What is a DSMB in diving?
A delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB), decompression buoy, or deco buoy is an inflatable buoy which can be deployed while the diver is submerged and generally only towards the end of the dive. A delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB), decompression buoy, or deco buoy is an inflatable buoy which can be deployed while the diver is submerged and generally only towards the end of the dive.A Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) is usually used at the end of the dive (that’s why it’s called delayed) to mark your location underwater. They are usually deployed during the safety stop, while an SMB can be used throughout the dive and towed along on the surface. Both are deployed in the same way.On the other hand, a Delayed Surface Marker Buoy, or DSMB, is an inflatable buoy used to mark your location while submerged. It is deployed at the end of the dive, typically during ascent or on the safety stop. DSMBs are larger and more visible than SMBs and often come with a reel for easier deployment and retrieval.Lastly, diving DSMBs are designed to be deployed underwater using a spool or reel and are primarily used for marking a safety stop or decompression. Regardless of the type, SMBs and DSMBs are essential tools for any scuba diver who wants to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.DSMBs can help surface support personnel and other boats locate divers on the surface. SURFACE MARKER BUOYS (SMBS) AND DELAYED SURFACE MARKER BUOYS (DSMBS) are common and essential safety devices.
Do I need a DSMB?
As a general guideline, DSMBs are needed for clinical trials of diseases with high mortality or morbidity, for clinical trials involving high risks, and for large, multicenter clinical trials. A DSMB monitors the safety of study participants and the effectiveness of the study investigational therapy during a clinical trial. Members of the disease community are often a member of a DSMB for a clinical trial for their disorder.A DSMB monitors the safety of study participants and the effectiveness of the study investigational therapy during a clinical trial. Members of the disease community are often a member of a DSMB for a clinical trial for their disorder.Once a study is implemented, the DSMB should convene as often as necessary, but at least once annually, to examine the accumulated safety and enrollment data, review study progress, and discuss other factors (internal or external to the study) that might impact continuation of the study as designed.Key Differences: Terminology and Usage: A DMC is more commonly used in Europe and in some specific organisations. It emphasises the committee’s broader role in monitoring data, including efficacy and safety. A DSMB more commonly used in the United States, especially by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).As a general rule, DSMBs are necessary for clinical trials involving diseases with high mortality or morbidity, high risk interventions, and large, multicenter trials.
When to use a DSMB?
Divers most often use them as signaling devices to mark their locations below the surface and alert boat traffic. Technical divers may use a DSMB as an upline to fulfill their decompression obligations. Some divers designate specific DSMB colors to communicate different messages to surface support personnel. This practice is most common in technical diving. For example, an orange DSMB may communicate that all divers are accounted for and okay, and a yellow DSMB may communicate some emergency.
What is the main priority for a DSMB?
DSMBs are responsible for assessing the progress of the trial, the safety data and the critical efficacy endpoints. The priority of a DSMB is the participants’ safety. Composition of DSMB A DSMB typically consists of members with diverse expertise, including medical doctors, biostatisticians, clinical trial methodologists, and bioethicists. They are selected based on their expertise, independence from the trial Sponsor, and their ability to provide unbiased assessments.Data and Safety Monitoring Board or Committee Members The DSMB/C should include experts from relevant medical and scientific specialties and biostatisticians. This may include bioethicists, epidemiologists, and basic scientists.In general, the DSMB voting members are appointed by the clinical trial sponsor or by the Principal Investigator. A DMSB may have as few as three voting members; however, the number of members and the specific composition of the Board will depend on the type and complexity of the clinical trial.The Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) is an independent group of experts that advises NIDCR. The members of the DSMB serve in an individual capacity and provide their expertise and recommendations.
How to choose DSMB?
DSMBs can be deployed while submerged, so the most important rule when choosing a DSMB is to verify that there is enough line on the reel or spool to enable the buoy to reach the surface. Once deployed, the reel or spool can serve as a depth reference point for team members as they make safety or decompression stops. Choosing between an SMB or DSMB SMB is deployed at the surface and can be towed during the dive, while DSMB is only deployed at the end of the dive, on the ascent, or during the safety stop. Type of Diving: SMB is better for drift diving when divers need to be monitored and followed by the dive boat.A Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) is usually used at the end of the dive (that’s why it’s called delayed) to mark your location underwater. They are usually deployed during the safety stop, while an SMB can be used throughout the dive and towed along on the surface. Both are deployed in the same way.