Garmin Malaysia has announced the launch of the Descent S1 Smart Buoy, a cutting-edge innovation designed to improve communication and situational awareness between divers and their surface teams. Integrating seamlessly with Garmin’s Descent dive computers, the new buoy utilises the company’s proprietary SubWave™ sonar networking to allow surface crews to track and communicate with up to eight divers underwater.

The Descent S1 enables diver-to-surface and diver-to-diver messaging through preset communications when paired with compatible dive computers and the Descent T2 transceiver. Divers can view the direction and distance to the buoy—whether tethered or drifting—allowing them to navigate safely back to the surface.

Among its features, the buoy offers real-time updates on diver location, tank pressure, and decompression status. Surface crews can also send preset messages to divers and issue diver recalls if necessary. The buoy enhances diver-to-diver communication by extending range up to 100 metres, while post-dive data, including underwater heatmaps, can be reviewed via the Garmin Dive app.

Built for durability, the Descent S1 weighs just 2 pounds and holds an IPX8 rating, waterproof to 10 metres. A rechargeable lithium battery delivers up to 15 hours of use, ideal for weekend dive trips. Its Wi-Fi connectivity ensures seamless integration with the Garmin Dive app from distances up to 60 metres.

Available from August 2025, the Descent S1 Smart Buoy is priced at RM10,879 and can be purchased through Garmin Brand Stores, online and authorised retailers.