Shop by Category

Info

Shearwater Sale!bannerAVATAR RUNOUT! 50% OFF!banner

Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs) show info...

Being able to let the surface know where you are during a dive is critical in some situations, and highly recommended in most others. The main ways divers use to achieve this are: a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) which stays on the surface, with or without a dive flag; a Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) which can be deployed by the diver from underwater; or a Safety Sausage which can only be deployed on the surface.

We consider the Safety Sausage to be unsafe and don't sell them. After all, how do you safely get to the surface in areas where there is boat traffic in order to deploy your safety sausage. They are usually much smaller than DSMBs, and thus don't do nearly as good a job as a signalling/location device.

Most people refer to a DSMB as just a SMB, which is why this category is called Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs), but technically they're very different.

SMB vs DSMB

A Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) is floated on the surface during a dive to mark the diver's position during drift dives, night dives, mist or disturbed sea conditions. A SMB is absolutely essential kit for diving anywhere you may have surface boat traffic. It allows your position to be known by people watching from shore and watercraft, whether they be the boat you are diving from, or other water users. Typically a SMB will have a dive flag on it as well. See Surface Markers for our range of SMBs.

A Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB), decompression buoy or deco buoy, is deployed whilst the diver is submerged and generally only towards the end of the dive. The DSMB marks the diver's position underwater so the boat safety cover can locate the diver even though the diver may have drifted some distance from the dive site while doing safety or decompression stops. A reel or finger spool and line connect the buoy on the surface to the diver beneath the surface.

Our recommendation is that all divers should carry a DSMB and reel on every dive. In many boat diving situations it's also good practice to also have a Surface Marker with dive flag up on the surface to tell your surface support where you are for the whole of the dive.

SMBs and DSMBs are not intended to be used to lift heavy weights. That's what a Lift Bag is for.

Where to Deploy Your DSMB

Delayed SMBs, such as the AP Diving Buddy DSMB, are designed to be deployed from depth near the end of, or at any critical point during, a dive. Some divers, like us, prefer to shoot their Delayed SMBs from the bottom and thus let the surface support know they're begining their ascent. Other divers shoot from mid-water when they start their safety stop, or decompression stops. We strongly recommend you have a Delayed SMB and reel/spool with you on every dive. On open water dives, waiting until you surface to deploy a surface only safety sausage is dangerous in high boat traffic areas.

Which Colour Delayed SMB Should you Use

There are essentially three choices for DSMB colouring — all Red, all Yellow, or Red and Yellow on contrasting sides.

Studies have shown that Red and Yellow are the two most visible colours at sea. But each colour works better than the other in different conditions. Thus if you look around a dive shop, you will see up to three SMB colours: all Red; all Yellow; and one side Red, one side Yellow.

Recreational Diving

An all Red SMB is far and away the most common SMB colour. This leads some new divers to buy an all Yellow SMB so theirs will stand out more when at a busy dive site. We don't recommend this.

Other divers buy the two-colour SMBs (Red on one side, Yellow on the other side) because these must surely be the ideal for high-visibility over the widest range of conditions. For recreational diving, especially when ocean diving, this is what we recommend. However, it is essential that you let your surface cover know that your combined Red and Yellow SMB is not being used as an emergency signal unless an emergency signal or message is attached to it.

Advanced/Technical Diving

In Australia, and many other parts of the world, there is a convention used by more advanced and technical divers that an all Yellow SMB is an emergency signal, to be responded to by sending down a cylinder of gas, or a rescue diver, or both.

Whilst for the most part recreational divers do not have or need such a signal, it is possible for both types of diver to be on the same dive site. If one group of divers is using Yellow as an emergency signal and the other group uses Yellow as standard, this could lead to confusion and even to a genuine emergency signal being ignored.

For this reason, unless you have a very strong reason for wanting an all Yellow SMB as standard, please don't buy one.

If you decide that you would like to use a Yellow SMB as an emergency signal yourself, two precautions to take are:

  • Make sure your surface cover knows this convention
  • Mark the SMB with "EMERGENCY", "HELP", "SOS" or some other such message in large, clear black letters to ensure there is no doubt that you are a diver in distress and not just a diver who thought a Yellow SMB looked nicer than a Red one.

Search Our Product Range


AP Diving
AP Diving Buddy Delayed SMB with Mini-Cylinder Inflation - SMBCi
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

AP Diving Buddy Delayed SMB with Mini-Cylinder Inflation - SMBCi

AP Diving Buddy Delayed SMB with Mini-Cylinder Inflation - SMBCi - All Yellow - Yoke - Int A-Clamp. The superb Buddy Self-sealing Delayed SMB with...
$519.00
AP Diving
AP Diving Buddy Delayed SMB with Mini-Cylinder Inflation - SMBCi
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

AP Diving Buddy Delayed SMB with Mini-Cylinder Inflation - SMBCi

AP Diving Buddy Delayed SMB with Mini-Cylinder Inflation - SMBCi - All Red - Yoke - Int A-Clamp. The superb Buddy Self-sealing Delayed SMB with...
$519.00
AP Diving
AP Diving Ratcheted Pocket Reel and Delayed SMB Package
Category Path: Packages - Temp Holding

