Best_Underwater_Signaling_Devices

Divers operate in an environment where normal methods of communication are not available, such as speaking. Scuba Divers are trained in using hand signals underwater as a form of communication with their scuba diving buddy. Hand signals are effective, however, your buddy can not see them through the back of their heads. If they are not facing you, you will need to get their attention. The best underwater signaling device during a daylight dive would be something that makes a distinctive noise. Sound travels further underwater than in the air.

Noise is not the best way to get their attention at night. The fact that noise travels further underwater also means it is more difficult to determine where the sound originated from. At night lights are the best means to get attention. Night divers will also place an identifying light on the back of their tank so their location can be seen.

This guide, The Best Underwater Signaling Device, and Surface Signaling Devices for Scuba Divers present some of the items that a diver will want with them as they explore under the seas.

1

OUR TOP PICK

Trident Tank Banger

Trident Tank Banger


check latest price
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
Summary

The Trident Tank Banger underwater signal device is one of the most inexpensive underwater signaling options available on the market. We are certain that every diver knows what a tank banger is. Seems like every scuba diver instructor uses one to keep divers from drifting off during lessons.  You can easily grip it and tap your tank to get the attention of other divers. It has a slotted oval ball that is unbreakable, together with a sleek design that is affordable for every user. You can simply attach this to your tank and gently pull the plastic knob. It will make a nice clunking noise to get a dive buddy’s attention. It is also available in assorted colors. One note, avoid overusing this device, many find it annoying after hearing it a few times.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • No extra noise
  • Unbreakable oval ball for easy grip
  • Simple, but yet very usable and affordable design
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Weight: 1.9 ounces
Type: Wristband
Colors: Black, Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink

View More By Trident »
2

EDITORS CHOICE

Dive Alert New Ideation Alert Plus

Dive Alert New Ideation Alert Plus


check latest price
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
Summary

The Dive Alert New Ideation Alert Plus is a device we will not dive without. We have this device attached between the BCD and low-pressure hose. We purchased an earlier version when we started diving over 20 years ago. It was used for over 15 years before it needed replacement. In simplest terms, it is a waterproof, pressure-proof air horn powered by the air in your scuba tank. To use it on the surface, You hold the device above you, place your head underwater and press the button. You want to have your head underwater because the sound is so loud it will have your eardrums ringing if they are not underwater. The sound will carry more than a mile on the surface. It will even work with an “empty” tank. There is still enough air in what we call an empty tank to operate this. Underwater, the sound is more pleasant. Many divers will tell you it sounds like a duck quacking. The range may not be as far as other underwater signaling devices, however, it is still effective and not as annoying.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Uses a small amount of air
  • Made to easily attach to your power inflator
  • Can be heard up to one mile away
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Weight: 6.4 ounces
Color: Red and black
Type: Attached to the power inflator

View More By Dive Alert »
3

BEST VALUE

Trident AquaMaraca

Trident AquaMaraca


check latest price
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
Summary

If you love Caribbean, Latin American, and South American music then you know the sounds of Maracas. The Trident AquaMaraca Underwater Signaling Device brings that sound underwater as a signaling device. It is convenient to use and as simple as a baby's rattler. Just shake it, and the device can be heard up to 30 feet away. Being made of plastic and hollow makes this very lightweight weighing only 2 ounces, and it is positively buoyant.

The AquaMaraca comes with a wrist lanyard so you have it handy without worrying about losing your grip on it. The compact size allows you to keep it in a BCD pocket or attached to any “D” ring, even a small lightweight plastic one when you are not using it. If the style is important to you, The device is available in a selection of single and multiple color combinations. The AquaMaraca can also be found under other brand names.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Convenient and very easy to use
  • Heard up to 30 feet away
  • Improve basic communication underwater
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Weight: 1.8 ounces
Colors: Black, Orange, Pink, Red&White, Yellow;
Type: Attached to any part of the equipment

View More By Trident »
4

Nautilus Lifeline Marine Rescue GPS

Nautilus Lifeline Marine Rescue GPS


check latest price
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
Summary

The Nautilus Lifeline Marine Rescue GPS is a must-have device if you are diving in a remote location from a daily dive boat or a liveaboard. Many liveaboards are now making it mandatory to have one of these when you dive. Before diving, you can program your Nautilus with the MMSI number of the ship/boat you are diving from (a feature not available in some locations).

