A Surface Marker Buoy, also known as an SMB or safety sausage is an essential piece of kit for the safety conscious diver.

There are several types of surface marker buoys on the market including the open ended and self-sealing.  Scuba Cat has for several years, stocked a range from the Company “Surface Marker”. Udo Hartig, a diver himself, for optimum visibility, durability and ease of use, has designed this particular range.  It is a range that has proved popular amongst professionals and recreational divers.

"Surface marker"

An SMB is highly recommended in areas where there is boat traffic. The deployment signals to the boat Captain that there are divers completing a safety stop (5metres for 3 minutes) and are about to surface.  Deployment will also aid divers as it can be used as a reference to maintain the correct depth whilst on the safety stop.  An SMB is also essential when drift diving as it enables the boat crew to track the divers in a current.  Should the diver surface away from the boat the use of an SMB will minimize the wait on the surface, particularly in poor conditions such as high waves and poor light conditions. After all, it is so much easier to see a brightly coloured SMB at distance as opposed to a small head in a large ocean!!

Surface Marker have produced two open ended SMB’s that are compact and come complete with a carry pouch that can easily be attached to the BCD. The SMB’s are made from very durable 210D Nylon and are dual coloured, orange one side and neon yellow on the other. This is the best colour combination for a recreational diver. The orange is bright in strong sunlight and significant glare, whereas the neon yellow is excellent for diminishing light conditions. They also have “Diver Below” written in bold letters. The open-ended SMB’s come in two sizes 145cm and 175cm. The latter is a deluxe model and also has a reflective strip, which increases the visibility of the diver.

"Surface Marker"

The one component that sets these buoys apart from other products on the market is the innovative Webbing Deployment System in also known as WDS. This system is simple to use and minimizes risk of entanglement, which is common when SMB’s are used with string. The webbing system folds neatly and is secured with a small bungee cord. As the SMB goes to the surface the webbing unravels easily and it can be effortlessly gathered on ascent.  This particular system eliminates the use of a reel, which can be daunting for some divers. It is definitely a simplistic system that is proven to work. The ideal depth to release the SMB is at 5.5m, which is ideal for the safety stop. The diver can easily maintain contact with the webbing by using the stainless steel thumb ring. This can easily be released should the need arise.

The Surface Marker Pro is a self-sealing SMB, which is commonly used by professionals and technical divers. These buoys are designed to be inflated at depth. The self-sealing internal baffle ensures that the SMB remains fully inflated on the surface. Self-sealing SMBs are fitted with an over pressure release valve, which allows expanding air to escape as it ascends. This particular SMB comes in three colour combinations that cover all requirements. Technical divers on ascent and decompression stops normally use the orange. This colour signifies that all is well. However, should a problem arise then a technical diver will deploy neon yellow which indicates to the surface support that a problem has arisen and that maybe immediate assistance is required. It is also possible to attach a diver’s slate to the SMB, so communication with the surface is possible.   Instructors tend to favour the dual coloured SMB, which offers optimum visibility in all surface conditions. The range of self sealing SMBs are also furnished with the highly visible SOLAS tape and an attachment for strobes or a cyalume stick.

It is possible to encounter problems when deploying an SMB.  One problem that may arise is a jamming reel when using a self-sealing SMB, which does not have the WDS system.  It helps to have a simple reel or use a finger reel that will not jam.  Surface Marker has finger reels available that will fit snugly into the carry pouch of the SMB, which reduces the bulk of equipment.  The finger reels come complete with 30m of line, a stainless steel double ended snap hook and a thermoplastic spool for durability. When using any reel system be mindful of the possibility of entanglement and do not attach the reel to diver. If the SMB is dragged for any reason and you are attached then a rapid ascent may result.

"Finger Spool"

When inflating the SMB it is recommended to keep your regulator in your mouth at all times. If you use the primary air source and problems enfold then it is difficult to resolve them. It is important to remain calm and in control. When inflating the SMB it is advisable to use one of two methods. Firstly, the alternative air source can be held under the open end of the buoy and air can be purged inside. However, be mindful that in cold conditions this may result in a free flow. The second method of inflation is open the buoy above the primary demand valve and exhale allowing the air to enter the SMB.

"Thank you"

Surface Marker also supply 25kg and 65kg lift bags. Scuba Cat has been loaned several by Surface Marker for use on the clean-up events that are held at least bi-annually. The main events are Earth Day and International Clean-Up. The latter event is a extended to a weekend accommodating participants on one of the two liveaboards, MV Scuba Cat and MV Scuba Adventure.  The loan of the lift bags has proved invaluable over the years for lifting various objects varying in size. They are also ideal for marking objects that need lifting on subsequent dives. The lift bags are available in orange and neon yellow and are made from the very durable 210D Nylon, the same material as the SMB’s. The bags are furnished with a top handle and dump valve, which allows the diver to make a controlled ascent rate when surfacing. They also have a strong stainless steel ring for attaching rope. The self-sealing system ensures that the lift bag will remain inflated on the surface.

