What are the requirements for a lost diver buoy?

• A. Clump, weight sufficient for size of float
• B. Line, length sufficient for depth of water
• C. Buoy, min 11 inch diameter
• D. Bright color requirement for visibility

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is signaling and visibility. A lost diver buoy exists to mark a diver’s location at the surface, and the most important feature is that it is easy to see. Bright colors—like orange or yellow—make the marker stand out against the water and in rough light or sea conditions, helping boats and surface support spot it quickly. A line, weight, or a specific diameter can be helpful for deploying and retrieving the buoy or keeping it upright, but none of those features guarantees visibility the way color does. So the emphasis on a bright color for visibility is what makes this the best, most essential requirement.