SMB colors

[cbope]

I've read that in certain dive locations the color of the SMB determines whether the diver is simply making a normal deco/safety stop (orange) or has a serious problem (red) and may need extra deco gas or some other assistance. Some of the SMB's I've seen are two-sided red/orange. How then are these used in practice? Or do some of you carry 2 SMB's, one for non-emergencies and the other for emergencies? If an SMB is two-sided, how can the dive boat know which color is "used", since the diver obviously can't control which side of the SMB faces the boat?

I don't have an SMB yet, but am considering which one to buy. I've mostly seen these color references in British mags and online sites, so it seems to be common in the UK. Not sure if it's used in other places.

[cbope]

Edit: Woohoo... 250 posts! ST here I come!

[MSilvia]

Originally Posted by cbope

I've read that in certain dive locations the color of the SMB determines whether the diver is simply making a normal deco/safety stop (orange) or has a serious problem (red) and may need extra deco gas or some other assistance.

That's true, but not standardized. Which color means what, if anything, varies by region, and can often be different on different boats in the same area. Don't count on anyone else recognizing a color as having any particular meaning unless you've discussed it with them prior to the dive.

Originally Posted by cbope

Some of the SMB's I've seen are two-sided red/orange. How then are these used in practice? If an SMB is two-sided, how can the dive boat know which color is "used", since the diver obviously can't control which side of the SMB faces the boat?

They would either be used as a bag that doesn't convey any particular meaning, or you would discuss the meaning you attribute to a 2-color bag with the boat crew. In my opinion, it's a poor choice of bag if you want the color to mean anything other than "Track the location of this bag. A diver is likely to surface here."

Originally Posted by cbope

Or do some of you carry 2 SMB's, one for non-emergencies and the other for emergencies?

Yes, I carry two bags, and will discuss with the crew any particular meaning I want them to convey. Sometimes, yellow might mean "Emergency! Come get the note attached to the bag and take appropriate action" other times, it means my scallop catch is too heavy to lift without a bag.

[plot]

in recreational diving they're mainly used to get someones attention, so they know where you are and will keep track of you. its so your boat can find you and pick you up, and so others dont run over you.

in technical diving scenerios, such as deco, it's something to be discussed with whomever is on the surface tending the dive as to what different markers mean.

[Splitlip]

In recreational scenarios (at least my experience in the tropics) yellow has no significance other than it is better seen at dusk and dawn than orange. Orange is more visible in broad daylight (according to the Captains and I agree). Thus the reason for the 2 colored marker. Best of both worlds.

In some tech ops, yellow is usually reserved for distress or a message. If in doubt, simply get an orange one.

[comet24]

Any meaning to color of a SMB/lift bag should be discussed with the others on the boat/trip before any dives. Different color can have different meanings to different people and different locations. Make sure you include the captain and boat crew in any discussions and decision about color. We all know what happens when we assume something.

[bsktcase93]

i have never heard of that before....is there a standard color for deco/safety stop