PADI Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) Diver
Knowing how to properly deploy a DSMB is essential for UK diving
£269 per person
Learn how to safely deploy a marker buoy
Practice deploying different types of DSMB
Students must be PADI Open Water diver certified or equivalent. You can also complete this course at the same time as PADI Advanced Open Water Diver at a discounted price - to do this go to the linked page and then add PADI DSMB speciality at check-out
Price includes:
All tuition
Course length:
Two dives over one full day
Make sure you bring:
Full equipment including a DSMB and reel or spool (rental equipment is available if you don't yet have your own, please contact us for details)
A DSMB is essential kit
Most UK divers wouldn’t think of diving without carrying a delayed surface marker buoy. Knowing how to properly deploy and manage a DSMB are invaluable skills learned in this course.
Boats and currents are two common factors associated with many dive sites. Boaters don’t always recognise that divers are in the area and current can carry you further than expected. Launching a delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB) before you surface can alert others to your location in advance of your ascent. Adding another layer of safety, you can also use the DSMB line to complete your safety stop, which is advantageous in a current or when there are no other visual references.
What you'll do
Marker buoys serve a range of purposes and you’ll learn about common types of DSMB along with the reels used to control them.
During two training dives, you’ll practice:
Preparing and stowing your DSMB and reel
Deploying the DSMB from a stationary position and from mid-water
Swimming while towing a DSMB and managing the reel and line
Making a safety stop using the DSMB line
Using different types of reels, spools and buoys
The Dive Academy difference
Dive Academy's instructors are committed to ensuring that every course you take gives both great value and prepares you to use the skills you have learned in as many circumstances as possible.
While you'll deploy your own DSMB on the course, we have also invested in training DSMB and we have also curated a collection of different types of DSMB for you to deploy. We'll work with you on trying different deployment methods and we'll teach you to use both reels and spools and give you the opportunity to practice with both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience with scuba diving?
No prior experience with scuba diving is required to take part in our Discover Scuba or Bubblemaker sessions. You do however need to be comfortable in the water.
What do I need to bring?
All equipment is supplied, just bring your swimwear, a towel and a t-shirt you don't mind wearing in the pool under the jacket.
I have a medical condition, can I participate?
You do need to be in reasonable physical health and comfortable in the water. If you have a medical condition then please review 'Can I dive' below. If you require medical sign-off, please obtain this before booking.
Is this a good family experience?
Learning to dive is a great family experience. Discover Scuba is for participants aged 10 and over only. If you would like to include an 8 or 9 year old within your group, please book all participants in for a Bubblemaker session.
I want to learn to dive, is this for me?
Our Discover Scuba and Bubblemaker experiences are a great introduction to scuba diving and will help you to understand if you like scuba diving before committing to a full course. If you have already decided that you'd like to learn to dive, our PADI Open Water Diver course will allow you to become qualified to dive independently to 18 metres with another qualified diver
What's next?
For those aged twelve and above, our Open Water Diver course is the ideal next step. This will qualify you to dive to eighteen metres with another qualified diver. If you want to complete the course in a short period of time, you can book one of our intensive courses over as little as three days, or you can spread it out over a number of weeks.
For those aged 8-11, we recommend PADI Seal Team as the next step. This five lesson course teaches your child basic scuba skills with other children the same age in a swimming pool. Of course, if you're unsure then please ask your Instructor who will be delighted to advise you further.