Abstract: A mooring system including a plurality of connected floats and weights being positively buoyant on a water surface and being negatively buoyant at a depth below the water surface. The mooring system also includes a trigger mechanism arranged to reduce the buoyancy of a portion of the connected floats and weights from a being positively buoyant to negatively buoyant to cause the portion of the connected floats and weights to sink below the water surface where the trigger mechanism changes the buoyance of the portion of the connected floats and weights by either adding a weight to one end or separating the end from a buoyant element.

Abstract: A buoy system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a buoy body configured to provide buoyance; a fixing belt configured to fasten the buoy body to a ship structure; an auto-release unit configured to release the buoy body to be buoyed by releasing the fixing belt when a predetermined water pressure is reached; and an auto-reel chain box fixed to the ship structure, being opened in conjunction with releasing of the fixing belt, and including a chain which is reeled out when the buoy body is buoyed, wherein the auto-reel chain box comprises: a weight provided in the auto-reel chain box and being movable upward and downward according to a water pressure and buoyance; a pulley provided in the auto-reel chain box, having the chain wounded thereon and a plurality of teeth on an outer circumferential surface thereof; and a shaft having one end connected to the weight and the other end engaging with the teeth to fix the pulley and provided to be rotatable around a portion fixed in the auto-re

Abstract: An automatically activated flotation device for use on a mobile communications device, including a mobile communications device, and a case operatively attached to the mobile communications device, wherein the front side of the case is located adjacent to the mobile communications device, wherein the case further includes a rod carrier connected to the case such that the at least one rod carrier, a one-way valve assembly operatively connected to a first end of the rod carrier, a chemical rod located within the rod carrier and located adjacent to the one-way valve assembly, and an inflation assembly operatively connected to the case and operatively connected to the at least one rod carrier, wherein if the mobile communications device contacts a body of water, a portion of the body of water interacts with the chemical rod to produce a gas that triggers the inflation assembly to inflate and cause the mobile communications device to float on the body of water.

Abstract: A portable device for measuring parameters of water includes: a shield spherical in shape; an instrument capsule maintaining a water-tight seal with the shield, isolating water inside the shield from water outside the shield; electronic sensors extending from the capsule for measuring chemical, physical, hydrological, and/or biological properties of water; a computer control device within the capsule for programming operation and data storage for the electronic sensors; a battery within the instrument capsule for powering the electronic sensors and computer control device; an electronic signal generator to transmit an acoustic or radio signal into water surrounding the instrument capsule; an electronic signal receiver to receive an acoustic signal in water surrounding the instrument capsule; a supply of compressed gas within the instrument capsule; an assembly capable of trapping gas released from the instrument capsule; and a valve capable of connecting the supply of compressed gas within the assembly.

Abstract: A multi-directional signal assembly includes a signal display assembly having one or more display surfaces, and at least one signal indicia affixed to each display surface. The multi-directional display assembly comprises a buoyant construction such that the signal indicia affixed to the display surface(s) are readily visible above the surface of a body of water in which the assembly is deployed. A counterweight assembly is mounted to the signal display assembly to maintain the signal display assembly in a substantially upright, operative orientation when deployed. An illumination assembly comprising one or more illumination members is mounted to the signal display assembly, and is actuated to increase visibility of the signal display assembly while it is deployed on the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: A buoy has a first piece with a first cavity defined by a first wall and a first open end of the first piece; a second piece having a second cavity defined by a second wall, a second open end and a second close end which is opposite to the second open end; and a separation piece to separate the first cavity and the second cavity so as to form two separated watertight compartments.

Abstract: A float attachment device for providing buoyancy to a waterproof camera or other object of interest includes a buoyant body, adapted to be fastened directly to a housing of the object of interest, and a lanyard adapted to be connected at a first end to the buoyant body and at a second end to a surfboard or other anchor body. An attachment layer, such as double-sided tape, can be used to fasten the buoyant body to the object of interest. The lanyard may include two separable but reconnectable tether line sections. The buoyant body can be made from closed cell flotation foam with a flexible vinyl coating.

