If you’re a scuba diver, you know that it can be challenging to communicate with other divers underwater. Aside from needing to get your messages across to other divers through scuba hand signals and underwater writing devices, you’ll also need to get their attention when they’re distracted by something. To make the most out of your dives and avoid potentially life-threatening situations, consider adding any of these popular and efficient underwater signaling devices to your essential scuba diving gear list.
Best Underwater Signaling Devices
”Acou-Stick” Underwater Noise Maker
This fluorescent-green colored rattling device uses patented technology to get your dive buddy’s attention quickly and easily. Unlike other rattling devices, the Acou-Stick Professional Underwater Communicator stays silent while swimming and when stowed in dive gear or luggage. It only works when you want it to. The device is neutrally buoyant, compact (at only 15.24 cm in length), and can be heard up to 100 feet away when shaken. Most importantly, it requires no batteries or maintenance and is virtually indestructible.
H2YO Underwater Noisemaker Rattle
ReefNet’s new H2YO Underwater Noisemaker Rattle is a shaker that emits a loud rattle that can be heard at great distances underwater. According to the manufacturer, the shaker also emits a unique and easily identifiable sound pattern. This becomes very useful when you need to associate your dive buddy with a distinct noise pattern. The device itself is available in several highly visible fluorescent colors and is very compact in size.
Aqua Tank Banger
Scuba divers consider the Aqua Tank Banger the simplest and most reliable attention-getter, even though it’s just a surgical rubber tube with a plastic ball attached. Just stretch it over the base of your scuba cylinder and you’re ready to go. To get someone’s attention underwater, pull the ball from your cylinder and release it to create a loud sound.
Divers make this scuba noise maker from corrosion-free plastic and surgical rubber tubing, and it’s usable by both left and right-handed divers.
Scuba Sonics Aqua Maraca
The Aqua Maraca is compact but engineered to be heard from over 30 feet (9 meters) away. Divers designed it using computer modeling and testing to improve basic underwater communication between two or more divers. Store it in your BCD pocket or attach it to your gear with the slide lock lanyard for easy access. It’s also available in different colors.
XS Scuba Rattle Stick with Clip
The Scuba Rattle Stick is an efficient, affordable, and compact underwater signal device. It measures 5.5 inches and features non-corrosive metal with a built-in clip that prevents detachment when pulled strongly. Shake it and the device makes a nice, loud sound, even underwater. Put the cap on to keep it from making a sound when not in use. Scuba guides and dive masters widely use it to get their buddies’ attention during missions and recreational dives.
