The Best Surface Marker Buoys for Diving

We all are familiar with certain parts of our diving equipment, such as dive masks, wetsuits, fins, BCDs, and regulators. However, there are important safety accessories, such as surface markers, that can be indispensable on certain occasions.

A diving SMB is a buoy that floats on the sea surface and indicates a diver’s position under the water, thereby enabling the boat to more easily and quickly find the diver. In addition, other boats will know that people are diving in the area. This is a great way to avoid accidents, especially in busy areas where many boats may be passing overhead.

When choosing the best dive surface markers, you must consider aspects such as size, shape, color, type of valve, and type of line. In this article, I will talk about all these features. In addition, I’ll review the best models of the year.

Check out other guides to find the best dive gloves, booties, bags, freediving fins, spearfishing wetsuits, and dry snorkels.

The Best SMBs for Scuba Diving:

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SCUBA CHOICE 6 ’

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ZEAGLE DELUXE SIGNAL TUBE

FEATURES: The open part can be inflated with the second stage of the regulator. It has an over pressure valve to control the ascent and an oral valve for oral inflation. Easy to use, resistant, and durable.

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DIVESMART 6FT

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PHANTOM AQUATICS SIGNAL TUBE

FEATURES: It must be inflated orally. Built from resistant 210 Denier Cordura fabric. It comes with an emergency whistle. Due to its compact size, it fits into most BCD pockets. Loud orange color for greater attention. Good price, resistance, and durability.

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PROMOTE SAFETY TUBE

FEATURES: Two models are available, in different colors and dimensions. It can be inflated only through the oral valve. Very resistant nylon construction. Compact, lightweight, and efficient. Very attractive price.

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SEAFARD

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Things to keep in mind when choosing a good surface marker buoy:

TYPES OF MARKERS

There are two types of SMBs for scuba diving:

The first type is the DSMB, which stands for delayed surface marker buoy. It is more commonly known as the safety sausage. This buoy consists of a basic inflatable tube that gets filled with air and rises to the surface to mark one’s position. The tube is inflated at the end of the dive or during the safety stop. When the tube reaches the surface, it becomes clearly visible, so the boat can quickly pick up the divers. These are the most popular models because they are compact and affordable.

The second type is the SMB, which stands for surface marker buoy. They can have different shapes, like a sausage, a torpedo, or a traditional round buoy. These markers include a mechanism that allows them to remain inflated all the time. They are the perfect option if you need to mark your position during the entire dive (for instance, if you are going to dive in a place with a strong current). This way, the boat will be able to follow you throughout the dive.

Markers can be open or closed. The open ones, as the name implies, have an open end. This makes inflation easy. Sometimes, the open end has a weight so that it stays down and the air does not come out. They are easy to use and deploy.

INFLATION METHODS

Closed models are usually inflated by an oral valve that allows you to add air by blowing through it. These models can be inflated on the surface or underwater. When closed, they remain inflated all the time. To deflate them, you must open the valve.

Some open models include an oral valve, too. However, because they have an open end, you can use the second stage of your regulator to introduce the air quickly. The air fills the tube and allows it to begin its rise to the surface. Be very careful when doing this; if the line gets tangled in any part of your equipment, it could drag you up and put you in danger.

SHAPE AND SIZE

It’s important to consider the shape and size of the marker. Most markers are round, torpedo-shaped, or sausage-style.

The size and shape you choose will depend on the place where you want to dive and the sea conditions. If you are diving in calm waters, a compact DSMB may be a good option. The advantage of carrying a compact model is that you can easily store it in your BCD pocket. In addition, compact models tend to be easier to use, especially if you don’t have much experience with these types of devices. If you are going to dive in rough waters, you should bring a larger model.

VISIBILITY AND COLORS

Surface markers must be in bright and vivid colors so that they can easily be spotted from a distance. They can be found in red, orange, yellow, green, black and, multicolored hues.

Red and orange markers are the most popular, as they are very eye-catching.

Yellow markers are sometimes used for emergencies but most divers use them as normal markers.

Black markers are relatively new to the market. While some divers say they are easily spotted in certain light conditions, these types of buoys aren’t very popular.

Multicolored SMBs perform well because the combination of colors makes them more visible.

Some models include a reflective strip or a bright tip that reflects the light of a flashlight or spotlight. These strips are especially useful for night diving.

You can choose the color you like best. Just make sure the device is visible from a distance. If you are going to do a night dive, make sure your marker is reflective, too.

LINE

Surface markers need a string or line that will keep them in the right place. Some models include a line but often you’ll need to buy the reel and the line separately.

When buying a line, you must take into account the length you need. To make the safety stop, you’ll need a string that’s at least 18 feet (around 6 meters) in length. Most lines are made of resistant nylon.

I recommend that you deploy your marker shortly before you start the safety stop so that the boat will have more time to locate you. If you have a reel with a long line, you can deploy your marker from 50 feet (15 meters). The marker will expand and quickly rise, serving as a reference and anticipating your situation on the surface before starting the safety stop.

For decompression stops and exercises on the seabed, you’ll need a line longer than 18 feet.

Models that don’t include a reel can be used for safety stops, too, but they can get tangled up. A reel makes inflation easier and faster, as well as prevents the formation of knots in the line.

Tips for inflating your Diving Marker Buoy

If you are going to inflate your marker on the surface, simply open or unroll it, and then introduce air into it.

To successfully deploy an open marker or safety sausage underwater, follow the recommendations below:

1- Unroll your marker and make sure that no part of the line could get tangled with your equipment.

2- Hold the reel firmly and introduce air into the sausage by using the second stage of your regulator.

3- Make sure the marker has reached the surface and is correctly placed.

When you are going to inflate your marker, it’s very important that you never tie the reel to your BCD or other parts of your equipment. If the reel gets tangled, it could drag you up too fast. This could cause decompression syndrome, which can be lethal.

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