Abstract: A marker buoy for marking a location vertically above an anchor deployed in a body of water, the marker buoy including a housing having a substantially watertight compartment and a spool mounted in an adjacent spool bay. A line for attachment to the anchor is wound onto the spool. When a force of tension on the line falls below the selected tension, a center of mass of the housing rotates about an axis of rotation of the housing. A control device responsive to such rotation causes energization of an electric motor coupled to the spool that operates until the force of tension on the line is again within the selected range of line tensions. The marker buoy is capable of autonomous operations, during lowering of the anchor, during operations to maintain a location vertically above the anchor, during retrieval of the anchor and during docking.

Abstract: A buoy for use in reducing the amplitude of waves in water and a system making use of plural buoys to create a floating breakwater. Each buoy is arranged to be constrained, e.g., connected to an anchor, and comprising a body e.g., a cylindrical member having at least one outwardly projecting fin, that is configured to be resonant and impedance matched. The buoy and anchoring approach allows for self-tuning to the changes in the wave spectrum due to the tidal or storm surge induced changes in the water depth. The body of the floating buoy is not limited to circular cylinder, and could be square, hexagonal, triangular, etc. but must have at least one exterior mounted fin.

Abstract: A system for marking a route, path or boundary. The system may comprise a plurality of modules, each of which comprises a signaling device, a radiofrequency apparatus and control circuitry. Such modules are positionable in an array which marks the route, path or boundary. When positioned in the array, the modules undergo radiofrequency communication with one another and the control circuitry causes the signaling devices of the modules to emit warning signals in sequence from a first-positioned module of the array to a last-positioned module of the array.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for restoring buoyancy to a buoy, such as a cylindrical regulatory buoy, which has an intended waterline. A buoyant body generally of ring configuration includes an axial central aperture and has a buoyant body inside diameter corresponding to the diameter of a cylindrical portion of the buoy. The buoyant body is attached to the buoy generally in the vicinity of or below the intended waterline, with the buoy cylindrical portion extending through the central aperture of the buoyant body.

Abstract: An anchor for use with a buoyant decoy used in hunting has a hollow anchor housing configured for detachable engagement with the buoyant decoy, the hollow housing having an anchor head portion, a ballasted and ballastible anchor shaft portion and a hook portion unitary connected to the anchor shaft portion. A reel assembly with a spool of an anchor line is positioned in the anchor housing. The spool is rotated by a detachable crank handle to rewind the anchor line into the housing. A spring-operated release plunger is positioned within a bore formed in the head portion. When the plunger is depressed, the anchor line can be extended and/or retrieved. A hook on a free end of the anchor line allows detachable securing of the anchor housing to the keel of the decoy.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a safety flotation buoy system. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a buoy system comprising a designation member and a buoyancy structure coupled to the designation member. The designation member may include a cylindrically shaped flexible rubber region and a lengthwise opening. The opening may be oriented substantially normal to the water surface. The lengthwise orientation of the buoyancy structure may be aligned with the opening of the designation member. The buoyancy structure may be configured to be submerged below the designation member and the water surface so as to enable the formation of an air bubble within an internal region of the designation member.

Abstract: A floating marker for marking the location of a line in the water. The marker has a cylindrical shape and includes a pair of clips for attaching to a line while allowing the marker to move along the line. The marker includes a lighting module having a plurality of LEDs for illuminating the marker at during low visibility conditions, e.g. at night. The lighting module also includes a solar collector for charging a power source during the day. Finally, the lighting module includes a light sensor and controller allowing the amount of light emitted from the marker to be controlled either automatically or manually.

Abstract: A payload delivery unit for protecting and delivering a payload submerged in a submersion medium includes an unmanned buoy, a drop weight member, and a retention system. The buoy includes a container. The container includes a pressure-resistant shell defining a sealed containment chamber. The drop weight member is mounted on the shell and has a negative buoyancy with respect to the submersion medium. The retention system is operative to retain the drop weight member on the buoy and selectively release the drop weight member from the buoy.

Abstract: According to one preferred embodiment, the present invention can have a housing with a cap on one end. A flag support and a flag can project from the cap. A sleeve can be movable between the ends of the housing. A mechanical assembly is contained within the housing, and includes a rod, a plug, a tensioner and a reel. The tensioner can control the amount of tension on a line that is dispensed from the marker buoy. The line self-dispenses under the load of a weight connected to the line. The sleeve, operable in a first position, helps to maintain a vertical orientation of the housing within the water. Yet, the sleeve in a second position can prevent unwinding of the reel and maintain the flag in a storage position.

