When Should You Use a Surface Marker Buoy
Aid to Ascent
Divers can use an SMB as a personal flotation device, allowing them to have a slower and more controlled ascent from underwater. They can inflate their SMBs using their mouths or regulators and use them to bring themselves up to the surface slowly and safely. These devices are especially useful when there are strong down currents.
Indicating Emergencies
Deploying SMBs quickly during emergencies is vital so that people at the surface can quickly respond. Divers can use color-coded SMBs to show what kind of emergency is happening and alert the people at the surface accordingly.
Indicating Pick-Ups after Drift Diving
Drift diving, or diving by going with the flow of the currents, is a fun but risky activity. Using SMBs when drift diving to let people know that you're ready to be picked up is essential so that you don't stray too far from your dive crew.
Using them as Markers
SMBs can be used to mark your location in featureless areas, open water, or when you're lost. If you feel disoriented or get separated from your group, you can deploy your SMB to lead others to your rescue.
Marker in Shared Areas
Since the ocean is a vast area, it will often have common areas that fishers, surfers, boats, and other divers will frequent. Deploying your SMBs when diving in these shared areas is a useful way to let others know of your location or position and prevent accidents from occurring.