AP Diving Ratcheted Pocket Reel and Delayed SMB Package

AP Diving Ratcheted Pocket Reel and Delayed SMB Package - Red and Yellow. This package combines the small and compact AP Diving Ratcheted Pocket Reel...
$299.00
AP Diving
AP Diving Training Delayed SMB
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

AP Diving Training Delayed SMB

A must-have for all dive instructors the AP Diving Training Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) is identical in design to the rest of the AP Diving...
$125.00
AP Diving
AP Diving Buddy Self-Sealing Delayed SMB | Red/ Yellow
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

AP Diving Buddy Self-Sealing Delayed SMB | Red/ Yellow

The original AP Diving Buddy Self-Sealing Delayed Surface Marker Buoy Closed (SMBC - SMB Closed). Much copied but never bettered. A high visibility...
$139.00
AP Diving
AP Diving Buddy Delayed SMB with Mini-Cylinder Inflation - SMBCi
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

AP Diving Buddy Delayed SMB with Mini-Cylinder Inflation - SMBCi

AP Diving Buddy Delayed SMB with Mini-Cylinder Inflation - SMBCi - Red and Yellow - Yoke - Int A-Clamp. The superb Buddy Self-sealing Delayed SMB...
$519.00
AP Diving
AP Diving Buddy Self-Sealing Delayed SMB | Yellow
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

AP Diving Buddy Self-Sealing Delayed SMB | Yellow

The original AP Diving Buddy Self-Sealing Delayed Surface Marker Buoy Closed (SMBC - SMB Closed). Much copied but never bettered. A high visibility...
$139.00
Apeks
Apeks Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (SMB)
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

Apeks Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (SMB)

Make sure you're seen the first time, every time, with the Apeks Surface Marker Buoy (SMB). Easily the most feature-rich delayed SMB on the...
$140.00  $128.80
-8%
Mares
Mares XR SMB Emergency Yellow
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

Mares XR SMB Emergency Yellow

Mark your position with the Mares XR Emergency Yellow SMB. Can inflate at the surface to attract attention, or be sent up as a surface marker buoy...
$145.95
Halcyon
Halcyon 1.8m Super Slim SMB - Pink
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

Halcyon 1.8m Super Slim SMB - Pink

$300.00
Halcyon
Halcyon 1.8m Super Slim SMB - Orange
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

Halcyon 1.8m Super Slim SMB - Orange

$300.00
Mares
Mares Diver Marker Buoy Set All In One SMB Kit
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

Mares Diver Marker Buoy Set All In One SMB Kit

The 'All in One' Mares Diver Marker Buoy Set combines a Mares SMB, a Mares Finger Spool, stainless steel Double Ended Bolt Snap, and a...
$129.95
Sonar
Sonar Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) in Pouch
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

Sonar Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) in Pouch

This package combines a Sonar Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) with a handy Storage Pouch. The Sonar Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) is highly...
$90.00
IST Proline
IST Proline Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) in Pouch
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

IST Proline Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) in Pouch

This package combines an IST Proline Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) with a handy Storage Pouch. All divers are supposed to carry a Surface Marker...
$95.00
Cressi
Cressi Elite SMB (Open Cell) Yellow
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

Cressi Elite SMB (Open Cell) Yellow

The Cressi Ellite is a bright pink coloured Open cell SMB, The SMB has both a plastic oral inflator and open end to inflate via the divers occy. The...
$99.95  $89.95
-10%
Cressi
Cressi Elite SMB (Open Cell) Orange
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

Cressi Elite SMB (Open Cell) Orange

The Cressi Ellite is a bright orange coloured Open cell SMB, The SMB has both a plastic oral inflator and open end to inflate via the divers occy....
$99.95  $89.95
-10%
AP Diving
AP Diving Buddy SMBCi Easifil Inflator Hose Adaptor
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

AP Diving Buddy SMBCi Easifil Inflator Hose Adaptor

The Buddy AP35P Easifil Inflator Hose Adaptor for SMBCI is for use with an APSMBCi - Surface Marker Buoy with inflation. The AP35P is an alternative...
$35.00
AP Diving
AP Diving Buddy Self-Sealing Delayed SMB | Red
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

AP Diving Buddy Self-Sealing Delayed SMB | Red

The original AP Diving Buddy Self-Sealing Delayed Surface Marker Buoy Closed (SMBC - SMB Closed). Much copied but never bettered. A high visibility...
$139.00
Hollis
MARKER BUOY CLOSED CELL
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

MARKER BUOY CLOSED CELL

The Hollis Marker Buoy is a Closed Cell Design made from Durable 300-D Polyester material with Radio Frequency (RF) Welded Seams. The Hollis SMB also...
$139.00

Max: 1
Mares
Mares XR SMB Orange
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