Abstract: The beacon for increasing the visibility of a person floating in water. The beacon includes a flotation core constructed of a buoyant material, an outer cover and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism allows the beacon to be attached to a user, user's clothing or life jacket worn by the user. The beacon floats in an essentially vertical position when the bottom end of the beacon is submerged in water.

Abstract: The present invention is an inflatable safety marker for a diver comprising a cylindrical hollow housing having a lid, a puncture plate, an inflatable bladder and a length of line connecting the bladder to the housing. The lid is hingably affixed to one end of the housing. The puncture plate is affixed within the housing below the lid. The puncture plate comprises a pierce needle positioned at the center with the sharp end exposed on the lower surface of the plate and the other end of the pierce needle exposed on the upper surface of the plate. The puncture plate also has a threaded cylindrical skirt depending from the lower surface about the sharp end of the pierce needle. The threaded cylindrical skirt is able to receive a threaded end of a canister containing gas for inflating the bladder. The inflatable bladder is positioned on the upper surface of the puncture plate with its open end removably affixed to the other end of the pierce needle. A length of line connects the bladder to the housing.

Abstract: A buoy provided preferably for ascending in the water from an initial submerged position. The buoy comprises a buoyancy element positioned at an upper portion of the buoy in the ascending direction. Further the buoy comprises a storing structure for an elongated member positioned below the buoyancy element in the ascending direction, wherein one end of the elongated member is connected to the buoy and the other end of the elongated member is connected to an object submerged in the water. The buoyancy element is provided to obtain a rotation of the buoy around its central axis thereby paying out the elongated member while the buoy is ascending essentially vertically in the water.

Abstract: The invention in one variation is a modular recovery apparatus for dispensing a tether spool having a tow line with a float, where the tow line can be used to retrieve an unmanned underwater vehicle and other underwater platforms. The modular recovery apparatus can be triggered underwater or on the surface, and being modular in configuration it is suitable to be fitted to a variety of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The apparatus has a tether spool that is spring loaded, such that when the tether spool is deployed, the spring expels the tether spool with sufficient force to clearly separate it from the UUV. One end of the tow line is typically fastened to a tow point on the UUV, and an opposing end is attached to the float. When the tether spool is deployed, the tow line unwinds from the float, providing a securable length.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a floatable device that is attached to a boat anchor line. The device contains LED's or is otherwise reflective. When the boat anchor is dropped, the device will float on the surface of the water where the anchor line enters. The device thus locates the entry point of the anchor line in the water and will give other boaters an indication of the scope of the line under water as it proceeds from the boat cleat to the anchor on the bottom of the river, lake, etc.

Abstract: A passively-actuated lanyard clamp is disclosed that provides an improved ability to deploy a terminal weight or anchor in a body of water without some of the disadvantages for doing so in the prior art. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a mechanically-bistable latch for clamping a lanyard, wherein the latch is passively-actuated by a force that develops as a result of the terminal weight reaching the bottom of the body of water.

Abstract: A self-supporting marker buoy includes an upper unit, a lower unit, and a rim-engaging cover. The upper unit is a frustum which further includes a base opening facing downwards, a hollow center, and a base rim around the base opening. The lower unit is an upside-down frustum, which further includes a top opening facing upwards, a hollow center, a top rim around the top opening, and a water entry at the bottom of the lower unit. The radius of the base opening of the upper unit is less than that of the top opening of the lower unit.

Abstract: A rescue apparatus comprises a plurality of elongate, buoyant, rigid members attached at their respective ends to one another at a selected one of a plurality of possible angles relative to one another and in a manner to prevent relative movement between the attached members. Any number of the members can be affixed together to form one linear section, to form a length with a zig-zag configuration, to form an L-shaped length of members to extend around a corner, to form a hook or loop shape at the end of a straight length, or virtually any other configuration which might be advantageous in a particular water or ice rescue situation. At least a portion of the rescue device is extended to a position within reach of the victim to affect the rescue. In a preferred embodiment, three of the members have been attached together to form a triangular rescue device that can be thrown or launched near the victim for use as a floatation device.