One of the latest products is the signal mirror. This is compact and can easily be slipped into a BCD pocket. Should you find yourself in the daunting position of not being seen by a boat the mirror comes into it’s own. The unique feature of the mirror is that it can be directed at a specific target and can be visible for 32km!!!!! You could even signal to a passing aircraft…

"Signal Mirror"

Signalling devices are a must. If you would like to become more confident deploying an SMB then why not do the Distinctive SMB Deployment Speciality or The Drift Diver Speciality.

Search and Recovery is the ideal Speciality if you would like to learn how to use lift bags.

Similan National Park

The Similan Islands National Park is world famous for white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, beautiful sunsets and amazing huge boulder formations. Here you will find some of the most amazing natural scenery Thailand had to offer.

"Donald Duck Bay"

They are easily the best dive sites Thailand has to offer and very rank high in must visit list of Dive Sites in the world.

MV Scuba Cat Live aboard cruises around these Islands for 6 months of the year allowing divers of any level and snorkelers to take in this amazing beauty in one of the most relaxed atmospheres of all liveaboards in the Similans. She has a unique liveaboard schedule allowing a stay from 2 days 1 night, with a maximum of 20 customers staying on board. We are proud to have so many customers who come back to us year after year – I am sure you will agree after a trip on board.

"The Cat"

Rob Fraser-Thomson is one of our many repeat customers’ with Scuba Cat Diving.

“I started diving in Thailand in 1999 whilst doing my IDC with a company based in Kata. It wasn’t for another 2 years that I returned to Phuket after working in Italy. I had heard good things about a company called “Scuba Cat Diving”, during the IDC from other students and other divers, so decided to book my trip with them.

The MV Scuba Cat is based in Simians during the high season, a spectacular group of islands north west of Phuket. Unlike other liveaboards, the boat is permanently based in the islands, customers are carried to the liveaboard via minibus and speedboat, the Similans are a long way from the mainland so this saves much time. You can be diving within 30 minutes of arriving on the boat, after the boat and dive briefing off course.

I have heard people mention that the transfer takes a long time but most the other dive companies take longer to sail from the mainland, the Similans are far out to sea and a world-class dive site.

During the low season the MV SCUBA CAT is based at Racha Yai, a group off islands south of Phuket, it is usually quieter at this time of the year but the diving is just as good. If you have a good eye, this area is rich in the smaller species you don’t spot in the Similans.

"The View during low season"

Captain Min and his crew are always a bonus being very helpful to new divers on the boat and the old ones! The dive guides are very competent and professional, the only problem I have ever had was with triggerfish.

I still try to do 2 trips a year on the MV Scuba Cat, both to the Similans and Racha Yai. Although I have been on MV Scuba Fun day trips and MV Scuba Adventure, I prefer the MV Scuba Cat with its large dive deck and open plan design.

10 trips and 500 dives later, having seen many other companies and their boats, Scuba Cat is the only company who I would book with and I have no intention of changing.”

"Rob"

5 days and counting……………………See you again next week

Manta Rays have to be one of the most spectacular and majestic creatures in the ocean.  Sighting this magnificent ray is often a highlight in a diver’s experience.  In Thailand, we have one of the few populations of Giant Mantas in the world. There are several sites that they can be seen on a regular basis and these are only accessible by liveaboards.

"Giant Manta Ray"

Scuba Adventure’s program maximises the chance of seeing mantas.

Scuba Adventure

The sites include Hin Daeng and Hin Muang on the Southern itinerary and Koh Bon and Koh Tachai on the Northern  itinerary.  Last high season was spectacular on the Southern sites.  Normally, mantas are seen on the Southern sites in April and May, but we had them for the whole season. We couldn’t believe our luck when on the first trip of the season we had 3 mantas on the first dive on Hin Daeng and the second dive we had 6!!!!!! That wasn’t sightings, but mantas!!!

Manta Madness

Mantas have their unique markings. The black and white on their underside is how mantas are identified.  We were so lucky as mantas were seen on virtually every trip much to the excitement of the customers. There was one trip where not only  the customers were diving they were able to snorkel with the mantas too.

A truly amazing experience for everyone on board.

Receive 15% discount on trips for 2010/2011 if booked and paid for in full by the end of October 2010

This offer includes all trips on MV Scuba Adventure to the Similans, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richilieu Rock

contact info@scubacat.com for more information