What is the importance of a surface marker buoy during limited visibility dives?

The importance of a surface marker buoy during limited visibility dives lies primarily in its function to signal the diver's location to the boat or surface support. When divers are navigating in conditions where visibility is compromised, such as at night or in murky water, the buoy serves as a visual reference point for both the divers and their support team at the surface.

This signaling capability is crucial for safety, as it allows the boat or surface support to track the divers' movements and ensure they can be located and retrieved efficiently. By deploying a buoy, divers communicate their position, helping avoid potential hazards and improving overall coordination between the divers and their support personnel.

Marking the entry point alone does not address the entire range of operational needs during a dive, and while a buoy can provide reference points for divers, its primary benefit is in facilitating communication with surface support. Deterring other boats, although a concern in some scenarios, is not the primary function of a surface marker buoy and may not be necessary during every dive.