ooliviaik
Registered
My husband and I recently got open water certified while vacationing in the Riviera Maya. While there, our instructors had what I believe are SMB's (they looked like tall, skinny, orally-inflated flags that rolled up when not in use). They inflated them right after we descended and pulled them along with us as we dove. I assumed that this was so the boat could see where we were to come back and pick us up (there were 2-3 groups on each boat trip diving in different locations). We also had a moderately strong current.
Now that I am reading more, I am getting confused about when to use these SMB's and when to use dive flags. I don't recall reading much about this in my training. I have read several threads, but I keep seeing conflicting information. Some people say it is required to always have a dive flag that you tow along. Others anchor a dive flag and stay close to it. Still others don't use one at all and think they are more dangerous than not using one. As for the SMB's, our instructors had them up the whole time and towed them. On here, though, it seems most people don't always use theirs and only do if they make an unexpected ascent. Others only inflate theirs during the safety stop.
Needless to say, I am confused. When do I use a dive flag and when do I use an SMB? Do I use them the whole time or just part of the dive? Is it different in lakes versus oceans? What about shore diving versus ocean diving? Can an SMB just be used as a dive flag like my instructors did?
Any set of guidelines would help. Thanks!
Now that I am reading more, I am getting confused about when to use these SMB's and when to use dive flags. I don't recall reading much about this in my training. I have read several threads, but I keep seeing conflicting information. Some people say it is required to always have a dive flag that you tow along. Others anchor a dive flag and stay close to it. Still others don't use one at all and think they are more dangerous than not using one. As for the SMB's, our instructors had them up the whole time and towed them. On here, though, it seems most people don't always use theirs and only do if they make an unexpected ascent. Others only inflate theirs during the safety stop.
Needless to say, I am confused. When do I use a dive flag and when do I use an SMB? Do I use them the whole time or just part of the dive? Is it different in lakes versus oceans? What about shore diving versus ocean diving? Can an SMB just be used as a dive flag like my instructors did?
Any set of guidelines would help. Thanks!