Home / Education / Courses / Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) Diver
Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) Diver - Specialty Course
Many divers wouldn't think of diving without carrying a delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB, and in some locations it's considered required safety equipment. Knowing how to properly deploy and manage a DSMB are valuable skills learned in this course.
Continuing-Education

Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) Diver

Description

Boats and currents are two common factors associated with many dive sites. Boaters don't always recognize 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. Take this course to learn about all the beneficial uses of a DSMB.

You need to be a PADI Open Water Diver who is at least 12 years old to enroll in the DSMB Diver course.

Instructor with students at a table in a thatch hut.

Academic

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 the 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.

Get credit! The first dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification - ask your instructor about earning credit.

Available Languages

For information on other available languages please contact your PADI Dive Center.

Equipment

Besides your basic scuba equipment, you'll need a DSMB and reel. Your PADI Instructor or local dive center staff will suggest other gear as appropriate.

Getting Started

Visit your local PADI Dive Center and Resort to enroll in the course, and schedule the first class session with your PADI Instructor.

More Courses

Continuing-Education
Drift Diver
Find out what it feels like to fly underwater. Gain the skills you need to dive confidently in a current.
Continuing-Education
Peak Performance Buoyancy
Improve your buoyancy control, dive with less weight and improve air consumption.
Continuing-Education
Digital Underwater Photographer
Capture underwater photos you’ll be proud to share. Learn pro tips that work with any camera.
Continuing-Education
Altitude Diver
Diving in altitudes higher than 300 metres/1000 feet above sea level is altitude diving. Discover a hidden world where only a few have ventured.
Continuing-Education
Dry Suit Diver
Want to dive more places, more often? Learn drysuit diving.
Continuing-Education
Search and Recovery Diver
Help recover lost items. Learn effective underwater search techniques and how to use a lift bag.