What do I need to bring with me?

Bring a towel and your swim gear - we will provide the rest.

Is transport to dive sites included?

We do not provide transport to the Open Water dive sites. We will make every effort to try and get you a car share with another student but if this is not possible you will be expected to make your way to the site by your own means.

What is the purpose of SMB/DSMB?

Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs) and Delayed Surface Marker Buoys (DSMBs) are used to signal surface support, increase diver visibility, and mark positions underwater.

Who is this course suitable for?

This course is ideal for divers of all levels who want to improve their safety and confidence, especially in high boat traffic areas, drift dives, or low visibility conditions.

What will I learn on this course?

You’ll gain practical experience deploying SMBs and DSMBs, using reels and spools, and managing buoyancy while launching a buoy in different conditions.

PADI Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) Speciality Course

By Nick

PADI Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) Speciality Course, photo 3

PADI Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) Speciality Course, photo 4

£ 169

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Activity Highlights:

We are London’s premier PADI dive school and the only dive centre in the capital with a purpose-built, heated scuba pool. Whether you're taking your first breaths underwater, refining your skills, or progressing towards professional certification, our expert instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.

Why Take the PADI Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) Specialty Course?

Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs) and Delayed Surface Marker Buoys (DSMBs) are essential safety tools for divers. They play a crucial role in:

Increasing safety in high boat traffic areas – making divers more visible to surface support
Improving underwater communication – marking positions or boundaries for mapping, search & recovery
Enhancing safety during drift dives – ensuring divers can be located in strong currents
Developing confidence in SMB/DSMB deployment – mastering safe and effective buoy use

Mastering these skills is essential for any diver looking to increase safety, efficiency, and confidence in open water conditions.

What You’ll Learn

This practical, hands-on course includes two open water dives at a lake training site, where you'll learn:

SMB & DSMB setup and deployment
Various launch techniques – from negative and neutral buoyancy positions
Using reels and spools effectively
Handling SMBs in different conditions – such as strong currents or low visibility
How to communicate effectively using a DSMB
Exploration of the dive site

By the end of the course, you’ll be confident in deploying and managing SMBs/DSMBs in real-world diving scenarios.

Prerequisites

PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent certification)
Minimum age: 12 years old

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