You can activate the device in a position only or a distress call mode. When activated in distress mode, all AIS-equipped ships up to 34 miles away will receive an emergency message with your GPS location on their VHF radios. By international law, the ships are required to respond and notify search and rescue authorities. When activated in the position-only mode it will send a signal to the MMSI number you programmed that alerts the VHF radio and to all AIS equipped ships up to 34 miles away without an alert. The signal will report your GPS location. If it remains active for more than 30 minutes, the position only signals changes to a distress call.

If you are lost at sea or left behind by a dive boat, this will get your attention.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Coil lanyard for an easy setup
  • A true emergency device
  • GPS positioning included
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Product Dimensions: 2.9 x 3.8 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 10.4 ounces
Colors: Black and Orange
Type: GPS tracking device

View More By Nautilus Lifeline »
5

SecurityIng Strobe Light

SecurityIng Strobe Light


check latest price
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
Summary

When diving at night you can usually locate your dive buddy by looking for the beam of their dive light. However, if the dive buddy is between you and his light beam you may not be able to see him. It is a common practice to attach a glow stick to the back of the scuba tank to overcome this problem. Glow sticks can become expensive if you do a lot of night diving or diving in low visibility. A small light is an affordable alternative. The product is compact and has a great waterproof performance. The O-ring will keep it safe up to 200 meters underwater. It can be easily attached to dive equipment, making the item even more practical to use. With the long runtime and the battery included, you can always be safe when scuba diving at the night.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Suitable for night diving
  • Rotary switch featuring a twist on/off switch at the head
  • Works 200 meter underwater
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 2.3 x 0.9 inches
Weight: 0.6 ounces
Light colors: Blue, Green, Red, White, Yellow
Type: Attachable Wristband

View More By SecurityIng »
6

Scuba Choice Stainless Tank Rattle

Scuba Choice Stainless Tank Rattle


check latest price
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
Summary

The Scuba Choice Stainless Tank Rattle is both a shaker and a banger. This device is made from stainless steel with a magnet included, which ensures the item's durability. It is ideal for divers that are looking for underwater signaling devices that won't provide them extra bulk and can be used with ease. You can use this device when diving with ease. You need to only attach it to a selected part of your diving equipment and make sure that it is easy to reach. There is a lanyard included in the pack, making it easy to be held down the water. The design is slim and lightweight.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Lanyard included for an easy use
  • Slim design
  • Lightweight, eliminating extra bulk
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Product Dimensions: 7 x 1 x 1 inch
Weight: 4.8 ounces
Color: Yellow
Type: Wristband that can be attached to a lanyard

View More By Scuba Choice »
7

SeaLife Sea Dragon Dive Light

SeaLife Sea Dragon Dive Light


check latest price
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
Summary

The SeaLife  Sea Dragon 2500F is an outstanding light for your underwater photography. It has an arm and tray system that works well with most underwater cameras. The reason it is included here is that it also has two strobe settings. It can be used at a constant 1 flash per second setting or a more rapid SOS setting. A strobe style light is much easier to see at night than a constant beam

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Powerful artificial light that can be used for emergencies
  • Can set it for 1second flashed or an SOS signal
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Product Dimensions: 11 x 10 x 4 inches
Weight: 2 pounds
Light Modes: constant or emergency signal
Depth: 200ft / 60m

View More By SeaLife »
8

Dive Alert Surface Marker Buoy

Dive Alert Surface Marker Buoy


check latest price
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
Summary

A surface marker buoy is a device that is used so that boaters and others on the surface can see you. This Diver Alert SMB is made of 400 Denier polyurethane and coated in nylon. Besides being extremely durable, you can have a light or dive slate attached to the top. There is an added pocket for a finger spool, extra container, or weight for more stability in rough waters. It is easy to inflate using an inflator hose, by mouth, or a second stage regulator.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Easy for the surface craft to see
  • Made from very durable materials
  • Easy to inflate and utilize
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Weight: 8.8 ounces
Colors: Deluxe yellow, LED buoy, Orange
Material: 400 Denier polyurethane coated nylon
Type: Marker Buoy

View More By Dive Alert »
9

Scubapro Slate (glow in the dark)

