Ever have an SMB fail?

JWard:

So I was diving Table Rock Lake in Missouri a few weeks ago. I inflated an SMB at abour 65 ffw and let it run to the surface on my cavern reel. I was going to follow it up but it didn't have any bouyancy.

After I retrieved it I found it had split on the seam, about a 4" tear. This was about 3" below the top, so it retained just enough air to not come falling down.

The SMB I think is from Dive Rite. I have 2 nearly identical ones, and I'm not sure if it's the Dive Rite one or not. It is about 5' tall.

I have used this SMB for a few years now and inflated it at this depth before. I guess I just gave it a little to big of a breath!

I see there are a few SMBs out there with an over-pressure valve. Guess it's time to order one!

Anyone else ever explode an SMB?

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NorthWoodsDiver:

There is a big difference between a "safety sausage" which is designed for use only on the surface and a "surface marker" which can be deployed from depth.

The later has a OPV. I have never seen a Dive Rite one that didn't have an OPV but that doesn't mean they didn't ever make them.

here are some examples of buoys that are not approved for launching from depth:

Akona Safety Tube Hi-Viz Yellow

Dive Signal 45" Tube with Inflator

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JWard:

Hrmmm - the SMB in the second link looks VERY familiar.

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