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Mastering Underwater Communication: Essential Hand Signals for Scuba Divers

hand signals|hand signals|hand signals|hand signals|hand signals
|Rope signals|The 'stop' hand signal is very distinctive|Explaining the need to stay close to a wall

Last Updated on October 9, 2024 by Mark Evans

Communication is essential in all walks of life for a positive outcome. When communications fail, relationships fall apart, and the same applies to scuba diving.

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Essential hand signals for scuba divers

Why Underwater Communication is Crucial

You’ll learn the fundamental hand signals during your introductory course, but sometimes it’s hard to understand what the little cartoon diver is doing in the still picture. Maybe you’ve just watched a scuba diving movie and you’re trying to work out just what they’re saying underwater, or perhaps you just want to brush up on your hand signals before you head back into the water.

Methods of Underwater Communication

Hand Signals

The most fundamental method of underwater communication is hand signals. This method relies on line of sight, decent lighting, and your buddy actually looking at you and understanding what you're showing.

Light Signals

You can also communicate with an underwater light. Light signals are fairly limited in comparison, but they have a decent range to get your buddy's attention. At night, you can use your torch to shine on your hand so your buddy can see it.

Touch Signals

Touch signals are limited to zero-visibility scenarios along a guideline. Cave divers have a special touch language since visual signals are not feasible.

hand signals
Rope and line signals are sometimes employed

Rope and Line Communications

Used in overhead or commercial environments, rope and line communications allow direct contact with the surface using pulls and bells.

Through-Water Communications

This advanced method is similar to radios but can be patchy in certain environments. Hard-wired communications require a tether and underwater microphones.

Basic Hand Signals

OK

The most fundamental hand signal for scuba divers is “OK”. It’s a question and an answer. If another diver looks at you and shows the OK sign, they’re asking if you’re OK. If you are, give them an OK back.

hand signals
The ‘stop' hand signal is very distinctive

STOP

This signal is straightforward. Use it when you want somebody to stay where they are, such as when a diver is caught and dragging a rope.

LOOK AT ME, SLOW DOWN, I’M COLD

These are self-explanatory signals to get your buddy’s attention, indicate they need to slow down, or let them know you're cold.

DISTANCE AND TIME

Indicate a certain distance or time by using numbers, usually in meters, feet, or fin kicks.

ASK A QUESTION

A hooked finger means you want to ask a question, while a pecking bird gesture indicates “AGAIN”.

ASCEND, DESCEND, GO THIS WAY

Use your thumb as a pointing device. Thumbs up means ascend, thumbs down means descend, and pointing with your thumb indicates a direction.

hand signals
Explaining the need to stay close to a wall, for instance when there is current

CURRENT, STAY CLOSE TO THE WALL

Indicate current by punching your hand. For staying close to a wall, reference your hand with a flat hand wave to indicate leveling off or staying at the current depth.

SAFETY STOP

Signal a safety stop with a flat hand wave, indicating three minutes at five meters.

Advanced Hand Signals

DECO STOP

Your little finger signals a deco stop. Indicate how long and the ceiling depth to your buddy.

COOL SIGHTING

A thumb and pinky shake side to side indicates something awesome, like a whaleshark.

DANGER

A closed fist means danger. Point to what’s dangerous to ensure your buddy is aware.

hand signals
There are various ways of showing numbers using hand signals

Communicating Numbers

Use one hand for numbers one through five, with fingers pointed upwards. For six through nine, turn your hand sideways. Zero is like the OK sign but without the flare. Other signals include a closed fist for 50 and a T shape for 100.

Signaling on the Surface

On the surface, larger signals are necessary for visibility. Use one or two hands for OK. To be picked up, stick one hand in the air. Waving both arms signals an emergency.

Regional Variations and Final Tips

Remember, there are regional variations in hand signals. Always review signals with your buddy before diving. If necessary, use a slate or wetnotes to spell things out. Clarity is crucial for effective underwater communication.

Special Offer: Check out today's sponsor, scuba.com, for your next equipment purchase. They have monthly specials, so it’s always worth checking back. Thanks for reading, and safe diving!

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#askmark How do you handle follow on dives when your last one has been very stressful due to a shortage of air?
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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor.
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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor.
00:00 Introduction
01:19 Scuba.com
02:13 Unboxing
03:51 Specs
09:40 Review

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Website: https://www.scubadivermag.com ➡️ Scuba Diving, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Scuba Gear Reviews
Website: https://www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
Website: https://www.godivingshow.com ➡️ The Only Dive Show in the United Kingdom
Website: https://www.rorkmedia.com ➡️ For advertising within our brands
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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor.

This week on the podcast, Professional Dive guides in the Phillipines are in hot water after a tip off that some are accepting payment for engraving names in coral, leading to authorities to quadruple the reward money for any information on the culprits. LL cool J has recently told the Guardian that the anamatronic shark in Deep Blue Sea almost drowned him. And a former Navy diver has decided to become the first to swim the English channel, on his back.



https://divernet.com/scuba-news/conservation/dive-pro-accused-of-carving-corals-for-cash/
https://www.scubadivermag.com/ex-navy-diver-set-to-swim-channel-backwards/
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg794yvkm5eo


Become a fan: https://www.scubadivermag.com/join
Gear Purchases: https://www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/dive-gear
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OUR WEBSITES

Website: https://www.scubadivermag.com ➡️ Scuba Diving, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Scuba Gear Reviews
Website: https://www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
Website: https://www.godivingshow.com ➡️ The Only Dive Show in the United Kingdom
Website: https://www.rorkmedia.com ➡️ For advertising within our brands
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/scubadivermag
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INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/scubadivermagazine

We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor.

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