Garmin Descent S1 Dive Buoy User Manual

Introduction

WARNING: For warnings and important product information, see the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the product box.

NOTICE: For optimal performance, all devices paired with the Descent S1 must be updated to the latest software version. Failure to update may cause compatibility or performance issues.

Device Overview

The Descent S1 dive buoy has the following features:

• 1. Power Button: Press and hold to turn the buoy on or off.
• 2. LED Status Indicator: Displays the buoy's status.
• 3. Surface Attachment Point: For attaching a lanyard to connect to a boat or surface marker buoy.
• 4. Anchor Attachment Point: For attaching a lanyard to an anchor.

Getting Started

Before using the buoy for the first time, follow these steps:

1. Charge the buoy.
2. Turn on the buoy.
3. Set up the buoy using the Garmin Dive™ app.
4. Check for software updates.

For the best experience, keep the buoy software updated. Updates include privacy, security, and feature enhancements.

Establish a dive network by pairing the transmitter and Descent dive computer of each diver with other divers and the buoy.

Start a dive session.

Charging the Buoy

WARNING: This device contains a lithium-ion battery. See the Important Safety and Product Information guide for warnings and important product information.

NOTICE: To prevent corrosion, thoroughly clean and dry the contacts and surrounding area before charging or connecting to a computer. See the cleaning instructions (Device Care, page 10).

1. Press the charging clip on the side.
2. Align the clip with the contacts on the bottom of the buoy and release it.
3. Connect the cable to the USB-C charging port or a wall adapter (minimum 5 W output). The LED status indicator shows the battery charge level.

LED Status Indicator Behavior

Turning the Buoy On or Off

• To turn on the buoy, press and hold the button for 2 seconds until you hear a beep. The LED status indicator flashes green while the buoy is starting up. A tone sounds and the LED status indicator slowly flashes white when the buoy is ready to connect.
• To turn off the buoy, press and hold the button for 5 seconds until you hear a tone. The LED status indicator is white while you hold the button, and a tone sounds when the buoy turns off.

LED Status Indicator

System Status

Connectivity Status

Charging Status

Diving

You can use a compatible Descent dive computer paired with the Descent T2 transmitter and the Descent S1 buoy to start a dive activity. During the dive, surface users can exchange messages with divers, monitor their approximate underwater location, and view tank pressure information. Divers underwater can send messages to the surface and use back-to-the-buoy navigation based on location data displayed on their Descent dive computers. At the end of the dive, divers can sync their dive computers with the buoy and view their underwater thermal maps in the Garmin Dive app. For more information, see the Descent dive computer instruction manual.

Diving Warnings

WARNING:

• Do not exceed the maximum depth rating for this device (Specifications, page 10).
• Ensure you fully understand the operation, displays, and limitations of the device. If you have any questions about this manual or the device, resolve any discrepancies or uncertainties before diving with the device. Always take responsibility for your own safety.
• The device can record the estimated tank pressure of a paired diver when configured and connected properly. This value is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as the sole source of this information.
• Perform a pre-dive safety check, such as verifying proper device operation and settings, display functionality, battery level, tank pressure, and checking for air leaks indicated by bubbles in the connections.
• Never dive alone for safety reasons. Dive with a buddy, even if someone is monitoring your dive from the surface. Also, remain with other people for an extended period after the dive, as decompression sickness can occur later or be triggered by surface activities.
• This device is not intended for commercial or professional diving activities. It is intended for recreational use only. Commercial or professional diving activities may expose the user to extreme depths or conditions that increase the risk of decompression sickness.

Diving Cautions

CAUTION:

• A clear line of sight is required to send messages and navigate during a dive. Environmental factors can affect transceiver connectivity and slow or prevent message sending and receiving. With a good connection, devices can send data in under 20 seconds. With a poor connection, devices attempt to send data for up to two minutes. This is a supplementary feature and should not be used to call for help in an emergency or replace standard safety procedures.
• To send messages and/or track the location of compatible devices, this device must be paired with a compatible mobile device using the device's Wi-Fi connection and the Garmin Dive app. The range of the device's Wi-Fi connection depends on the make and model of the mobile device used. This product should not be used to call for help in an emergency or replace standard safety procedures.
• Surface conditions can affect device performance and connectivity. Obstructions such as boat hulls, docks, reefs, or kelp can block the device's signal and cause intermittent data transmission or delays.
• Do not rely solely on the buoy for underwater navigation. Buoy navigation requires a clear line of sight to the buoy. Buoy location and distance data are approximate and should be used as a supplementary aid, not a replacement for diver navigation skills in navigation, search, and positioning.
• This device is not an inflatable personal flotation device and cannot support the weight of a person or dive gear. Using this device in such a manner may result in personal injury or property loss or damage.
• The range of the device and the availability of messaging and/or location tracking depend on the type of compatible devices it communicates with (Dive Product Compatibility and Features, page 11).