Abstract: A self-setting marker buoy comprising a floatation unit (20), including a hollow upper member (22), a separable end cap closure lower member (36) with a line storage spool (38) having a uniquely shaped line-trapping element (52) on its lower flange (50), anchor line (44), and anchor (68). The upper member (22) can be tapered inwardly toward the top to allow multiple upper members (22) to nest together for storage. Lower members (36) can also stack together. The line-trapping element (52) is in the shape of a disk having alternating slots (54) and spokes (56) at the perimeter thereof. When tossed onto the water, the weight of the anchor (68) causes the floatation unit (20) to tilt sufficiently to allow the release of anchor line (44) as the anchor (68) descends to the bottom of the water body. When the anchor (68) reaches the bottom, ballast (62) in the lower member (36) rights the floatation unit (20), and the line-trapping element (52) comes into effect to prevent any further release of anchor line (44).

Abstract: A simplified, self-setting marker buoy having an outer shell of abrasion-resistant plastic material, two end portions (14) that are filled with foam or hollow to provide buoyancy, an integrally formed medial portion (18) on which the anchor line (22) is wound, an anchor line (22), and an anchor weight (38). The medial portion (18) is slightly offset from the axis of rotation of the floatation unit (10) to provide rotational resistance to impede rotation of the floatation unit (10) and the resulting release of excess anchor line (22) due to the action of wind, waves, or currents. The amount of offset of the medial portion (18) is preselected to provide the maximum amount of rotational impedance that will still allow rotation of the floatation unit (10) while the anchor weight (38) descends to the bottom of the water body. The medial portion (18) also has a relatively large cross-sectional area resulting in greater ease in rewinding the anchor line (22) onto the medial portion (18).

Abstract: A buoy system having a buoyant flotation reel 10 for retaining a length of anchor line 95 and for supporting a display pole is disclosed. The anchor line 95 includes an anchor weight 98 thereon and a reel insert 15 for placement within the interior of the buoyant flotation reel 10. The display pole 5 includes a pivot ball 20 thereon for mounting within a socket component 27 mounted on the reel insert 15 to enable the display pole 5 to move within the socket component 27 relative to the reel insert 15. A kit for the buoy system also is disclosed.

Abstract: A portable automatic deploying and positioning slalom water ski course that automatically deploys and maintains position. The course preferably includes at least one turn ball span and at least one entry/exit span. Preferably, the turn ball span, the entry/exit span, or both further comprises a location determination device, a control device, and a propulsion device. Also, methods of using the course.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument for marking and environmental monitoring in regatta courses. Incorporated by inflatable pneumatic platform and modular mast, foldable and transportable in compact packing of reduced size. It is intended to simultaneously define the area of conducting such nautical trials, at the same time as the environmental conditions thereof are characterized, in both meteorological and oceanographic terms. The system comprises an inflatable pneumatic float (1) and a support structure—mast—(2), which serves to hold the meteorological (3) and oceanographic (6) instrumentation, as well as the group of elements intended for communications (4), electromechanical components (5) and anchorage system (7). The marked modular level and reduced weight thereof, allow handling from craft of reduced cargo-carrying capacity without the help of additional infrastructures, which has a close relationship with the degree of variability in the regatta courses when competitions are under way.

Abstract: An all purpose surface support station for use in dive applications having an inflatable bladder for floating the station, a screw-in type anchor for docking the station, removable pockets for storing dive equipment, and a cover that can store dive equipment, protect the bladder and, upon deflation of the bladder, is also used as a device for transporting dive equipment to and from the dive site.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel, but simply structured life-saving diving buoy that protects human lives by indicating presence of divers in a certain area while providing a dry storage compartment to store life-saving equipment useful to mark a submerged scuba diver's location while providing a dry compartment to store emergency and/or lifesaving equipment for when the diver comes to the surface and is far away from his boat.

Abstract: A sinkable buoy system including a guide buoy, an inflatable air bladder, a weight component, an air supply line and an air supply, wherein the air bladder and the weight component are not housed within a common housing. A system for inflating and deflating an air bladder in order to float a buoy at the surface and sink a buoy below the surface as desired. A sinkable buoy system for use with a water sports course in order to float buoys of the course during course use and sink the buoys when the course is not in use.

Abstract: An articulating sonobuoy is provided. The articulating sonobuoy comprises a plurality of section, and a plurality of joints connecting each of the plurality of section to adjacent sections, wherein each of the plurality of sections self-aligns by rotating about one or more of said plurality of joints changing the shape of the buoy from a stowed configuration to a streamlined deployed configuration.

