DSMB Basics: How To Choose, Setup, Deploy & Ascend | Scuba Diving

DSMB Basics: How To Choose, Setup, Deploy & Ascend | Scuba Diving. In this video, we will outline the 7 essential features of a good Delayed Surface Market Buoy (DSMB) system. We will also show you how to set up the DSMB "package" (DSMB, Spool, Line, Double Ender), how to deploy a DSMB underwater and how to ascend properly with a deployed DSMB.
Deploying a DSMB properly underwater in good trim and neutral buoyancy while holding a fixed position is the mark of any good diver. It can be a challenging skill to master but it's worth every effort put into it as it can help you get out of difficult situations. I tell my students to never dive without a DSMB as all of our dives are in open water.
If you are in the Philippines, check out my FaceBook Page - GoDivePH. / godiveph . We sell, and can help you setup your DSMB as well as train you on how to use it properly. If you would like to learn how to dive or take Advanced / Technical Diving courses, send me a message. I teach at Anilao and Bauan Batangas. If you’re a certified diver, join us for a fun dive and experience the GoDivePH difference.
Below are some of the underwater equipment we use in recreational and technical diving. Note that none of the equipment below are sponsored.
Underwater Camera Equipment @GoPro @ORCATORCHWorldwide
- GoPro Hero 11 amzn.to/3KzAP5e
- GoPro Hero 10 amzn.to/3Zkhida
- Go Pro Hero 7 amzn.to/3knkMwT
- OrcaTorch D530V amzn.to/3YZNh2z
- Movo GoPro Tray Original - amzn.to/3ZAHsJ5
- Movo GoPro Tray New amzn.to/3YdUknn
- GoPro Enduro Battery: amzn.to/3IsQpgn
- GoPro 10/11 Underwater Housing amzn.to/3m47y8I
- PolarPro Filter for GoPro 7 amzn.to/3m7Ii1a
- PolarPro Filter for GoPro 10/11 amzn.to/3ZCcbFF
Wetsuit and Thermal Protection @fourthelementofficial5475
- Roxy Wetsuit amzn.to/3Z082Lu
- Fourth Element Tech Shorts amzn.to/3XSuJ2Y
- Fourth Element Proteus Wetsuit amzn.to/3IRX5Gi
- Fourth Element Gloves amzn.to/3EC4MxS
- Waterproof Vented Hood amzn.to/3kmLx4D
Dive Computers @ShearwaterResearch
- Shearwater Perdix 2 amzn.to/3EBytiF
- Shearwater Teric Bronze amzn.to/41lm38i
- Shearwater Peregrine amzn.to/3m6Gplx
- Shearwater Transmitter: amzn.to/3EDIj3p
Dive Essentials
- Equipment Disinfectant Food Grade Steramine amzn.to/3EFHYgH
- Spool amzn.to/3KyFmVw
- Scissors Titanium amzn.to/41oCsZp
- Strobe Light amzn.to/3ktqiOk
- Dive Alert Horn amzn.to/3Z0qdRj
- OrcaTorch D710 - amzn.to/3YZThbB
- Cressi Mask amzn.to/3xPJaKD
- Emergency Whistle amzn.to/3IybCpc
- OMS Slipstream Fins amzn.to/3ktCNtl
- Mesh Bag for Underwater Debris amzn.to/3Iydrm2
- Suunto Compass amzn.to/3Y0HIjf
Scuba Regulators @apeksdiving6058 @HalcyonDiveSystems
- Apeks XTX 200 amzn.to/3ZfJePq
- Apeks XTX50 amzn.to/3kpoKVB
- Apeks XTX50 Octo amzn.to/3Y0Pp8Q
- Apeks Tek SPG amzn.to/3IOLPuh
If you are in the Philippines, you can purchase the items above and Halcyon Dive System products directly from @godiveph1287
Chapter:
00:00 Intro
00:20 Choosing Your DSMB. 7 Essentials.
00:30 1. Metal D-Link Connector
00:39 2. Closed-Ended
00:49 3. Dual One-Way Inflator
00:59 4. Over Pressure Valve
01:09 5. Length
01:19 6 & 7. Spool & Double Ender
01:27 Setting Up Your DSMB
03:33 The Pig-Tail
04:36 Securing Your DSMB System
05:36 Deploying A DSMB Underwater
07:07 Ascending With A DSMB
eMail: [e-mail]

