larger spool or reel, at least 150 feet to 200.

But for deployment at dept I do recommend practice before the trip in controlled conditions. Yes its simple, until something goes wrong. Practice is to learn the technique but also to workout what to do if things don't go as planned.

 

[DjDiverDan]

I got my SMB about 5 years ago, and though I have carried it on every dive, I think I've deployed it twice, since I am usually within 15-20' of the DM who deploys his first. But I'll keep carrying it - never can tell. In Cozumel, the danger of getting lost from the group is pretty low, unless you are on one of the northern reefs where the current can get nasty; but if you DO get lost, bigger is better. The bigger risk in Cozumel is from boats - and though I think most dive boat captains try to be very careful, divers just coming up can be very tough to see, and (unfortunately) not all of them take a good look around before popping up to the surface. I have a basic Blue Reef 6' red SMB with a Blue Reef finger spool with 100' of line, which I think is plenty in Cozumel. I have only deployed it while ascending to the safety stop, so I've never used more than about 25-30 feet of line. About $35 for the pair at Leisure Pro or Scuba Toys, easy to deploy, easy to stuff into a pocket on your BCD. The reel comes with a brass clip on the end of the line to clip onto the SMB - DO clip it on before the dive. You can also attach one of those mini-strobe lights or a glow stick to the D-ring at the top of the SMB for night dives.