Updated April 10, 2024
The early days of underwater work and exploration were truly a voyage into the unknown. Through experience, many found out the hard way the range of danger possible. With experience and research, the pioneers and current leaders have brought the activity to a level where most recreational scuba divers have a high degree of confidence that it is safe. I would like to caution that we should not let ourselves be lured into complacency. There will be opportunities that arise that can put you in danger if you are not prepared.
It is with that in mind that I have brought a core group of equipment accessories together in this brief review. When used properly many emergencies can be prevented and when one does arise you will be better equipped to deal with it.
The gear reviewed represents some of the best options. You need to look at the type of diving you plan and put together the package that is most suitable.
If you have any questions or concerns, please put them in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
Essential Scuba Diving Safety Equipment
- SMB: DiveSmart 5 ft Scuba Diving Open Bottom Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) Kit
- Noisemaker: Dive Alert New Ideation Plus Version 2 Signaling Device
- Noisemaker: Scuba Choice Scuba Diving Safety Tank Rattle Stick Signal
- GPS Signal: Nautilus LifeLine Marine GPS with Neoprene Pouch and Coil Lanyard
- Dive Computer/Watch: Suunto Zoop Novo Dive Computer
- Strobe Light: Princeton Tec Aqua Strobe LED
- Compass: Sherwood Genesis Compass and Accessories
- Knife: Promate Titanium Dive Knife
- Flashlight: Light and Motion GoBe 800 Spot FC
DiveSmart 5 ft Scuba Diving Open Bottom Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) Kit 
Especially useful in rough seas or heavy currents, a surface marker buoy is an easily visible notification of your position even from great distances. If deployed on the safety stop you can help ensure that your boat will be nearby for pick-up when you surface.
This great package comes with all the components and features you need for effective usage.
- Heavy-duty 400 Denier polyurethane-coated nylon
- 5 x 45 inches
- Orange, purple, or yellow with a reflective band
- D-ring for attaching a light
- ABS finger spool with 100 feet of #24 braided nylon line
- Inflate with the regulator or orally
- Overpressure relief valve
- Whistle
- View More By DiveSmart
For reviews of a range of SMBs, please check out this article:
Dive Alert New Ideation Plus Version 2 Signaling Device 
Some noisemakers work only on the surface and some only underwater. This one does both with great effectiveness enabling others to be well aware that you are signaling.
- Chrome-plated brass couplings attach to all standard power inflators
- Uses a small amount of your tank’s air to make a piercing sound on the surface or underwater that can be heard a mile away
- Lightweight at 6.4 ounces
- Easy installation with quick connection/disconnection
- View More By Dive Alert
For reviews of a range of underwater signal devices, please check this article:
Scuba Choice Scuba Diving Safety Tank Rattle Stick Signal
Manual noisemakers are another simple and effective way to gain attention underwater. This small easy-to-use model creates a relatively loud noise through rattling or as a tank banger.
- Shake to get fellow diver’s attention
- Loud and easy-to-identify rattling sound
- A cover is provided in green or orange to prevent rattling and noise when not in use
- Built-in attachment clip
- 4-3/4 inch length
- Reasonably priced
- View More By Scuba Choice
For reviews of a range of underwater signal devices, please check this article:
Nautilus LifeLine Marine GPS with Neoprene Pouch and Coil Lanyard 
This is a great option for times when the distance to be covered is too far for the other sight and sound methods to be effective. Once activated your position is known even if you are incapacitated to distances of 34 miles.
- The exclusive package includes the Nautilus Lifeline Marine GPS, neoprene pouch, and coil lanyard
- Reduced to less than half the size of the original model
- Easy to use: undo latch, open, turn on, remove the red distress cap, and press the red button
- The GPS position is accurate to 1.5 meters
- Distress message is broadcast to all AIS-equipped ships within 34 miles along with a distress message broadcast to your own boat
- Waterproof in all sea conditions and easy to maintain
- 2.9 x 3.8 x 1.5 inches, 10.4 ounces
- View More By Nautilus Lifeline
Suunto Zoop Novo Dive Computer
This model does a great job of keeping track of bottom time and providing multi-level no-decompression limits in a number of modes. It is easy to use for a relative beginner but has enough features for more advanced diving, as well.
- Air, nitrox, free dive, and gauge modes
- No user-changeable battery
- 140 hours of memory
- Easy four-button navigation, gauge mode, altitude, and personal conservatism adjustments, integrated apnea timer, bright LCD display
- Can be used on the wrist or in a modular console, large easy to read display, and great performance considering the relatively low price
- View More By Suunto
For reviews of a range of dive computers, please check out these articles:
- Top 8 Best Dive Computers
- Best Dive Computers for Beginners
- Best Freediving Watch (Computer)
- Best Air Integrated Dive Computer Reviews
This small, lightweight, handy strobe delivers a powerful light signal visible at great distances over 12 hours both underwater and at the surface in limited light to dark environments.
- Reliable, easy-twist operation to turn it on
- Cone is buoyant to keep the light pointed up
- Attachable to your tank, BCD, or anchor line
- 100 lumens of power
- 12 hours of burn time
- Alkaline battery, Velcro strap, and lanyard are included
- Available in black, neon yellow, and rocket red
- 5 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches, 8 ounces
- View More By Princeton Tec
Sherwood Genesis Compass and Accessories
This compass has a nice package of accessories to make it an easy-to-use tool to stay oriented and travel in the desired direction thereby enhancing safety.
- Retractable, built-in mount, professional quality
- Highly durable, easily attachable with two different mounting clips
- Easy to read with top and side reading, excellent tilt range, ratchet bezel, liquid-filled, and a luminescent dial
- Comes with a rubber boot
- A little expensive
- View More By Sherwood
For a review of a range of compasses, please check this article:
This durable relatively small knife has smooth and serrated edges and a wire cutter to help with a variety of entanglement possibilities. There is easy access with the one-hand release button and the hammer on the handle can serve as an additional tool or tank banger.
- 4.375-inch corrosion-resistant titanium blade requiring little maintenance
- 5-inch comfortable molded rubber easy-grip handle with sheath and adjustable straps
- Smooth edge and serrated edge with wire cutter
- Titanium hammer on the bottom of the handle
- Choice of a blunt or sharp tip
- View More By Promate
For a review of a range of great dive knives, please check this article:
Light and Motion GoBe 800 Spot FC
This fast-charging, compact, lightweight, handheld, 12-degree spotlight, works well above or below the surface to enhance vision or serve as a signal. The output is adjustable to 5 levels including SOS. 
- 12-degree spot beam
- 800-lumen output
- The design allows light heads to be interchanged
- Waterproof to 120 meters
- Exclusive FC (Fast Charge) technology with a 3-hour charge time
- 800-lumen maximum output
- Lumens: (12 degrees) high – 800, med – 400, low – 200, camp – 75, SOS – 100
- Run time: high – 1.5 hours, med – 3 hours, low – 12 hours, camp – 24 hours, SOS – 36 hours
- 4.9 x 1.9 x 1.9 inches, 178 grams
- GoBe charge cable and lanyard included
- View More By Light and Motion
For reviews of a range of scuba diving flashlights, please check this article:
Feedback and Comments
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