In this blog:
What’s the Best SMB or DSMB? FAQ At a glance Still Not Sure? Reach Out to Us!
By Divers, For Divers – From the Team at Mike’s Dive Store. Let’s talk about something every diver should carry on every single dive: your SMB or DSMB.
Whether you're a recreational diver heading out for a coastal reef dive, a tec diver planning a deco ascent, or a dive pro guiding students through choppy conditions, Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs) and Delayed Surface Marker Buoys (DSMBs) are your lifeline – and sometimes, your only link to the surface world. At Mike’s Dive Store, we believe these tools are as essential as your mask and fins. Here's everything you need to know – and which marker might be your next must-have.
SMBs vs DSMBs – What’s the Difference?
SMB (Surface Marker Buoy)
An SMB is typically deployed before you enter the water and is towed throughout the dive. Common for shore dives, training dives, or shallow sites, they let surface support know where you are at all times.
DSMB (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy)
A DSMB is deployed during your ascent or at depth – usually from your safety stop or during decompression. Essential for boat diving, current diving, or technical diving, a DSMB allows you to mark your position from below before surfacing.
Pro Tip: Yellow DSMBs are typically used to signal emergency or distress. Red and orange are standard.
Why Every Diver Should Carry a DSMB
- Visibility: You're tiny from the boat. Your DSMB makes you visible, even in rough seas.
- Safety: It’s often a legal requirement in many dive destinations.
- Communication: Yellow = Help. Red/Orange = Normal ascent.
- Navigation Aid: Send one up mid-dive to mark a spot or guide others.
- Surface Positioning: Prevent being separated from the group or boat.
What to Look for in a Good SMB or DSMB
- Inflation Method: Oral, regulator/octopus, or dedicated mini-cylinder.
- Self-sealing design: Prevents deflation at the surface.
- Over-pressure/dump valve: Avoids bursting during ascent.
- Reflective tape/SOLAS panels: Increases visibility.
- Storage & Deployment: Should pack neatly and deploy easily underwater.
Let’s Talk Gear: Best SMBs and DSMBs at Mike’s Dive Store
AP Valves Divers Closed SMB
A legend since the '90s, this “safety sausage” is self-sealing thanks to a clever internal baffle.
✅ High-vis colour options
✅ Over-pressure valve
✅ Rolls up small
Perfect for anyone who wants simplicity with reliability.
AP Valves Self-Sealing SMB with Inflation Cylinder
Upgrade pick with mini-cylinder inflation.
✅ Ideal for tech divers
✅ No air loss from your mix
✅ Still usable via second stage if needed
Super handy for deeper, gas-sensitive dives.
Apeks Delayed SMB
The Rolls Royce of DSMBs.
✅ Fully sealed system
✅ One breath oral inflation
✅ SOLAS reflective tape on both sides
✅ Can double as emergency float
Premium choice for the discerning diver.
Tauchsport Tec Buoy Deluxe DSMB
Tech diver essential.
✅ Inflator valve compatibility
✅ Velcro wrap and D-ring
✅ 147cm robust nylon
Professional-grade build and storage features.
Halcyon Super Big Closed Circuit SMB
Exceptional visibility and dependable buoyancy support
✅200 denier nylon
✅Halcyon's No-Lock® connector for oral inflate or LP hose connection
✅Over pressure-relief valve, allowing them to be deployed from depth
Perfect for diving professionals, tech divers and safety-focused divers.
Cressi Marker Buoy
Classic utility marker with multiple inflation options.
✅ Duckbill seal to prevent accidental deflation
✅ High durability
✅ Light or strobe attachment
Excellent all-rounder for any diver.
Cressi Compact Surface Marker
Lightweight, travel-friendly.
✅ Self-sealing
✅ Overpressure valve
✅ Rolls up neatly
A great back-up or travel SMB.
IST QD Mini DSMB
Quick disconnect DSMB – tech-ready.
✅ Inflator hose compatible
✅ Reflective tape + D-ring
✅ Compact, bungee storage
Great for divers who like their gear to be sleek and efficient.
Mares All-In-One DSMB Kit
Everything you need in one bundle.
✅ 180cm DSMB
✅ Spool + mesh storage
✅ Oral and LP inflator inflation
Ideal for new divers or those looking to upgrade in one go.
Mares SMB Divers Surface Marker
Finally, a versatile, compact SMB that does it all.
✅ Oral & octopus inflation
✅ Over-inflation valve
✅ Lightweight
One of the best-functioning DSMBs on the market today.
Scubapro Signal Decompression Buoy
Compact DSMB with accessories.