Mares XR SMB Orange

Mark your position with the Mares XR Orange SMB. Can inflate at the surface to attract attention, or be sent up as a surface marker buoy (SMB). Mares...
$145.95
Hollis
HOLLIS SMB w/POUCH ORANGE
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

HOLLIS SMB w/POUCH ORANGE

The Hollis Signal Marker Buoy (SMB) is a great safety devise that all serious divers carry on every dive. The SMB is the smart-way for a diver to...
$219.00
Apeks
DSMB YELLOW 1.4m
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

DSMB YELLOW 1.4m

$140.00  $128.80
-8%
Up to 3 days dispatch
Northern Diver
Northern Diver Delayed SMB Orange 1.3m - Diver Below
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

Northern Diver Delayed SMB Orange 1.3m - Diver Below

The Northern Diver Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) is a long 'tube' style DSMB, featuring an over inflation 'auto' dump valve...
$179.00
Discontinued
Mares
Mares Diver's Alert Marker
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

Mares Diver's Alert Marker

he diver buoy 'Diver below' signals the diver's presence during the dive. Thanks to its length of 180 cm, width of 15 cm and bright...
$139.95
IST Proline
IST Proline Oral Inflate Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (SMB)
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

IST Proline Oral Inflate Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (SMB)

The IST Proline Oral Inflate Delayed Surface Marker Buoy with SOLAS Tape (SB8-Q-R) is an oral-inflate SMB with the added benefit of 3M US Coast Guard...
$99.00
Unavailable
Cressi
Cressi Elite SMB (Open Cell) Pink
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

Cressi Elite SMB (Open Cell) Pink

The Cressi Ellite is a bright pink coloured Open cell SMB, The SMB has both a plastic oral inflator and open end to inflate via the divers occy. The...
$99.95  $91.95
-8%
Up to 3 days dispatch
Ocean Pro
PSD O PRO DECO BUOY w/POUCH PINK
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

PSD O PRO DECO BUOY w/POUCH PINK

The Ocean Pro Deco Buoy has the full array of features to make it a perfect choice for decompression diving and everyday recreational dive...
$99.00

Max: 1
Ocean Pro
PSD ECONOMY
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

PSD ECONOMY

Simple and effective visibility personal signalling device. Conveniently packaged in a re-useable mesh bag with clip to attach to your BCD.
$39.00

Max: 1
Ocean Pro
PSD SIGNAL TUBE O'PRO
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

PSD SIGNAL TUBE O'PRO

Used to attract attention or locate a diver on the surface. Folds flat and can be conveniently stored in BC pocket. Inflate with your regulator to...
$10.00

Max: 1
Ocean Pro
PSD O PRO ORAL INFLATE OR/YL
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

PSD O PRO ORAL INFLATE OR/YL

Enhance your diving safety with the Oceanpro Oral Inflate PSD, a must-have signalling tool for every diver. Designed with dual colouring, this device...
$79.00

Max: 1
Ocean Pro
PSD O PRO DECO BUOY w/POUCH ORANGE
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

PSD O PRO DECO BUOY w/POUCH ORANGE

The Oceanpro 150 Deco Buoy with pouch has the full array of features to make it a perfect choice for decompression diving and everyday recreational...
$99.00

Max: 1
Cressi
Compact SMB (Closed Cell) - 115cm - Orange
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

Compact SMB (Closed Cell) - 115cm - Orange

The Compact Marker is a versatile and easy-to-use buoy designed for marking surfaces. Thanks to its self-sealing properties, this tall buoy offers...
$74.95  $68.95
-8%
Up to 3 days dispatch
Cressi
Compact SMB (Closed Cell) - 115cm - Pink
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

Compact SMB (Closed Cell) - 115cm - Pink

(SRP: AUD $74.95 - NZD $89.95) Dive confidently into the world of underwater safety with the Cressi Compact SMB (Surface Marker Buoy). This compact...
$74.95  $68.95
-8%
Up to 3 days dispatch
Cressi
SMB Parts - Oral Inflator
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

SMB Parts - Oral Inflator

Genuine replacement parts
$12.95  $11.91
-8%
Up to 3 days dispatch
Cressi
SMB Parts - Overpressure Valve
Category Path: Safety and Rescue > Lift Bags / Reels / SMBs > Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)

SMB Parts - Overpressure Valve

Genuine replacement parts
$15.95  $14.67
-8%
Up to 3 days dispatch

The Scuba Doctor Australia
Boon Wurrung Country
1/49 Peninsula Ave
Rye Victoria 3941, Australia
Commonwealth Coat of Arms
We accept Purchase Orders from Government Departments & Schools
Contact
P +613 5985 1700
E diveshop@scubadoctor.com.au
-------------------------
Opening Hours
-------------------------
Shop by Category
-------------------------
Brands
Copyright © 2005-2024 by The Scuba Doctor Australia, ABN 41 677 592 166. All rights reserved. tel. +61 3 5985 1700 :: email. diveshop@scubadoctor.com.au :: Web site by it'sTechnical 2022