Diving Notes

NOTICE:

• For best results, the buoy should be tethered to a surface marker buoy or anchor line, in a location where it is not obstructed by the boat hull and has a clear line of sight to divers equipped with compatible devices.
• If towing, attach the surface marker buoy lanyard to the side attachment point on the Descent S1 buoy, ensuring the diver's spool is attached to the surface marker buoy.
• To anchor the buoy, attach the anchor line lanyard to the bottom attachment point on the Descent S1 buoy. For visibility, also attach a surface marker buoy lanyard to the side attachment point on the Descent S1 buoy. Do not attach a flag directly to the buoy.
• For best results and connectivity, position the buoy within 60 m (197 ft) of the surface support and in the direction of the dive site.
• Ensure the buoy has a clear line of sight to divers underwater. Obstructions, such as boat hulls or underwater objects, can interfere with data transmission and reception.

Setting Up the Buoy with the Garmin Dive App

Before using the buoy, you must pair it with the Garmin Dive app and set up the Wi-Fi connection. For device pairing compatibility, you must be in an area with internet access so devices can download the latest software updates.

1. Turn on the buoy by pressing and holding the button for 2 seconds until you hear a beep. The LED status indicator flashes green while the buoy is starting up. A tone sounds and the LED status indicator slowly flashes white when the buoy is ready to connect.
2. Choose an option:
   • Download the Garmin Dive app to your mobile device, which you plan to use during the dive.
   • If the Garmin Dive app is already installed on your mobile device, update it to the latest version.
3. Scan the QR code on the bottom of the buoy with your mobile device's camera. When the mobile device connects to the buoy's Wi-Fi network, the LED status indicator lights solid blue-green for 3 seconds. Then, the LED status indicator flashes twice consecutively while establishing a connection with the mobile device.

NOTE: You can manually connect to the buoy's Wi-Fi network in your mobile device's system settings. The Wi-Fi network name is "DescentS1-" followed by a six-character ID. In your mobile device, select the buoy's Wi-Fi network and enter "TSB" followed by the six-character ID.

You can change the Wi-Fi network password in the Garmin Dive app.

NOTE: If necessary, you can change the Wi-Fi password later in the Garmin Dive app. Select More > Garmin Devices, select the buoy, and then select General > Wi-Fi Password Management.

Dive Network

When you pair your devices, the Descent S1 buoy creates a dive network that connects surface users through the Garmin Dive app to underwater divers who are simultaneously using a Descent dive computer and a Descent T2 transmitter.

At the end of the dive, the buoy syncs with the dive computers, and each user can view their underwater thermal map in the Garmin Dive app for approximate location information.

Pairing Dive Computers and Transmitters

For more information on pairing and updating software, see the Descent device instruction manual. For device pairing compatibility, you must be in an area with internet access so devices can download the latest software updates.

• Pair your Descent dive computers with the Descent T2 transmitter and set the location to My Tank.
• Pair your Descent dive computers with the Garmin Dive app on your phone.
• Using the Garmin Dive app, check for Descent dive computer and Descent T2 transmitter software updates for each user.
• Pair your Descent dive computers with other users' Descent T2 transmitters and set the location to Other Diver.

Pairing Dive Computers via Bluetooth

Compatible Descent dive computers can be paired with the buoy via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (Pairing Dive Computers via Wi-Fi, page 7).

NOTE: Compatible Descent Mk2i dive computers can only be paired via Wi-Fi.

1. Pair all Descent dive computers and transmitters, and check for software updates (Pairing Dive Computers and Transmitters, page 6).
2. Position compatible Descent dive computers within 10 m (33 ft) of the buoy.
3. To turn on the buoy, press and hold the button for 2 seconds until you hear a beep. The LED status indicator flashes green while the buoy is starting up. A tone sounds and the LED status indicator slowly flashes white when the buoy is ready to connect.
4. Double-press the button to enter Bluetooth pairing mode. A tone sounds, and the LED status indicator flashes blue.

