PADI Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) Specialty

Mark Your Spot. Dive Safely. Surface Confidently.

The PADI DSMB Specialty course teaches divers how to deploy and use a Delayed Surface Marker Buoy—a vital tool for signaling your position to boats or dive support while ascending safely from a dive. Whether you’re exploring reefs, wrecks, or deeper dive sites, mastering DSMB skills enhances your safety and confidence underwater.

Through classroom instruction, confined water practice, and guided open water dives, you’ll learn the techniques needed to inflate and deploy a DSMB accurately, manage your buoyancy during deployment, and communicate effectively with your dive team.

What You’ll Learn

Proper selection, preparation, and handling of a DSMB

Techniques for deploying a DSMB from depth

Using a reel or spool for controlled ascent

Safety procedures and emergency considerations

Effective underwater communication with your dive buddy

Why Take This Course

Improve your dive safety and emergency preparedness

Gain confidence deploying a DSMB in real diving conditions

Learn essential skills for deeper, drift, or boat dives

Enhance communication and coordination with your dive team

Who Can Take This Course

PADI Advanced Open Water Divers or equivalent

Minimum age: 12 years old

Divers who want to improve their safety and surface signaling skills

Dive with Confidence

The PADI DSMB Specialty course is perfect for divers who want to enhance safety, improve ascent techniques, and confidently mark their position on the surface. Mastering the DSMB is a small skill with a big impact on safe, enjoyable diving.

Signal clearly. Surface safely. Dive confidently.