The PADI Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) Diver specialty is designed to help certified divers develop one of the most important safety skills in modern diving. DSMBs are widely used to signal a diver’s position to boats and surface support, especially during drift dives, open water ascents, and blue-water environments.

In this course, you’ll learn how to properly prepare, deploy, and manage a DSMB during ascent while maintaining buoyancy and situational awareness. Emphasis is placed on calm, controlled technique and avoiding common mistakes such as entanglement or uncontrolled ascents.

At Space City Dive Center, DSMB Diver training emphasizes real-world application and conservative practices. Whether you’re diving from boats, drifting in current, or preparing for advanced training, this specialty builds confidence and safety on every dive.

What You’ll Learn

• DSMB equipment types and proper setup
• Controlled DSMB deployment techniques
• Buoyancy and ascent control during deployment
• Line management and entanglement prevention
• Surface signaling and diver visibility procedures

Course Structure

• Time Commitment: Can be completed in one day
• eLearning: Completed at your own pace
• Open Water: 2 dives

Who This Course Is For

DSMB Diver is ideal for certified divers who regularly dive from boats, drift dive, or want to improve surface signaling and ascent safety. It’s also a great skill-building specialty for divers progressing toward Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, or professional-level training.

Prerequisites

• Minimum Age: 12
• Minimum Certification Level: Open Water Diver

Equipment Requirements

• Space City Dive Center provides all major scuba equipment, including BCD, regulator, dive computer, exposure protection, tanks, and weights.
• Students are required to provide their own personal gear, including mask, snorkel, fins, and boots. Rental packages are available if needed.
• Students are required to have a DSMB and spool or reel for the course. If you do not already own one, options are available for purchase or use during training.

What’s Included

• PADI DSMB Diver eLearning
• Instructor-led open water training
• Use of provided scuba equipment
• DSMB Diver certification upon completion

Lake or boat entry fees, when applicable, are not included.