Surface marker buoys (SMBs) are simple but effective diving equipment used by both amateur and experienced divers. Also known as diving marker buoys, these safety flotation devices make scuba diving safer as they let people on the surface see the general location of divers from afar.
Since SMBs are safety equipment, they are often numbered and neon-colored to make them easier to spot. These floatation devices are often connected to a diver by a reel to ensure that the diver is directly below the SMB. They should also be easy to inflate.
Having SMBs at your disposal is especially useful during unexpected scenarios like storms, growing underwater currents, and other life-threatening situations. Depending on your particular circumstance or the codes previously arranged by your diving group or crew, surface marker buoys can be utilized to display varying information about divers.
Discussing usage of SMBs before your dive is critical to any diving plan, mainly because there is no universal language for their use in various circumstances.
When Should You Use a Surface Marker Buoy?
As previously mentioned, there is no universal usage for dive marker buoys; however, they do have general uses that are common knowledge among those who frequent deep waters.
Aid to Ascent
Divers can use an SMB as a personal flotation device, allowing them to have a slower and more controlled ascent from underwater. They can inflate their SMBs using their mouths or regulators and use them to bring themselves up to the surface slowly and safely. These devices are especially useful when there are strong down currents.
Indicating Emergencies
Deploying SMBs quickly during emergencies is vital so that people at the surface can quickly respond. Divers can use color-coded SMBs to show what kind of emergency is happening and alert the people at the surface accordingly.
Indicating Pick-Ups after Drift Diving
Drift diving, or diving by going with the flow of the currents, is a fun but risky activity. Using SMBs when drift diving to let people know that you’re ready to be picked up is essential so that you don’t stray too far from your dive crew.
Using them as Markers
SMBs can be used to mark your location in featureless areas, open water, or when you’re lost. If you feel disoriented or get separated from your group, you can deploy your SMB to lead others to your rescue.
Marker in Shared Areas
Since the ocean is a vast area, it will often have common areas that fishers, surfers, boats, and other divers will frequent. Deploying your SMBs when diving in these shared areas is a useful way to let others know of your location or position and prevent accidents from occurring.
Different Types of Surface Marker Buoys
Surface marker buoys and dive markers can come in a wide assortment of brands, sizes, and types. One should know the particular distinctions of each one and understand their functions before using them.
Closed-End Surface Marker Buoy
Close-end SMBs and dive markers are what you may recognize as a simple float tube. This style is excellent for choppier waters that can worsen during the dive. This type of buoy is easy to spot and uses an inlet valve, which ensures they stay inflated for the duration of your dive.
Open-End Surface Marker Buoy
Open-ended surface marker buoys are ultra simple tubes with one open end which stays underwater to prevent air from inside the tube from escaping. Unlike closed-end SMBs, this dive marker is ideal for calmer and more predictable diving conditions.
Delayed Surface Marker Buoy
Delayed SMBs are marker buoys that are deployed from underwater should the situation or emergency require them. These SMBs ensure that a scuba diver won’t become entangled with other SMBs. These emergency marker buoys can be tucked neatly inside your pocket and can be rapidly inflated when necessary. Once fully inflated, these SMBs quickly rise to the surface, marking the position of the diver.
The Best Surface Marker Buoys
- Blue Reef SMB
- Highland XS Scuba Surface Marker Buoy (Orange)
- OMS Surface Marker Buoy (Closed Bottom)
- Dive Alert Deluxe Surface Marker Buoy
- Akona Surface Marker Buoy Safety Tube (Hi-Viz Orange)
- Carter Personal Float
Blue Reef SMB
The Blue Reef SMB is a simple floatation device that divers can use to mark their location during safety stops and decompression checkpoints. This SMB is a 6-feet (1.83m) long signal tube that can be stored easily in your pocket or clipped out of the way on your BCD. Once inflated, the Blue Reef SMB can be seen from a distance and withstand inclement weather conditions.
This Blue Reef signal tube has an easy to use oral inflation valve and a lock for preventing accidental deflation. The SMB is also marked with a reflective “Diver Below” label and comes with a D-ring at its top to attach strobes or chemical lights when used at night. The Blue Reef SMB can also be neatly rolled, clipped onto your bag, or stored when not in use.
Product Features:
- 6” (1.83m) long SMB when fully inflated
- Oral inflation valve with lock
- Comes with a D-Ring for light attachments
- Lightweight & solid construction
- Available in Pink, Hi-Viz Orange, or Neon Yellow
Highland XS Scuba Surface Marker Buoy (Orange)
The XS Scuba Highland SMB is a 10-feet (3 meters) long surface marker buoy that offers superior visibility during dives. This urethane-coated nylon SMB features an oral and BCD quick-disconnect inflator valve for fast and easy inflation. Its anti-spilled baffled bottom will keep the air in, while its built-in overpressure relief valve (OPV) will prevent the SMB from over-pressurizing.
Once fully inflated, the XS Scuba Highland SMB has three bands of 3M SOLAS reflective tape on its top to let people at the surface spot you faster in the dark. Also, thanks to its 75 lbs. (19.43 kg) surface lift, you can use the XS Scuba Highland SMB as a lift bag. Keep your dives safe and let others know where you are underwater with the XS Scuba Highland SMB.
