Halcyon: DIR Information and FAQs

How do I deploy a lift bag or surface marker using a spool?

Proper trim and buoyancy is an essential part of any dive. It becomes critical during the final phase of the dive, facilitating effortless ascent procedures and effective decompression.

In many diving scenarios, surface markers can be utilized in the event of an emergency, or in order to maintain communication with the surface contingent of the team while divers are decompressing. A dive team must be able to deploy any one of several inflatable surface markers with ease.

Whether stranded adrift in the ocean or in need of a way to signal or be tracked by a dive boat, Halcyon has a solution for you. From our small surface signaling devices to our full six foot divers life raft, we have an array of sturdy and reliable life support devices designed to inflate with ease via a standard SCUBA low pressure inflator fitting.

The closed circuit design
While maintaining neutral buoyancy and horizontal trim, divers can easily deploy a closed circuit surface marker utilizing a standard SCUBA low-pressure inflator hose. Prior to reaching an appropriate depth for deployment, unplug the low-pressure inflator hose you intend to use and remove the marker from the MC Storage Pack.

During an ascent, the need for addition of gas to the dry suit or wing is rare, leaving the low-pressure inflator easily available for brief, effortless, marker inflation. With the marker below the diver's chest, a small amount of maneuvering gas is added to unfold or straighten out the marker and allows it to be more easily controlled. This can be done either orally or with a small "shot" of gas added via the inflator hose. Gas addition is accomplished by pushing the inflator hose onto the quick disconnect fitting on the surface marker and holding them together until the desired amount of gas is added. The quick disconnect fitting WILL NOT lock into place.

The marker is then held out in front of the diver at arms length. With the free hand, unclip a spool and slip the looped end of the line through the eye of the stainless steel bolt snap at the bottom of the marker. Pass the spool through the loop, thus securing it to the marker. Now a final charge of gas appropriate to the depth of release is added and the marker is released. Allow the spool to turn freely while maintaining tension on the line as the marker rises to the surface.

It is important to note that the line is used for reference and is not to hang from. It can be spooled up incrementally and locked down at each decompression stop when used as a free-floating deco station.

Cold Water Tip: For divers wearing thick gloves, simply make an "OK" sign around the line, just above the spool, with the line playing out between the thumb and forefinger of the "OK". The spool will not plummet to the depths; rather it will dance about seeming to hover below your hand, while the marker travels upward.

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