Deploying a Safety Sausage w/ a Reel - Tips?

[JipThePeople]

I know better than to attach the reel to my bcd when I am ready to inflate it, but are there any other tips or perhaps good articles on deploying a safety sausage from a reel. I am headed to Cozumel in a few weeks and this trip I have invested in the DAN Safety Sausage (Dan Signal Tube, Accessories: Signaling, ScubaToys, Dan Signal Tube) to deply while I am doing my safety stop. Since this is all new equipment to me, I am going to a local dive site this weekend to practice! Any feedback is appreciated.

[comet24]

I use a finger spool reel to deploy you sausage. Don't put your finger threw the hole but hold it with your thumb and pointer finger. Doesn't take a lot of air to deploy them. Remember air expands.

If you have never deployed one under water practice before you go. Find out what works for you and what doesn't. Last thing you want is to have to use it for the first time under stress.

[scootermcfly]

Best thing to do is to practice...Last time I did the drill I actually let go of the reel and it stayed right in front of me while the smb headed for the surface. It bounced a bit but never left arms reach. Go out and try it and develop a routine for deploying....I have recently started having a buddy grab mine and deploy it just for practice...I dive with my 16 year old nephew and he does not carry one yet.

[mitsuguy]

Originally Posted by scootermcfly

Best thing to do is to practice...Last time I did the drill I actually let go of the reel and it stayed right in front of me while the smb headed for the surface. It bounced a bit but never left arms reach. Go out and try it and develop a routine for deploying....I have recently started having a buddy grab mine and deploy it just for practice...I dive with my 16 year old nephew and he does not carry one yet.

It is weird the first couple times... You have to have this delicate balance between getting enough air in the sausage fast enough so that its full when it hits the surface, and not letting it drag you up with it... Takes a little practice, but I had it down by the third try... It's actually easier the deeper you are - less air is required... Some people vent from their bc into the sausage to start - that works, but is one more step that I bypass without problems...

As far as the reel, if you have a plastic spool without a gate on it, as soon as you let go of the SMB, let go of the reel as well, it will float in front of you as it spins, just be ready to grab it so it doesn't unspool too much... if you have a metal reel / spool, do not drop it, but let it unspool quickly so it doesn't pull you up with it...

[buddhasummer]

There are a couple of good vids on Deploying an SMB on YouTube I cant find the link at the mo but do a search and you should find them, once youve practised a few times not so difficult.

Type in this in the search box "How to deploy SMB w/ spool at depth?" it has some good info and a couple of links to some YouTube videos that are also quite good. Hope this helps, Good luck.

[oddbod]

Try practicing using the air out of your BC via it's inflator, that way you're bouyancy does not alter till you let go of the SMB giving you more time to get organised.

[WV Diver]

What are the best SMB to shoot from depth? I am going to get one soon and want something that will stand up when it hits the surface without deflating, and prefer something that can be used as both a SMB and about a 50lb lift bag. Any suggestions.

OP, here is a video to help you.

Dive Tek Images

[Splitlip]

Jip Tip...
When using a reel be sure the break/ratchet is is free for the spool to spin or you will lose the reel. However, keep a thumb on the spinning spool so it does not bird nest. IMO, a simple delrin spool is easier and more compact for reasons previously stated.

WV. Something like the DR or OMS with the semi closed orafice and no oral inflator. These openings are big and easier to inflate with a second stage. Also without an oral inflator they pack and stow better.
To use at the surface just blow in them like you are blowing up a paper bag.

[terrillja]

My advice- Get a what works, works spreel. It is a combination reel/spool, and it makes shooting bags so easy...

Videos:
YouTube - divegear's Channel

[WaScubaDude]

It is really not that easy.
First, do practice on land. Just getting the logistics down. How to hold the bag, how to hold the spool etc.

Second practice a few time in really shallow water, say around 10 feet. The bag will not inflate much at all but the ride you might take will be short.
Third, shoot the bag from 40ft or more. I do it at the end of the bottom dive when we signal (up to the 20ft safety stop) When deep it only takes a small bit of air and gives you a few more seconds to let the reel loose enough to spin freely. And at the surface the SMB should be nice and full. Now just reel in the line on the spool till you come to the 20ft mark you already put on the line. Hang like a pro for 3 or 5 minutes.

There are some very important distinctions in inflaty things. I will find my old thread that describes them in detail, But know if you want to shoot a bag from underwater it needs to have an easy opening to inflate into as well as some method of purging excess air so it don't blow up. The cheapest ones do not. OMS, DAN and others $50 or more all do.

I got mine last year and used it this Febuary in Cozumel and was really glad I had it. Surfaced alone twice in 2-3 foot swells with plenty of boat traffic.
Also show your DM and Captain what your SMB looks like and let them know if you intend to deploy on a dive.

I tried two methods to inflate. Octo and exhale from my mouth. Did not try exhaust from BC, but I usually have very little or no air in my BC at depth.
One method I did not try was tilting my head to the left and using the exhaust T as I exhale. May be the best method, but I will need to be able to do it by feel as it would be hard to keep an eye on the whole operation.

Yet another idea would be an inflator on a wip. I know commercial divers and salvage divers often use them. Easier for sure, but one more failure point.