[@godiveph1287]

Hello, thank you for watching and for your comments. There are only 2 situations when you have to look up before deploying a DSMB. First is when you hear sounds of a boat engine. Second is when you are in a heavy boat traffic area. In all other cases, there is NO need to add an additional step of looking up when you have to quickly deploy. Why? 1) Currents. In most cases, the DSMB will not shoot up vertically, rather it will be at a diagonal of a rectangle. Currents on the surface moves faster than at depth. The DSMB will be several meters away from your vertical point. 2) Visibility. If vertical viz is less than 3 meters, looking up is pointless as you can’t see the surface. This is more pronounced if you Tech dive and shoot the DSMB at the first deco stop (eg 21 meters). The risk a deployed 1 meter DSMB hitting a diver or a boat and causing damage is extremely rare and unheard of. Furthermore, the spool is never clipped to your BC, so if the DSMB get’s dragged, let go of the spool. If additional steps in a process adds no value (eg. looking up before deployment), there is no need to do it. Simplicity enhances effectiveness and safety.

[@jayknuffke285]

Everyone that practices this a lot has their own method that works. This is an excellent example

[@godiveph1287]

Would you guys like to see more videos like this? If there is enough interest, I'll make the videos. You can show your interest by subscribing and hitting the notification button. Thanks and let me know if you have any comments or questions. Happy to help.

[@mellamodiego8458]

Great video congratulations on making an outstanding educational video

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

Other features this dSMB doesn't have that you should look for: - Stitching in on both sides of the dSMB. Having one side just folded over results in more wear when rolling up the dSMB and while it's rolling around in your kit bag. This side will develop pin holes, and will ultimately tear. - SOLAS reflective tape at the top to aid with radar searches. - Holder for a glow stick or a note at the top. For the spool: While Delrin is definitely better than plastic, aluminum is even better (though more negatively buoyant). Things to do when setting up your spool: - Unspool the line completely to check it's actually tied onto the spool. That way, if you drop the spool, it will stay attached to the line at the end. - Most (cheaper) spools come overspun with too much line. Remove some line until you can comfortably feed it through the holes of the spool. This will turn your 30m spool into a 20m or 15m spool. If you need 30m of line on your spool, buy a 45m spool. It's good practice to have 1.5x as much line as your deployment depth. The dSMB won't go straight up to the surface, but at an angle. - Setting up the leader: After you create a large loop, create a small loop at about half way up the large loop. This will help you pull the line back out of the hole in the spool. Then create another small loop at the end of the large loop as shown in the video, to help you take the line off the dSMB. Storing the spool: - Don't keep the bolt snap clipped off the spool directly. It's very easy for the gate to accidentally open, which can result in the line unspooling in your pocket (really annoying), or losing the spool and dSMB if you have it clipped off to a D-ring. - If you don't have the dSMB permanently attached to the spool, pull the loop through one of the holes. Clip the bolt snap onto the loop. Wrap the loop around the bolt snap above the trigger, and feed it back through the gate. The spool will dangle, and remain securely fastened. When deploying, unclip the bolt snap, pull the loop out of the hole, and attach it to the dSMB. - If you do have the dSMB permanently attached to the spool, pull a loop of line through one of the holes in the spool. Clip the bolt snap onto that loop. Wrap the line around the bolt snap above the trigger, and feed it back through the gate. The spool will dangle, and remain securely fastened. When deploying, unclip the bolt snap, and the looped line will automatically be pulled back out of the hole when you inflate the dSMB.