Product Features:
- 10” (3 meters) tall
- Made from urethane coated nylon
- Has a combination oral & BC QD inflator
- Includes Overpressure relief valve (OPV)
- D-ring for light attachments
- 75 lbs. (19.43 kg) surface lift
OMS Surface Marker Buoy (Closed Bottom)
The OMS Surface Marker Buoy is an Airtight Nylon floatation tube that is easy to use. Divers can deploy the OMS SMB by inflating it orally or by using a BC Low-Pressure Inflator Hose. Its closed bottom design prevents it from deflating accidentally once fully deployed. The OMS Surface Marker Buoy is available in two models: 3.3” (1 meter) and 6” (1.83 meter).
As with most SMBs, this OMS surface marker comes with a stainless steel D-ring for attaching safety stop lines and lights. It also has a reflective tape at the top for easier identification at night or low light conditions. Use the OMS Surface Marker Buoy during any dive and have a safer diving experience.
Product Features:
- Two Models: 3.3” (1 meter) & 6” (1.83 meters)
- Airtight Nylon construction
- Available in hi-viz yellow or orange colors
- “No-Lock” Inflator Nipple
- Closed Bottom design for preventing accidental deflation
- Built-in Overpressure Valve with Manual Pull Cord
- Corrosion Resistant Spring Loaded Gate Clip with 360° Swivel
Dive Alert Deluxe Surface Marker Buoy
The Dive Alert Deluxe Surface Marker Buoy is an efficient SMB that combines safety with ease of use. This SMB features a 400 Denier Polyurethane Coated Nylon construction and a closed-circuit (one-way valve) construction for preventing air spillage. Have better visibility day or night thanks to its Coast Guard-approved SOLAS reflective strip.
This deluxe SMB is 65″ x 8″ (165cm x 20cm) and has approximately 40 lbs. (18.1 kg) of lift once fully inflated. Divers can inflate it from its filler nozzle orally or by using a BC LP hose. It also has an over-pressure valve (OVP) that prevents over-pressurizing and keeps it from bursting. Its durable construction and efficient inflation features make the Dive Alert Deluxe Surface Marker Buoy a boon for any diver.
Product Features:
- 400 Denier Polyurethane Coated Nylon construction
- (L x W): 65″ x 8″ (165cm x 20 cm)
- Closed-circuit (one-way valve) construction
- Filler Nozzle for Oral & BC LP Hose
- Built-in Over-Pressure Valve (OPV)
- Available in High Visibility Safety Orange & Fluorescent Lime/Yellow
Akona Surface Marker Buoy Safety Tube (Hi-Viz Orange)
The Akona Surface Marker Buoy Safety Tube is a simple SMB suitable for any dive. This SMB is 40” (102cm) tall and has a circumference of 7.5” (19cm) once fully inflated. Its fluorescent Hi-Viz orange color lets others easily identify you anywhere, especially at night or during low light conditions.
This Akona SMB can easily be inflated using its nipple valve found at the bottom of the tube. Once done inflating, simply push the valve back in to close the valve opening and prevent deflation. You can also carry the Akona SMB wherever you go as it includes a small nylon carry bag for storage.
Product Features:
- 40″ (102cm) Tall & 7.5″ (19cm) circumference
- Independent inflation via nipple valve
- Hi-Viz Orange color for easy identification
- Attachable Locking Gate Snap Clip
- Includes a Compact Nylon Carry Bag
Carter Personal Float
Let others have your precise location during dives with the Carter Personal Float. This SMB features a durable 400-Denier Polyurethane Coated Nylon Construction that will last multiple dives. It has a one-way oral inflation valve that lets divers inflate the SMB tightly at the surface. Its one-way flapper valve allows air into the bottom of the float. The SMB will also release excess air as it ascends thanks to its over-pressure/dump valve.
The Carter Personal Float is available in three different buoyancies: 35, 50, and 75-pound (15.9, 22.7, or 34 kg) lift floats. Also, once fully inflated, the Carter Personal Float has a handle on its top that can be used to attach strobes or chemical lights for easier identification. Keep yourself visible during your dives with the easy-to-use Carter Personal Float.
Product Features:
- 400-Denier Polyurethane Coated Nylon Construction
- One-Way Oral Inflation Valve
- One-Way Flapper Valve at Base
- Over-Pressure/Dump Valve
- Top handle for lighting attachments
- Brightly colored
- 3 Lift Capacities Available: 35, 50, & 75 lbs. (15.9, 22.7, or 34 kg)
Using a Surface Marker Buoy
You’ll usually find exact instructions on using your SMB within its packaging. It is paramount that you read and understand these instructions before using your SMB.
Be attentive when first using your surface marker buoy. The connecting line between you and the buoy can easily get entangled with gear, obstructions in your diving site, and, most importantly, other diver’s SMB lines. Also, be prepared for situations where your reel could get stuck or fail to unwind as it should.
Practice with your surface marker buoy and familiarize yourself with how it works before attempting to use it on an actual dive. This is best done in shallow waters and with a buddy familiar with the gear.