Abstract: A multiple use device constructed of either closed or open cell insulated foam ball with a wood or plastic steak molded into such ball for the purpose of inserting in sand or soil which will be utilized in the beach and boating recreational environments allowing the user to be able to secure there beach blanket to the device by a spring loaded clip and thus prevent such blanket or attached article(magazine, newspaper, etc) from blowing away by prevailing winds. The second objective is to allow the user to insert there beverage into a cylindrical opening at the top of such foam ball for the purpose of insulating such beverage from ambient temperatures. The cylindrical opening has sufficient length and rigidity to hold a fishing pole when surf casting at the ocean or any body of water were the unit can be inserted in soft ground. The foam ball buoy as a floatation device has multiple uses in the boating and fishing category were such unit can be used for an line, net or trap marker.

Abstract: A stackable buoy can be mounted on a U-shaped mounting bracket that can in turn be attached to a panel, such as the inner surface of a boat hull. The buoy includes protrusions molded as part of parallel channels, which receive the two legs of the bracket. Multiple buoys can be stacked one of top of the other. Pockets on each side of the H-shaped buoy are provided for mounting commercially available light sticks.

Abstract: An inflatable dive float is provided with a supported flag that is collapsible to a small size for ease of handling and storage. The dive float includes a novel buoyancy element formed of a durable flexible cover and lightweight replaceable bladder provided by a conventional balloon. The cover is configured to allow easy replacement of the bladder. A collapsible frame internal to the cover provides rigid support for a flag pole and connection to a rigid counterweight staff. The internal frame element is held in place, during use, by the pressure of the inflated bladder. Deflation of the bladder allows collapsing of the frame element and the cover which provides a greatly reduced geometry for storage and handling after use. Both the flag pole and counterweight staff are preferably collapsible as well to reduce storage dimensions.

Abstract: A buoyant visibility device comprising an enclosure structure on its exterior, a hollow interior, and a plurality of arms arranged such that, in any position, at least one arm substantially extends upward, wherein the visibility device may be filled or pre-filled with fill materials in its interior.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to support a plurality of objects such as keys with an inflatable apparatus when the inflatable apparatus is exposed to a body of water. In one embodiment, an inflatable apparatus provides an attachment member such as a key ring to attach objects such as keys to the inflatable apparatus. The inflatable apparatus is capable of inflating from a compact shape to an expanded shape upon contact with water. In the expanded shape, the inflatable apparatus provides sufficient buoyancy to support the objects coupled therewith and float the objects to the surface of the water for retrieval by a user. In situations where the weight of the object exceeds a buoyancy limit, the inflatable apparatus can extend a marker buoy to assist in the retrieval of the objects. In other embodiments, the inflatable apparatus includes a wireless transmit a wireless location signal.

Abstract: A freeze resistant buoy system includes a tail-tube buoy having a thermally insulated section disposed predominantly above a waterline, and a thermo-siphon disposed predominantly below the waterline.

Abstract: A marker for marking debris, weed lines and/or other objects floating in a body of water. The marker can consist of a tube, such as a plastic tube having a weighted end such that the marker floats upright in the ocean. Preferably, the marker is coated with a fluorescent color such as the color orange or other highly visible coloring. A reflective strip of material can also be disposed at the end (non-weighted end) of the marker which extends out of the water. A loop can be provided at the non-weighted end of the marker such that the marker can be retrieved by a gaff, boat hook, fishing rod, etc. A piece of floating material, such as foam, can be disposed at an intermediate portion of the tube and defines the amount of material or portion of the tube that extends out of the water.

Abstract: An inflatable diver marker and collection bag is disclosed which can be utilized by a diver for collecting lobster, conch, etc., as well as providing for a diver location marker to boats and other water vehicles traveling in the vicinity of the diver. The dive marker/collection bag also provides for an individual ascent line for the diver. The inflatable dive marker/collection bag allows the diver to send the collected items to the surface without the diver having to surface. In one embodiment, the shape of at least the bottom half of the collection bag is “bell” shaped to help prevent the collected items from escaping when additional items to the collection bag. Additional embodiments for a dive marker are also shown.