[@godiveph1287]

Hey, thanks for your insightful and valuable comments. Yes, one sided stitching results in issues on the unstitch side. What DSMB do you use and where did you get it? The Halcyon is a good DSMB since it has the one way metal dual inflator (for oral and LPI), Metal d-ring, good size OPV, BUT only stitched on one side and pin holes develop on the unstitched side. Your other comments are spot on. Thanks again for sharing.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

@@godiveph1287 I carry two Apeks dSMB's, an orange and a yellow one. I got them at my LDS.

[@davidelkins8450]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@donmeyers3090]

How much alcohol was involved in selecting the music for this otherwise excellent video?

[@tiny_toilet]

Why the hate? Absolutely boppin' tune.

[@fearlessnomad5311]

This comment aged well. Can't take feedback from a person named "tiny toilet" seriously. The music is trash.

[@seikibrian8641]

In the underwater sequence you are holding the spool in your left hand. I believe that a better practice is to hold it in your right hand, leaving your left hand free to make buoyancy adjustments if needed.

[@jonnieinbangkok]

Not bad... I would attach the bolt-snap onto the spool line rather than the D-ring, then it's already in placey and ready to secure onto the spool after the DSMB has been deployed.

[@philmannino4567]

Great video thx for sharing

[@godiveph1287]

Thanks for watching!

[@HarveyCohen]

1) Keeping horizontal trim while ascending makes it hard to see where you're going. 2) IMHO carrying the rig with the bolt snap through a hole in the spool is a bad idea. The bolt snap can rotate so that the spool pushes open the trigger, which can cause one or more turns of line to unspool and create a fouling hazard or even allow the whole spool to float away. (Ask me how I know 😞)

[@godiveph1287]

Hi, thank you for watching and for your comments. Vertical or Horizontal trim is fine. The advantage of Horizontal Trim is your lungs is flat at the deco stop depth (optimal for off gassing) and you can quickly swim to assist a buddy since you are already in horizontal trim. On the DSMB unspooling accidentally, you are correct that the bolt snap can rotate open the double ender gate. The best way is to keep the DSMB package in your dry suit pocket or Tec shorts pocket. I always encourage my students to invest in a Tec shorts and to keep their DSMB in the pocket.

[@CrazyScubaCouple]

@@godiveph1287 you can always use the double ender correctly regardless of pants or dring...

[@chopper6619]

Thank u so muchh

[@dejavu2706]

Thank you

[@godiveph1287]

Hi, I’m glad you found the video helpful. Please share with your friends. It would help the channel if they could like and subscribe. Thank you!

[@terrywhelan8224]

Good instructional video. only problem I have not found a supplier for the Dual -One Way Inflator anywhere ?

[@godiveph1287]

Thanks for the kind words. Pls consider subscribing for more videos like this. If you’re in the USA, you can get the @Halcyon DSMB from @extremeexposure.

[@terrywhelan8224]

@@godiveph1287 Hi just a further update . I purchased a mini dsmb ddy and followed your set up when diving Coniston Lake in The Lake District England today . All worked fine . my dive buddy of over20 years will now use the L release from now . we mostly dive in the cold waters of the UK so dive in dry suits at all times even with 3mm gloves no problem deploying DSMB . Thanks again

[@godiveph1287]

Glad to know it all worked out :). Feel free to ask if you have any questions or suggestions.

