A surface marker buoy or SMB is an important safety accessory that can alert boats on the surface of the position of divers so as to avoid contact or reveal the location for pick-up. It provides an easily visible marker that can be seen from a distance when surface conditions are rough or drift is causing the divers to travel a significant distance.
Best SMB for Diving – Key Features
Visibility
Bright colors, preferably yellow or orange, make the SMB easier to see in contrast to the colors of the
Size
Ideally, it is small and light enough to roll up and store in an easily attached bag or BCD pocket. It should be long enough when inflated to be seen above the water surface conditions. 4-8 feet (120-240 cm) long and 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) wide is the basic range in size available, the point is to select one that is large enough to be seen from a distance where you will be using it. I recommend one longer than 5 feet (150 cm).
Open-End vs. Closed
An open-ended SMB can be inflated with exhalation bubbles or a second-stage regulator. The gas will escape if the opening is above part of the buoy or as it expands when pressure changes on deployment from depth to the surface. A close-ended buoy is inflated by various means and then sealed. Air won’t escape unless an air dump valve is part of the design. This avoids rupture by releasing gas through the valve on the ascent or when the buoy is full in the original inflation.
Line/Reel
If the SMB is deployed at depth, there will need to be a line attached. For a safety stop, it should be at least 15 feet (5 meters) for that purpose. For decompression depths or deeper deployment, an appropriately longer line is necessary. Particularly when a long line is used, a reel makes storage and deployment simpler and decreases tangling possibilities.
Attachment Options
A D-ring on the end of the buoy can be useful for attaching a strobe or other light for increased visibility or to clip onto your equipment.
Budget
Pricing starts below $10 for SMBs of the lightest materials and extends to the $100 range based on the strength and quality of the line and reel.
Best SMB for Diving – Top Models
- Zeagle Deluxe Signal Tube
- OMS Safety Set II
- Dive Alert SMB
- DiveSmart 5 ft Scuba Diving Open Bottom Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) Kit
- Promate Scuba Diving Inflatable Safety Tube
- XS Scuba Surface Marker Buoy
- XS Scuba Safety Sausage
- Blue Reef Aqua Safety Sausage Marine Rescue Tube Signal
- Fluorescent orange color
- 7 by 60 inches
- Can purchase with 45 or 100-foot finger reel
- Oral inflate valve
- Overpressure relief valve
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$
Pros: compact, overpressure valve
Cons: separate ties necessary for BCDs other than Zeagle brand, no reflective material
- 72-inch length
- Orange color
- Includes plastic finger spool with double ender snap and 100 feet of line
- Open bottom SMB
- Storage bag and mesh safety pocket
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$$
Pros: storage bag, length
Cons: no reflective material
Heavy-duty 400 Denier polyurethane-coated nylon
- 65 by 8 inches
- Line/Reel purchased separately
- Yellow with reflective strips
- Closed-circuit/one-way valve construction
- Overpressure relief valve
- Handle at the top to attach light or slate
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$
Pros: sturdy, overpressure valve
Cons: doesn’t come with line/reel, bulky
DiveSmart 5 ft Scuba Diving Open Bottom Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) Kit
- Heavy-duty 400 Denier polyurethane-coated nylon
- 5 by 45 inches
- Orange, purple, or yellow with a reflective band
- D-ring for attaching a light
- ABS finger spool with 100 feet of #24 braided nylon line
- Inflate with the regulator or orally
- Overpressure relief valve
- Whistle
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$
Pros: overpressure valve, sturdy material
Cons: bulky, not too long
Promate Scuba Diving Inflatable Safety Tube
- 210 Denier polyurethane-coated nylon
- 48 and 72-inch length options
- Neon yellow or orange
- Binding taped trim
- Oral inflation
- Overpressure relief valve
- Rating: 4.2
- Price: $$
Pros: sturdy material, overpressure valve, affordable
Con: no reflective material
- Mil-Spec, urethane-backed, nylon material
- 84 by 22 inches
- Red
- Large reflective tape on both sides
- Stainless steel D-ring
- SS D-ring at top
- Elastic loop for light attachment
- Overpressure relief valve
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $$$
Pros: 7-foot length, sturdy material, many attachment devices
Cons: line and reel not included
- Rubber composite material
- 75 by 9 inches
- Orange
- No line or reel included
- Oral inflation only
- Snap clip
- Rating: 4.1
- Price: $
Pros: lightweight, affordable
Cons: no reflective material
Blue Reef Aqua Safety Sausage Marine Rescue Tube Signal
- Lightweight material
- 78 inches long
- Bright orange
- No line or reel included
- Inflatable with the second stage
- Rating: 4.0
- Price: $
Pros: lightweight, affordable
Cons: no reflective material, thin material
SMB for Diving Comparison Table
| Picture | SMB | Material | Length | Over Pressure Valve | Reflector | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Zeagle Deluxe Signal Tube | Not Specified | 60 inches | Yes | No | 4.8 | $$ |
  | OMS Safety Set II | Not Specified | 72 inches | No | No | 4.7 | $$$ |
  | Dive Alert SMB | 400 Denier polyurethane coated nylon | 65 inches | Yes | Yes | 4.5 | $$ |
  | DiveSmart 5 ft Scuba Diving Marker Buoy Kit | 400 Denier polyurethane coated nylon | 45 inches | Yes | Yes | 4.6 | $$ |
  | Promate Scuba Diving Inflatable Safety Tube | 210 Denier polyurethane coated nylon | 48 or 72 inches | Yes | No | 4.2 | $ |
  | XS Scuba Safety Sausage | Rubber composite | 75 inches | No | No | 4.1 | $$$ |
  | XS Scuba Surface Marker Buoy | Urethene backed nylon | 84 inches | Yes | Yes | 4.3 | $ |
  | Blue Reef Aqua Safety Sausage | Not Specified | 78 inches | No | No | 4.0 | $ |
| Picture | SMB | Material | Length | Over Pressure Valve | Reflector | Rating | Price |
Care of Your SMB
- rinse in fresh water, inside and out
- dry and store out of the sun
For reviews of other diving safety gear, please check out these reviews:
Essential Scuba Diving Safety Equipment Underwater Noise Makers Best First Aid Kits
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