The Surface Marker WDS and Deluxe units are not self-sealing; won’t the air spill out from the opening when I deploy them from my safety stop?
No not when using the WDS, the buoy and Webbing Deployment System (WDS) have been designed in such a manner that: When the buoy is inflated from 5-6m (15-18ft) and released, the weight of the brass snap hook (on the WDS) and the weight of the stainless steel ring on the buoy will always keep the open end of the buoy far enough underwater to ensure that air does not spill from the unit and deflate. On the surface, once the WDS has been secured with the Bungy, you can let go of the whole unit without worrying about the unit deflating; since there is enough weight on the whole WDS to ensure that the opening of the buoy is always submerged even in a swell. Therefore there is no need for an OPV (Over Pressure Valve). By eliminating the need for and OPV the unit is much more compact and easier stow as well as being able to fully deflate the unit in a matter of seconds for stowage. Note: The Surface Marker WDS Buoy was designed for recreational divers doing safety stops and was not designed f