Abstract: A mark for sailboat racing having three inflatable elongated tubes joined closely at one common end so that when inflated, a mutual repelling force is developed at the common end causing the outboard ends of the elongated tubes to move away from each other. Lines join the outboard ends of the tubes so that their movement is limited to forming a tetrahedron. The outboard ends of the elongated tubes can be pushed together and constrained for transportation and storage.

Abstract: A surface marker buoy apparatus is provided for use in diving and in particular for use in assisting a diver during his ascent. The apparatus includes an inflatable buoy which can be inflated when required to float and can be folded or rolled up when deflated. The buoy is secured to an anchoring device which defines a filling conduit for the buoy. The conduit has an ingress at one end and at its other end defines an aperture with a rim. A reel is provided which has a locking device that can be set to oppose rotation of the reel. A line, such as a conventional decompression line, is wound around the reel and attached directly or indirectly to the inflatable buoy at its free end. Preferably, the locking device is operated by a finger-catch deployed to unlock the reel by the diver using only one hand.

Abstract: The buoy has small and large cylindrical sections contiguous with each other and having a common central axis. A hole extends along the common central axis, for receiving a mooring rope. The small section has dimensions to fitly engage into a cavity in the bottom of the large section, such that two buoys are stackable onto each other. In another aspect, the small section has grooves on its outside surface and the large section has notches in its rim. The grooves and the notches are advantageous for lodging a mooring rope and consequently for allowing the stacking of buoys that have their mooring ropes still attached to them.

Abstract: An inflatable diver marker and collection bag is disclosed which can be utilized by a diver for collecting lobster, conch, etc., as well as providing for a diver location marker to boats and other water vehicles traveling in the vicinity of the diver. The dive marker/collection bag also provides for an individual ascent line for the diver. The inflatable dive marker/collection bag allows the diver to send the collected items to the surface without the diver having to surface. In one embodiment, the shape of at least the bottom half of the collection bag is “bell” shaped to help prevent the collected items from escaping when additional items to the collection bag. Additional embodiments for a dive marker are also shown.

Abstract: A flameless and smokeless marker attracts attention to a site. A battery and electronics section has a battery module and electronics module. The battery module connects power to the electronics module for creating responsive power-activation signals. An inflatable bag section is connected to the battery and electronics section and has an inflator and flexible bag. The flexible bag is metalized to reflect radar signals and has ChLCD strips receiving the power-activation signals to be visible to radiation from a remotely located search beacon. A beacon section connected to the battery and electronics section and inflatable bag section has IR laser diode arrays arranged in a circular pattern and a strobe light. The IR laser diode arrays and strobe light are coupled to receive the power-activation signals from the battery and electronics section to emit IR radiation and visible radiation, respectively.

Abstract: A buoyant boom having: an elongate band extending across a water surface; floats rotatably mounted to the band with rotary bearings between each float and the band; and anchors securing the band at its ends or middle portion to a support, such as a river bed or a river bank structure for example.

Abstract: An airdrop type buoy apparatus, which is dropped by a flight vehicle, such as aircraft, that is flying in the air, to a water surface of sea or lake to be floated as a marker, a hydrographic conditions measuring device or the like, for flexibly coping with a shock at the time of landing on the water to absorb the landing shock on a balloon and also suppressing the rise of an inner pressure of the balloon so that the balloon is hardly to burst.

Abstract: An airdrop type buoy apparatus, which is dropped by a flight vehicle, such as aircraft, that is flying in the air, to a water surface of sea or lake to be floated as a marker, a hydrographic conditions measuring device or the like, for flexibly coping with a shock at the time of landing on the water to absorb the landing shock on a balloon and also suppressing the rise of an inner pressure of the balloon so that the balloon is hardly to burst.

Abstract: An inflatable buoy (20) that may be worn by a person, such as a swimmer, and used as a flotation aid and beacon in an emergency situation. The buoy (20) has securing means (2a) for being secured to a forearm (3) of a person, an inflatable balloon (4a) that when uninflated is disposed on the securing means (2a) and when inflated is separate from the securing means (2a), a tether (7a) anchoring the balloon (4a) to the securing means (2a), and a gas dispenser (30a) that, when activated, inflates the balloon (4a) with gas. The buoy (20) also has a pair of handles (21) for gripping by a person as well as a pop-up flag (22). In another embodiment of the invention, the buoy may be used as an air beacon whereby the balloon is filled with gas that is lighter than air and the balloon can float to a height determined by the length of the tether.