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In the early days of the open water diver course, we learned to use basic hand signals as a means of communication to help maintain safety and fulfill our role as a dive buddy, dive guide, or instructor. Before you can deliver the signals it is necessary to gain attention. This is where underwater noisemakers or signals start to come into play. There are devices that produce sounds, lights, or electronic signals to alert others underwater and in some cases above. There are other systems of lights, noisemakers, electronic devices, and marker buoys specifically for use at the surface. Each has its useful place in the repertoire of equipment that adds to safety and a sense of security in everyday use and in emergency situations.
Below are brief reviews with key features outlined for a range of these devices to consider before your next dive.
Which is the Best Scuba Underwater Noise Maker or Signal?
- Trident Tank Banger Underwater Signaling Device
- Dive Alert New Ideation Plus Version 2 Signaling Device
- Scuba Choice Scuba Diving Safety Tank Rattle Stick Signal Bell with Clip
- Nautilus LifeLine Marine GPS with Neoprene Pouch and Coil Lanyard
- H2YO Underwater Noisemaker Rattle
- SecurityIng Strobe Light Underwater Signaling Device
- DiveSmart 5 ft Scuba Diving Open Bottom Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) Kit
- Princeton Tec Aqua Strobe LED
- Scuba Choice Stainless Steel Tank Rattle
- Mares Magnetic Shaker Scuba Diving Communication Device
Trident Tank Banger Underwater Signaling Device 
- Sturdy rubberband and an unbreakable easy-grip oval ball
- Produces a loud metallic sound
- Comes in blue, black, pink, lime, and yellow
- Very low-priced
- 1.9 ounces
- View More By Trident
Dive Alert New Ideation Plus Version 2 Signaling Device 
- 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
Scuba Choice Scuba Diving Safety Tank Rattle Stick Signal
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
Nautilus LifeLine Marine GPS with Neoprene Pouch and Coil Lanyard 
- 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
- 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
H2YO Underwater Noisemaker Rattle 
- Shake for a loud distinctive rattling sound, easily identified
- Durable plastic with steel balls on the interior
- Attach to equipment with the split ring
- Brightly colored for easy ID of gear
- Comes in 5 different colors
- 3.84 ounces
- View More By H2YO
SecurityIng Strobe Light Underwater Signaling Device 
- Signal light for a night or limited light diving
- Rotary on/off switch
- Watertight to 200 meters
- 5 available colors: blue, green, yellow, red, and white
- Insulated string for attachment
- 0.9 x 2.3 x 0.9 inches, .56 ounces
- Comes with 2 battery packs of 3 x LR44 batteries
- Approximately 200-hour run time
- View More By SecurityIng
DiveSmart 5 ft Scuba Diving Open Bottom Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) Kit 
- Heavy-duty 400 Denier polyurethane coated nylon
- 5 x 45 inches
- Orange, purple or yellow with 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:
- 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
Scuba Choice Stainless Steel Tank Rattle 
- Serves as a rattle or a tank banger
- Lanyard included
- Lightweight at 4.8 ounces
- Slim at 7 x 1 x 1 inches
- View More By Scuba Choice
Mares Magnetic Shaker Scuba Diving Communication Device 
- Shaker with a magnetic system – magnets are inside at each end of the shaker with a ball bearing in between
- To activate shake it moving the ball bearing creating a substantial echo sound
- Magnets prevent accidental shaking
- Slim at 7 x 1 x 1 inches
- Lightweight at 3.52 ounces
- View More By Scuba Choice
Purpose and Usage
Safety is paramount in scuba diving and we strive to maximize it. When an emergency arises fast and efficient communication is essential and that is where an underwater noisemaker becomes most important. It enables a diver to quickly call attention to himself to initiate further communication to handle the situation.
Otherwise, sometimes your buddy is out of reach or looking the other way and you would just like to get his attention to show him something or perhaps change direction or give some other message. The noisemaker quickly alerts him and you are able to coordinate from there.
Strobes and other lighting devices can help with location for night diving and low light situations. GPS alert systems can let people on the surface know your position which can prove especially useful when there is strong current or other rigorous conditions. Likewise, surface marker buoys, whistles, and other surface noisemakers help people above water to much more easily locate divers, aid in pick-up, and otherwise help keep them out of harm’s way in difficult conditions.
Size and Weight
As sport diving develops more and more equipment is available to enhance the experience. It’s imperative to minimize the size and weight of these communication devices as much as possible. They should be strategically located for ease of use whether clipped to a D-ring, attached to other equipment, stowed in a pocket, or handheld with the aid of a lanyard. When the time comes to deploy the device it should be ready to use immediately.
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