Diving signal buoy
SMBC A.P. Valves

The BUDDY SMBC (SMB closed) was developed by the same UK design team at A.P.Valves that produced the world beating Commando bcd.

A real gem of a product, the 1.4m x 20cm wide orange sausage shaped SMBC was developed in the early 1990s and quickly became a standard part of most divers' kit.

The SMBC is simply inflated by purging a regulator or air gun in the open end. The really clever bit is in the mouth, where a unique self-sealing baffle - or duckbill valve - is forced shut forming an airtight seal on inflation and preventing the buoy from accidentally deflating on the surface.

The SMBC also features a stream-lining flap which closes over the mouth when used in a current to prevent any sea-anchor effect. It also has an over-pressure/dump valve which prevents the buoy from bursting and allows deflation after use. Because the SMBC stays inflated it is easy for the surface crew to track or for the diver to hold aloft and wave if separated from the boat