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. 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. 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 Advanced Rebreather Diver Dive in silence and train to dive as deep as 40 metres/130 feet. Learn about scrubbers, oxygen consumption and bailout requirements including how to configure a bailout cylinder system. 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 AWARE Shark Conservation Sharks are an essential part of a healthy ocean. This course explores why they are vulnerable, the importance of a healthy shark population, managing threats and how to take action to protect them. Continuing Education Boat Diver This course helps you expand your knowledge about boats from small inflatables to large liveaboards. You'll gain experience scuba diving by completing two dives from a boat. Continuing Education Cavern Diver Gain the knowledge and skills to explore caverns correctly and safely. This course guides you to enter far enough for adventure, but stay within the light zone for an easy exit to open water. Continuing Education Coral Reef Conservation This course helps you appreciate the complexity of coral reef habitats and teaches how you can help conserve these vital systems.