[@TheSmileyTek]

Well shoot. Guess the 6 footer I bought was overkill.. Ah well, we'll see how it goes when I test it out this weekend

[@godiveph1287]

Thank you for your comments. You can still use the 6 footer but take extra care. You will have to inflate it with several breaths depending on your depth, or use a spare LPI or your backup regulator if it’s an open ended DSMB. The moment of inflation and release is called the “danger zone”. This is usually when DSMB accidents happen due to accidental excessive inflation leading to large dangerous uncontrolled buoyancy changes or worse, entanglement with your reg or gear and a free rocket ride to the surface. Excessive inflation occurs when using a reg that can accidentally freeflow when tilted up and more so when using an LPI (try it on the surface and you’ll be shock to see how fast the DSMB inflates when using a LPI. An Inflated DSMB is a loaded gun and can kill you if improperly handled. A 3.3 feet (1 meter) DSMB is the best as it is safer and easier to deploy, usually with a single breath or less depending on depth. I’ve seen many folks get into trouble while deploying a 6 footer underwater. That said, I also carry a 6 footer BUT it is folded and packed between my backplate and wing. I only pull it out and inflate it AT THE SURFACE and only if I need to in case of emergency. You can go all out and overinflate a 6 footer on the surface without the risks inherent in doing the same underwater. For all underwater deployments, I use a 1 meter DSMB as described in the video. This is what I teach my students. 90% of my dives are in open wavy ocean. Others will say that you need to use a 6 footer in these conditions as it will be better seen. Not true. A 3.3 feet, 1 meter DSMB is plenty even in rough seas. If the seas are too rough and waves too high that you need a 6 footer, you shouldn’t be diving these conditions in the first place. I hope this helps. Please like and subscribe and share this video and comments with your friends. It’s my small contribution to the safety and enjoyment of every diver. Thank you.

[@TheSmileyTek]

@@godiveph1287 OK, thanks for the info. I'll keep it on me for surface use. My son and I are beginners, and I'm all about being super safe, and doing everything by the book. I'll carry the 6 footer for surface only, until the 3 footer is delivered. Then I'll practice deploying the smaller one around 15ft, after shallow dives. Thanks again.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

@@godiveph1287 The amount of breaths it takes to fully inflate the dSMB is dependent on the volume (not just the length), and at what depth you're deploying the dSMB. If you're deploying the dSMB from 10m, you only need to fill it up halfway. The gas will expand as the dSMB shoots to the surface, fully inflating the dSMB. You can have a taller dSMB than 1m, as long as it's skinny enough. A skinny dSMB is easy to keep upright. A wide dSMB isn't. I have a 1.4m dSMB that I can fill with a single lungful at the surface. From a safety stop at 5m I only need to fill it 2/3rds of the way.

[@godiveph1287]

DSMB Basics: How To Choose, Setup, Deploy & Ascend | Scuba Diving. In this video, we will outline the 7 essential features of a good Delayed Surface Market Buoy (DSMB) system. We will also show you how to set up the DSMB "package" (DSMB, Spool, Line, Double Ender), how to deploy a DSMB underwater and how to ascend properly with a deployed DSMB. Deploying a DSMB properly underwater in good trim and neutral buoyancy while holding a fixed position is the mark of any good diver. It can be a challenging skill to master but it's worth every effort put into it as it can help you get out of difficult situations. I tell my students to never dive without a DSMB as all of our dives are in open water.

[@SamanthaCoolBeans]

Yknow what they say, That’s one way to do it 🙃

[@godiveph1287]

Happy to know of other ways to do it :).

[@Broughden]

Only having a 1m long DSMB is next to useless. You want something larger so it can be viewed by your dive boat, and any other boat traffic in the area, especially when there is surface chop.

[@mikesimpson3220]

Should not hook snap ring directly to spoil. Instead, thread several inches of loop/line through hole, hook snap to line, make two loops around stem of snap and hook to snap a second time. Spool floats freely, won’t bind or break the spool or snap ring. Should also make a loop along the side of the large loop so you can grab and pull it free when wearing gloves.

[@cleanlife1305]

Do you still have the spool line attached to the ring on the DSMB?

