Garmin has announced the release of the Descent S1 Smart Buoy, a new device for its dive product line designed to facilitate communication and monitoring between divers and surface crews.
The device uses Garmin’s SubWave sonar network to connect with compatible Garmin dive computers. This integration allows a surface crew to track the status of up to eight divers simultaneously.
Functionality and Features
For the Diver:
- Navigation: Connected divers can view the distance and direction to the buoy, which can be used as a navigation point to the surface.
- Messaging: Divers with compatible equipment can exchange preset messages with the surface crew and with other divers within a 100-meter range. Some dive computers can only receive, not send, messages.
- Post-Dive Analysis: After a dive, users can view heatmaps of their underwater routes in the Garmin Dive smartphone app.
For the Surface Crew:
- Diver Monitoring: Using the buoy and the Garmin Dive app, the crew can monitor individual divers’ tank pressures, depths, and locations. The system can send automatic alerts if a diver’s tank pressure becomes low.
- Surface-to-Diver Messaging: The crew can send preset messages to divers, including a command to return to the surface.
- Location Tracking: The system tracks the approximate distance to each diver within the sonar network, up to 100 meters from the buoy. The signal range can be affected by surface conditions, objects, and the diver’s position.
Specifications and Availability
The Descent S1 Buoy is a compact unit weighing 2 pounds with an IPX8 water rating up to 10 meters. Its rechargeable battery provides up to 15 hours of use. The buoy connects to the Garmin Dive app via Wi-Fi from up to 60 meters away.
The suggested retail price for the Descent S1 Buoy is PHP 153,990. It is currently available for pre-order through Garmin Brand Stores and Garmin Specialty Stores.