Scubapro Slate (glow in the dark)


check latest price
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
Summary

Sometimes, hand signals are just not enough. An Underwater slate is a nice-to-have item and a must-have item if doing research underwater. This slate is larger than most but smaller than ones designed for instructor use. At  8.23 x 6.97 inches, it is a nice size.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Easy-Reading Slate
  • Fluorescent slate makes it easy to make notes in low light conditions
  • Has a snap hook for attaching to a BCD
View More By Scubapro »
10

Tektite Mark-Lite LED Strobe Light

Tektite Mark-Lite LED Strobe Light


check latest price
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
Summary

Last, not least, the Tektite Mark-Lite LED strobe light. The Tektite Mark-Lite LED strobe light is mostly used as a tank light in low visibility water. The light is rated at 200+ lumens which is very strong, making it a good light for the surface. will run for 11 hours or more on one AA battery, which is included inside the pack. You should only twist it to activate the light, which is an orange color. It has a sturdy body and is made of ABS and LEXAN material, making sure that the strobe light will be extremely durable and won't get destroyed in the water. The bulb will last for an estimated 10,000 hours.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Can be used up to 1000 feet deep
  • 11 + runtime hours on one battery
  • Can be activated with a simple twist
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Weight: 12 ounces
Battery life: 11 hours
Light color: orange
Bulb life: 10.000 hours

View More By Tektite »
Pro Tip 1 - Intended use: 
  • A double-system signaling device such as the Aquatec Duo allows you to signal your dive buddy both underwater and on land. A bonus is that you can signal your dive boat from up to 1km away on the surface. 
Pro Tip 2 - The Size of  the Underwater Signaling Devices:
  • A dual air-powered signaling device offers a compact system that easily connects to your BCD, making it easier to find and use in an emergency scenario. 
Pro Tip 3 - The Weight of the Item:
  • Having a lightweight signaling system decreases the amount of tension put on your inflator hose compared to older, less ideal systems.


Scuba Diving Expert

How To Choose An Underwater Signaling Device – Buying Guide

How_To_Choose_A_Underwater_Signaling_Device

Intended Use

One of the bedrock of scuba diving safety is the buddy system. However, the buddy system does not work if you do not have your buddy’s attention. The devices in this guide represent different methods of getting attention, Most of these are meant for underwater communications, however, a few are for surface communications.

The Size of the Underwater Signaling Devices

There are a variety of sizes of scuba signaling devices and it will depend on the specific design you have chosen to use. Universally, all scuba signaling devices should be handheld, which ensures that they are easily portable.

Most models are very small and can be worn around the wrist and are used with the push of a button or to tap on the side of your tank. You can check underwater signaling device reviews to see what other divers have said about the size of the product. However, no matter which underwater signaling device you choose, you shouldn’t have to worry about them being too large.

You might also like: perfect Gifts For Scuba Divers

The Weight of the Item

The weight will be related to the size of the safety signaling device and as we’ve stated, size can vary depending on the design. Like size, all devices should be handheld and lightweight.

However, all underwater sound devices should be light enough that they don’t add any bulk to your load. Their lightweight designs ensure that they don’t add any unnecessary weight to your gear.

These underwater devices are designed with safety in mind. Most designs are lightweight to ensure that there is not a reason for a diver to not carry one on a trip.

FAQs

Should_I_Use_Light_Or_Sound_Signaling_Device

Q: Should I use a light or sound signaling device?

A: 

It depends on the time of day you are diving and the limit of visibility. When diving in clear water and on a bright day, light devices will be of little use. A sound-based device is better. In low visibility and at night, you may have trouble locating the source of the sound. Lights are more noticeable. The best case is to have both.

Q: When should I carry a signaling device?

A: 

Every dive trip. If you think about how hard it can be to communicate underwater, you should always have an underwater signaling device to get your dive buddy's attention. We all can lose track of our dive buddies at times. If you lose track of your dive buddy for more than a few minutes, you should abort your dive. Using a signaling device may help you find your buddy and safely continue the dive.

Globo Surf Overview

Whether you are on your first scuba dive or your hundredth trip, safety is always important. You should always be prepared and a top-rated underwater sounding device can ensure that you are always in communication with a dive buddy or other divers.

There are a lot of different designs for you to choose from, but if you know exactly what you want or need, you can find the best underwater signaling device to take with you on every trip.

More Scuba Reviews: