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Decompression buoy - why do you need one?

Listen to this article In the course of our development as a diver, sooner or later we will come across equipment such as a decompression buoy. What is it used for? When should we use it? And above all, how should we use it? Decompression buoy is an inseparable element of every dive in the
Published: June 5, 2011 - 21:05
Updated: July 22, 2023 - 13:55
Decompression buoy – why do you need one?
Listen to this article

In the course of our development as a diver, sooner or later we will come across equipment such as a decompression buoy. What is it used for? When should we use it? And above all, how should we use it?

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Decompression buoy is an inseparable element of every dive in the sea and in crowded closed areas. Thanks to it we can significantly increase our safety, and thus our comfort during the dive. However, before we start using it in field conditions, it is worth to practice and get familiar with the specifics of its operation.

Our set consists of 4 elements: a buoy, spoolThe set consists of 4 elements: a buoy, a cord and a double ender which, when properly combined, will form a desired compilation.

What will such a set be used for? Well, its primary task is to signal to others about our presence in the water. It is of fundamental importance for our safety while diving. Otherwise, we could easily be trampled by a passing boat or windsurfing board. On the other hand, if we dive in a different place than planned, thanks to a buoy shot in advance, our support on the surface will be able to come after us and save us from swimming in a buoy. Thanks to it we will also be able to carry out decompression or safety stops easier, that is why, contrary to what the name might suggest, it is used in all kinds of dives, not only decompression ones.

We can divide buoys according to their design and the way they are filled. Depending on where you intend to use it you should choose the model that best meets your expectations in terms of size and weight.

If we travel a lot we should make sure that our buoy is not too big and its weight is as low as possible. Therefore, all buoys with lead elements for sealing and easier opening of the air inlet are definitely not recommended at the start. They simply weigh too much. The same goes for the buoys whose dimensions exceed 100-120 cm. Of course, if we can afford to have a heavy buoy in our equipment, it is worth to think about something longer, in the area of 170-200 cm. It guarantees us better visibility.

As far as the methods of inflation are concerned, we divide the buoys into two basic types. The first of them is the so called duckbill, i.e. an open buoy with a special system blocking the escape of air by the way we let it in. Here we use a special release valve to empty it. We can inflate it using the second stage of the back-up automat or simply inflate it by mouth from the so called bubble. The second way to inflate our “marker” is through a special valve through which we can quickly let in air using an inflator hose or dry suit, using the air from the cylinder. It is best if the buoy has both methods of inflating as then we can choose the easier one.

Regardless of which type of equipment to mark our presence in the water we decide on, we should remember to learn how to use it quickly and efficiently, as it is an indicator of our safety.

Source: own

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About author

Tomasz Andrukajtis
Editor-in-chief of the DIVERS24 portal and magazine. Responsible for obtaining, translating and developing content. He also supervises all publications. Achived his first diving certification – P1 CMAS, in 2000. Has a degree in journalism and social communication. In the diving industry since 2008.
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