✅ Pre-weighted
✅ 9.5m line included
✅ Bright red
Solid all-in-one starter DSMB kit.
Mares Standard Inflatable Buoy
Open-ended, simple and effective.
✅ Weighted opening for upright position
✅ 20m line & storage bag included
A good basic setup for any beginner diver.
Mares Compact SMB
Minimalist’s dream.
✅ Small, efficient
✅ 10m line + 300g weight
✅ Mesh pouch
Simple surface visibility at its best.
Mares Torpedo Buoy
For freedivers and snorkelers.
✅ Low drag
✅ Streamlined
✅ 6 line points
Perfect for long surface swims.
Mares Pure Instinct Torpedo SF
Spearfisher's best friend.
✅ Multiple clip points
✅ Can be stabilized with water
✅ Comes with line and carabiner
Built for those long hunts.
Beaver Round SMB
A traditional round buoy with flag.
✅ Durable build
✅ Ideal for marking locations
Best for instructors or marking training areas.
YASI Dry Bag Tow Float
Dive float with gear storage and extra buoyancy.
✅ High-Visibility Orange
✅ 28L Waterproof Storage
✅ Adjustable Waist Belt
Ideal for Wild swimmers • Triathletes • Paddleboarders • Kayakers • Adventure swimmers • Safety-conscious swimmers
What’s the Best SMB or DSMB?
It depends on your diving style:
- New divers? Go for the Mares All-In-One Kit.
- Tech divers? Look at AP Self-Sealing with Cylinder or Tauchsport Tec DSMB.
- Want top performance? Apeks SMB is the gold standard.
- Traveling light? The Cressi Compact or Mares Compact shine.
- Spearfishing or snorkelers? You can’t go wrong with the Torpedo-style buoys.
FAQ
What is the difference between an SMB and a DSMB?
An SMB (Surface Marker Buoy) is deployed before or at the start of a dive and towed throughout, keeping surface support aware of your position at all times. A DSMB (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy) is deployed underwater — typically during your ascent or safety stop — to alert boats to your location before you reach the surface. Both are essential safety tools, but DSMBs are particularly important for boat diving, drift diving, and technical diving.
Do I legally need to carry an SMB or DSMB?
In many popular dive destinations around the world, carrying an SMB or DSMB is a legal requirement — particularly for boat dives. Even where it is not legally mandated, most dive operators will require you to carry one as a condition of joining a dive. We strongly recommend every diver carries one on every dive, regardless of location.
What do the different colours of SMBs mean?
Colour is a key communication tool on the surface. Red and orange SMBs indicate a normal, planned ascent. Yellow is universally recognised as a distress or emergency signal, meaning the diver needs assistance. Black SMBs are effective location markers in bright daylight. Multi-coloured buoys are designed for maximum visibility across varying weather and light conditions.
Which SMB or DSMB is best for a beginner diver?
For new divers, the Mares All-In-One DSMB Kit is an excellent starting point — it includes a 180cm DSMB, spool, and mesh storage bag, and supports both oral and low-pressure hose inflation. It covers everything you need in a single, affordable bundle without any guesswork.
How do I inflate a DSMB underwater?
There are several inflation methods depending on your DSMB. The most common are oral inflation (a few breaths into the open end), regulator or octopus inflation (directing exhaled air into the buoy), low-pressure hose inflation (via your BCD inflator), and dedicated mini-cylinder or "crack bottle" inflation. The best method for you will depend on your experience level, dive type, and equipment setup. Practice in a pool or shallow water before relying on it in open water.
At a glance
SMBs are deployed at the surface; DSMBs are deployed underwater from any depth using a reel or spool
Types include tow buoys, surface SMBs, and DSMBs — each suited to different diving styles
Colours carry meaning: red for location, yellow for emergency, black for daylight, multi-colour for all conditions
Inflation options: oral, regulator, low-pressure hose, or built-in gas cylinder
Choose a buoy with a quality valve, SOLAS reflective tape, and strobe mounting points
Practice DSMB deployment with your dive school before relying on it underwater
Still Not Sure? Reach Out to Us!
At Mike’s Dive Store, we’re a team of divers just like you. We’ve tested these SMBs in the UK, Red Sea, Maldives, and even the North Atlantic. If you’re not sure which DSMB is best for your next adventure – just drop us a message. We’re always happy to chat gear.
Stay safe, stay visible, and happy diving!
Author
Kasia
Our content and marketing assistant with a diver's eye for detail. Hooked since her first dive in 2023 and now a PADI Divemaster based in the Philippines, she splits her time between cruising reefs with thresher sharks and making sure our blogs and products help divers of all levels make the right choices. Always first in line to test new gear.
