Garmin Singapore has launched the Descent S1 Buoy, a new addition to its dive technology lineup that offers real-time diver tracking, messaging and guidance to improve safety and communication between divers and surface crews.
Developed with Garmin’s proprietary SubWave sonar networking, the Descent S1 works in tandem with compatible Garmin dive computers to help surface crews monitor up to eight divers at once. It also enables the exchange of preset messages between surface teams and divers equipped with Descent dive computers and the Descent T2 transceiver. Divers can also track the direction and distance to the buoy, giving them greater clarity on where to surface safely.
“Garmin is focused on creating essential products designed to help keep divers safe,” said Mr Scoppen Lin, Assistant General Manager, Garmin Asia. “The groundbreaking Descent S1 buoy adds game-changing communication, navigation and safety capabilities between divers and their surface crew, making it the next must-have piece of kit for dive teams, charter operations, instructors and more.”
Expanding underwater awareness for divers
One of the key features of the Descent S1 is its ability to guide divers back to the buoy, whether it is tethered in place, fixed to a boat’s anchor line or used in a drift dive setup. The buoy allows divers to navigate towards it using their connected Garmin dive computer.
The system also enables diver-to-surface messaging. This allows divers to share their location, destination, remaining decompression time or any urgent need to surface with those above the water. In addition, the Descent S1 extends diver-to-diver communication by supporting message exchange between up to eight divers within a 100-metre radius.
Post-dive, the Garmin Dive app provides visual heatmaps of underwater paths, helping users analyse their exploration patterns.
Improving surface team coordination
The Descent S1 also brings enhanced visibility and communication to surface teams. When paired with the Garmin Dive app and connected dive computers, crew members can monitor a diver’s tank pressure, depth and location. Automatic alerts can be set up to notify the crew if tank pressure drops to a critical level.
Surface teams can also send preset messages back to the divers and even issue diver recall commands when necessary. The buoy’s sonar network can track divers up to 100 metres away, helping crews maintain proximity awareness and manage dive safety more effectively.
“The idea for the Garmin Descent S1 buoy stemmed from divers’ need for better situational awareness to clearly understand their position during a dive, as well as a reliable way to communicate critical information to the surface,” said Mr Ben Collins, Senior Product Manager at Garmin. “Bridging the gap between air and water has been one of the most significant technical challenges we faced in developing the Descent S1, and it is what makes this innovation truly impactful for the diving community.”
Durable design for demanding conditions
Weighing 981 grams, the Descent S1 Buoy is compact yet rugged, with an IPX8 water resistance rating up to 10 metres. It uses a rechargeable lithium battery that lasts up to 15 hours, supporting a full weekend of diving on a single charge. The buoy also connects wirelessly via Wi-Fi to the Garmin Dive app at distances of up to 60 metres, keeping surface teams informed and divers connected.
The Descent S1 Buoy is available now in Singapore at a suggested retail price of S$3,419. It can be purchased at Garmin Brand Stores, the Garmin Online Store, Lazada, Shopee, Takashimaya and selected authorised retailers.
