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Surface Marker Buoys

Divers using surface marker buoys should clearly label buoys with the full name of their owners. Avoid nicknames as these may not be known to the dive marshal. If using the delayed surface marker buoy for decompression the buoy should be clearly marked with the words "Decompression" in addition to the diver’s name. To avoid confusion it is recommended that the colour of a single DSMB should be orange or red but not yellow.

When carrying two DSMBs on a dive, the general European consensus is that an orange or red buoy is deployed under normal diving conditions. In an emergency, or when assistance is required, a yellow buoy should be deployed.

When using a yellow buoy clearly mark on the buoy the word "Emergency" together with the diver’s name. Once a yellow buoy is seen the support team and or boat can then initiate the standard emergency protocols depending on the situation. When deploying a DSMB from depth, the diver should not attach the reel to their person as they may be carried up by the device if the reel jams. Great care should be taken to avoid entanglement in the line.

(Note for divers traveling internationally: the general European protocols for using orange and yellow buoys differ from the general consensus in North America where the use of yellow and orange DSMBs are reversed, e.g. orange is the emergency colour).

Submitted by Sallie Oakham