NOTE: Wait approximately 0.5 seconds between button presses. The buoy does not detect rapid presses.

5. On your dive computer, select Setup > Dive Network > Buoys > Add New.
6. Select the buoy ID that matches the number listed on the bottom of the buoy near the QR code.
7. Press BACK, select SubWave Features, and ensure Location Sharing and Messaging are enabled.
8. Repeat steps 5 through 7 for all dive computers you plan to use on the dive.
9. Double-press the button to exit Bluetooth pairing mode. When Wi-Fi connection mode is enabled, a tone sounds, and the LED status indicator flashes white.

On the next power up, the buoy and paired dive computer automatically connect if they are within wireless range.

Pairing Dive Computers via Wi-Fi

Compatible Descent dive computers can be paired with the buoy via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (Pairing Dive Computers via Bluetooth, page 7).

1. Ensure all Descent dive computers and transmitters are paired and the software is updated (Pairing Dive Computers and Transmitters, page 6).
2. Position compatible Descent dive computers within 10 m (33 ft) of the buoy.
3. To turn on the buoy, press and hold the button for 2 seconds until you hear a beep. The LED status indicator flashes green while the buoy is starting up. A tone sounds and the LED status indicator slowly flashes white when the buoy is ready to connect.
4. On your dive computer, select Setup > Dive Network > Buoys > Add New.
5. Select the buoy ID that matches the number listed on the bottom of the buoy near the QR code.

NOTE: Dive computers attempt to automatically connect using the default Wi-Fi password. If you have changed the Wi-Fi password, you must enter the current password.

6. Enter the Wi-Fi password for the Descent S1 buoy if prompted.
7. Press BACK, select SubWave Features, and ensure Location Sharing and Messaging are enabled.
8. Repeat steps 4 through 7 for all dive computers you plan to use on the dive.

On the next power up, the buoy and paired dive computer automatically connect if they are within wireless range.

Starting a Dive Session

CAUTION: Calibrate the compass before each dive for best results. If the compass is not calibrated, location data may be inaccurate, and divers may receive incorrect direction information to the buoy.

NOTICE: Calibrate the electronic compass outdoors. To improve heading accuracy, do not stand near objects that affect the magnetic field, such as cars, buildings, or overhead power lines.

Before starting a dive session, you must set up the buoy with the Garmin Dive app (Setting Up the Buoy with the Garmin Dive App, page 6) and establish a dive network for all divers in the group (Dive Network, page 6).

1. To turn on the buoy, press and hold the button for 2 seconds until you hear a beep. The LED status indicator flashes green while the buoy is starting up. A tone sounds and the LED status indicator slowly flashes white when the buoy is ready to connect.
2. On your mobile device, open the system settings and connect to the Descent S1 buoy Wi-Fi network.
3. In the Garmin Dive app, select More > Garmin Devices, select the buoy, and then select Start Dive.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to calibrate the compass by slowly rotating the device in three directions. The Garmin Dive app indicates when calibration is complete.
5. Select Divers and ensure all divers are listed.
6. Attach the buoy to a vessel or surface marker buoy with a lanyard and lower it into the water (Tips for Buoy Placement, page 9).
7. Start the dive, and use the Garmin Dive app to monitor divers from the surface.
8. Select Location to view the approximate underwater locations of divers.

TIP: Divers can use the back-to-buoy navigation feature on their dive computers based on location data displayed on their dive computers. For more information, see the Descent device instruction manual.

9. Select Messages to send messages to one or more divers and view received messages.
10. Select Statistics to view depth and tank pressure data for each diver.
11. At the end of the dive session, select : > End Dive.

When dive computers are surfaced and within range of the buoy at the end of the dive, they automatically connect and sync. You can then view your underwater thermal maps in the Garmin Dive app for approximate location information. If you want to manually sync with the buoy after the dive, you can select Setup > Dive Network > Buoys, select the buoy, and then select Sync.