[@mrandmrsstallings4471]

Suppose it depends where you dive but I wouldn't use less than a 5' SMB and prefer 6' for visibility with various wave/swells and weather conditions

[@godiveph1287]

Hi, thank you for watching and for your comments. While 5’ or 6’ DSMBs are excellent for surface deployment, they’re not ideal for underwater deployment. Here’s why: larger DSMBs require more gas to inflate properly, which means using your regulator or LPI. This can lead to potential errors, as even the best regulators can free flow when inverted, and there’s a risk of entanglement. I always carry two DSMBs-a 3.3’ and a 5’. The smaller DSMB allows for quick, easy, and precise deployment underwater since it’s done orally. Upon reaching the surface, if the boat is too far or not visible, I then deploy the larger DSMB. When diving in remote open waters, having two DSMBs can make a significant difference.

[@mrandmrsstallings4471]

@godiveph1287 Sure, a larger smb would have more volume and would require more air, but I'm not sure how it could impact entanglement risk. Like all things, training is crucial, and spool/reel skills are vitally important. In regards to the more air, it really depends on the depth you deploy, as a few exhales at 65' -100' quickly expands by 3-4x. I use my 6' regularly and have never had an issue, but I could see someone having never trained struggling, but I've also seen students struggle with 3' smb, I think the extra visibility that a 6' provides is worth the extra bit of training. I, too, carry 2 SMB's, one for emergencies and another for ascending. I totally agree that inflating both would be way to go. Depending on location and situation I'd probably pop on my Nautilus radio too and if appropriate my Garmin SOS. It's all about the redundancies. I agree a 3' could have it's place like diving Cozumel, but bigger is better for Atlantic and Pacific in my experience. Another thing worth noting is locals with normally mild currents can flip and turn a lazy day into a driftastic thrill ride. Again, why I'd opt for something larger. In any event, thanks for the reply. For reference, I had 3' SMBs 15 or so years ago and had a calm dive turn drift, has to ascend with buddy and no boat in sight. Had 2 SMBs deployed and boat operators didn't see them. Had a bit of luck and ended up getting a ride from a local. Tossed the 3' in bin and ordered Nautilus when I got home, lol.

[@godiveph1287]

@@mrandmrsstallings4471 Thank you for your thorough and thoughtful reply. I do appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

[@jeremyhill2243]

I would’ve made it much simpler than this

[@tekksavvy2242]

!

[@tamerkhalil2751]

Excellent video and very easy to follow. Perfect demonstration. Thanks

[@filippodominici8746]

Must see up US if there Is some things ,

[@godiveph1287]

Hello, thank you for watching and for your comments. There are only 2 situations when you have to look up before deploying a DSMB. First is when you hear sounds of a boat engine. Second is when you are in a heavy boat traffic area. In all other cases, there is NO need to add an additional step of looking up when you have to quickly deploy. Why? 1) Currents. In most cases, the DSMB will not shoot up vertically, rather it will be at a diagonal of a rectangle. Currents on the surface moves faster than at depth. The DSMB will be several meters away from your vertical point. 2) Visibility. If vertical viz is less than 3 meters, looking up is pointless as you can’t see the surface. This is more pronounced if you Tech dive and shoot the DSMB at the first deco stop (eg 21 meters). The risk a deployed 1 meter DSMB hitting a diver or a boat and causing damage is extremely rare and unheard of. Furthermore, the spool is never clipped to your BC, so if the DSMB get’s dragged, let go of the spool. If additional steps in a process adds no value (eg. looking up before deployment), there is no need to do it. Simplicity enhances effectiveness and safety.

[@aliasincognito0]

@@godiveph1287 for other divers or large, slow moving marine life.

[@CrazyScubaCouple]

you will lose it if you stow it with the double ender clipped on the spool like that... here is what happens, and also how to stop it from happening kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaOxnJl7q9Slg5o downvoted video, if you're gonna make a guide make sure you're doing it right.

[@blackr2d]

I wanted to comment on the same. What is rather irritating is you can see when he tries different angles (gingerly) and as the edge of the spool comes close to the gap in the gate HE REALISES WHAT WILL HAPPEN and changes the angle to the safe one quickly. I don't get it - he knows it will fail, why make such tricks? Thank you for the link.