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 or SMB’s are one of the essentials in 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 SMB’s and surface buoy dive flags in available at LeisurePro.com-
45 inch Dive Signal Tube with Inflator
This Dive Signal Tube is made of durable cordura material and 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.
The 45 inch Dive Signal Tube with Inflator is available at LeisurePro.com for $14.95*
Blue Reef Diver Below 4′ Signal Tube
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 onevery 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 you may encounter. 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 lock to prevent accidental deflation as well as an over pressure / dump valve.
The Blue Reef Diver Below 4′ Signal Tube is available at LeisurePro.com for $24.95*
Oceanic P.S.D. Personal Safety Device
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 hand’s free, face-up positive buoyancy.
The Oceanic P.S.D. Personal Safety Device is available at LeisurePro.com for $34.95*
Dive Alert Deluxe Surface Marker Buoy
The DiveAlert SMB (surface marker buoy) features a Closed-Circuit (one-way valve) construction, which prevents air spill at surface. It can be inflated at the surface to attract visual attention or as redundant flotation or inflated at depth to send up as a surface marker.
The reflective tape across the top of SMB creates better visibility for day and night diving. In Addition the Deluxe Version has Safety Orange one side and Florescent Lime/Yellow the other side for better visibility.
The Dive Alert Deluxe Surface Marker Buoy is available at LeisurePro.com for $50.99*
Innovative Inflatable Flag-N-Float
Horizontal flag mount and inflatable buoy base are easy to use. 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. Sets up quickly. Put a small dive light in the center compartment to illuminate the buoy at night.
The Innovative Inflatable Flag-N-Float is available at LeisurePro.com for $24.95*
Vinyl Inflatable Flag with Float
Being a safe diver is important more and more people are boating each year and there is increased watercraft traffic in our favorite dive sites. This Vinyl inflatable float with dive flag is compact when deflated, yet highly visible when inflated on the surface.
The Vinyl Inflatable Flag with Float is available at LeisurePro.com for $11.95*
*Prices stated are as in May 2010, Please refer to the LeisurePro.com website for current prices.
Related Articles:
Brushing Up Your Scuba Skills: How To Deploy A Surface Marker Buoy (SMB)
