As we’ve seen in previous posts like Emergency Signaling Devices: Get Noticed in the Water and Must-Have Scuba Diving Safety Gear, Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs) are essential Scuba safety gear. With the increasing number of stories of divers getting left behind by dive boats and surface accidents, we recommend that every diver carry an SMB in their BC pocket and use a surface buoy dive flag to notify boats of the presence of divers in the water.
Here’s a look at some of the best SMBs and surface buoy dive flags available at Scuba.com:
This Dive Signal Tube is made of durable cordura material. It comes in a Hi-Viz Orange Color for easy identification, and the Safety tube wraps up in a compact nylon carry bag to keep it stored and latched until needed. The attachable snap clip makes carrying the bag simple and handy. Signal Tube independently inflates with a screw-down oral inflator mouthpiece to 45″ tall, making it easy to see from a distance.
This 4′ long signal tube can be easily stored in a regular BC pocket and is small enough that there is no reason not to bring it on every dive. When the SMB is inflated, it is long enough to be easily seen from a distance and sturdy enough to stand up to any weather conditions. It is also conveniently labeled with “Diver Below,” so you can send it up to mark your location while making a safety stop. It features an easy-to-use oral inflation valve with a lock to prevent accidental deflation and an over-pressure / dump valve.
A high-visibility signaling device and more. The new Oceanic P.S.D. (Personal Signaling Device) is not only a highly visible signal tube; its patented zipper attachment allows you to quickly secure the tube over your head for hands-free, face-up positive buoyancy.
The DiveAlert SMB (surface marker buoy) features a closed-circuit (one-way valve) construction, which prevents air spills at the surface. It can be inflated at the surface to attract visual attention or as redundant flotation at depth to send up as a surface marker.
The reflective tape across the top of the SMB creates better visibility for day and night diving. In Addition, the Deluxe Version has Safety Orange on one side and Florescent Lime/Yellow on the other side for better visibility.
The horizontal flag mount and inflatable buoy base are easy to use. The 22″ buoy base and weight attachment strap provide excellent stability in rough water or while towing. Deflated, Flag-N-Float stores in your dive bag and sets up quickly. Put a small dive light in the center compartment to illuminate the buoy at night.
Being a safe diver is important. More and more people are boating each year, and there is increased watercraft traffic at our favorite dive sites. This Vinyl inflatable float with a dive flag is compact when deflated yet highly visible when inflated on the surface.
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