Tips for Buoy Placement

• Attach the surface marker buoy lanyard to the side attachment point on the Descent S1 buoy.
• For divers who tow the buoy, attach the surface marker buoy lanyard to the side attachment point on the Descent S1 buoy, ensuring the diver's spool is attached to the surface marker buoy.
• To anchor the buoy, attach the anchor line lanyard to the bottom attachment point on the Descent S1 buoy. For visibility, also attach a surface marker buoy lanyard to the side attachment point on the Descent S1 buoy. Do not attach a flag directly to the buoy.
• For best results and connectivity, position the buoy within 60 m (197 ft) of the surface support and in the direction of the dive site.
• Ensure the buoy has a clear line of sight to divers underwater. Obstructions, such as boat hulls or underwater objects, can interfere with data transmission and reception.

Garmin Dive App

The Garmin Dive app allows you to download dive logs from a compatible Garmin device. You can add more detailed dive information, including environmental conditions, photos, and dive buddies. You can explore new locations and view details and photos posted by other users. When diving with a Garmin buoy and compatible Garmin devices, you can view your underwater thermal maps for approximate location information.

The Garmin Dive app syncs data with your Garmin Connect™ account. You can download the Garmin Dive app from your phone's app store (garmin.com/diveapp).

Updating Device Software

You can update the Descent S1 buoy software using the Garmin Dive app when you connect to a mobile device via Wi-Fi.

1. Connect your mobile device to the buoy's Wi-Fi network (Setting Up the Buoy with the Garmin Dive App, page 6).
2. In the Garmin Dive app, select More > Garmin Devices.
3. Select the buoy from the list of devices.
4. Select General > Check for Updates.

The app checks for software updates and prompts you to install them if available.

Device Care

NOTICE: Do not use sharp objects to clean the device. Do not use chemical cleaners, solvents, or insect repellents, which can damage plastic parts and paint. Rinse the device with fresh water if it has been exposed to salt water, chlorinated water, sunscreen, cosmetics, alcohol, or other harsh chemicals. Prolonged exposure to these substances can damage the device housing. Do not expose the device to extreme shock or rough handling, as this can shorten its lifespan. Do not store the device in locations where it may be exposed to extreme temperatures, as this can cause permanent damage. Stop using the device if it is damaged or if it has been stored outside the recommended temperature ranges. If you do not plan to use the Descent S1 for several months, charge the battery to at least 50% before storing the device. Store the device in a cool, dry place at a temperature similar to a normal household environment. Fully charge the device before using it again after storage.

Cleaning the Buoy

1. After each dive, rinse the buoy with fresh water to remove salt and dirt.
2. If necessary, clean the buoy with a soft cloth.

Specifications

¹The device is resistant to continuous submersion in water up to 10 meters. For more information, visit www.garmin.com/waterrating.

Troubleshooting

Getting More Information

You can view more information about the product on the Garmin website.

• Additional manuals, articles, and software updates are available at support.garmin.com.
• For information about optional accessories and replacement parts, visit buy.garmin.com or contact your Garmin retailer.

Resetting the Buoy

To remove all paired devices and reset the Wi-Fi network password, you can reset the buoy.

1. With the buoy turned off, press and hold the button for 10 seconds until you hear three beeps. The LED status indicator is green while holding the button, and flashes orange while the buoy is resetting.
2. Wait for the buoy to reset. When the buoy powers on, it beeps once, and the LED status indicator flashes green. When it is ready to connect, a tone sounds and the LED status indicator slowly flashes white.

Dive Product Compatibility and Features

You can pair multiple Descent devices to create a dive network for yourself and the dive community. Some features are not available on older devices. For more information, see the Descent device instruction manual.

NOTICE: Update your devices to the latest software version to access all features and improvements. If software versions are incompatible, your dive computer will display the following message: Transmitter %1 not connected. %1 is replaced by the transmitter name.

Key:

• : View tank pressure for yourself or paired divers.
• : View depth of paired divers.
• : View distance of paired divers.
• : View heading of paired divers.
• : View the public names of transmitters for yourself and paired divers.
• : Send preset messages to divers with a Descent T2 transmitter or to the surface with the Descent S1 buoy.
• : Receive messages during a dive from divers with a paired Descent T2 transmitter or from the surface with the Descent S1 buoy.
• : View distance and heading information to navigate back to the Descent S1 buoy.

About SubWave Technology

Compatible Descent devices use SubWave sonar technology to communicate with other compatible Descent devices. Many factors can affect device-to-device communication. For more information, visit garmin.com/subwave.