Underwater Noisemaker Buying Guide
Communication underwater can be a problem, and is usually restricted to a small set of hand signals. It can be even more challenging to get the attention of your dive buddy, however.
It happens all the time. You see something really cool, but your dive buddy is looking in the completely opposite direction. Unless you're within reach, you have no way to get their attention. Here we provide some options for making noise underwater.
Shaker / Rattle
Probably the most well known unerwater noisemaker option, many dive instructors carry one of these clipped to their BCD. Most are pretty solid and make a clear sound that can be heard from a moderate distance.
Best Divers Marachas 95 Scuba Rattle with Magnetic Holder
RRP: $91, Our Price: $78, You Save $13 (14%).
A shaker alarm with magnetic holder to stop excess rattling when stowed that can be clipped to a hose. The shaker is also fitted with a wrist lanyard. You can hear the rattle from every angle and there is no mistaking it.
IST Proline Long Underwater Noisemaker and Pointer
RRP: $65, Our Price: $58.50, You Save $6.50 (10%).
You can use this device as a shaker rattle noisemaker, an underwater pointer, a tank tapper, a measuring stick, plus a prop for steadying yourself while taking underwater photos and video.
Horn
Use your BCD inflator hose to make noise with an above the surface and underwater horn. These devices connect between your low pressure hose and your BCD, using the air from your cylinder to make noise. You can hear these from pretty far, even on the surface. The better ones have an underwater noise making mode as well as an above the surface mode.
Dive Alert Plus v.2 Surface/Subsurface Signalling Device
Our Price: $225
The latest version of the Dive Alert Plus connects without tools between your BCD's inflator and its quick-disconnect hose. For surface use, all you have to do is squeeze and it activates a horn that can be heard from as far as 1.5 km away. Underwater, another squeeze emits a loud buzz. Either way, people will know you're there.
Tank Banger
A pretty rudimentary device, tank bangers are circular rubber tubing that is threaded through a plastic bead. This tubing is placed around the base of your tank, with the bead in a position that is easily reached by the diver. When you need to gain your buddy's attention, simply grab the bead with an outward motion and then release the bead. The bead will create a reverberating sound, which can be heard by your nearby dive buddy.
IST Proline Tank Banger
RRP: $15, Our Price: $14, You Save $1 (7%).
The simplest and most reliable attention getter for Scuba Diving is the Tank Banger. Just stretch it over the base of your Scuba Cylinder and you're ready to go. Being bright yellow, you will always be able to see it when needed. These are a good solution, especially since they are the cheapest of the available options.
IST Sports Underwater Pointer/Crayfish Tickle Stick
RRP: $23, Our Price: $18, You Save $5 (22%).
Underwater pointers can also be used as tank bangers. Just tap them on your scuba cylinder. Then when you've got the attentional of your dive buddy you can use the pointer to point out the critter you've found.
