Scuba diving has grown in popularity over the years and for good reason. Unlike snorkeling, you are able to freely move underwater and discover a whole new world. You can connect with nature and encounter creatures, unlike anything you have ever seen before, from marine mammals to colorful fish and endangered species.
Clear communication is critical when scuba diving. As you descend underwater, no one can talk to you and having a regulator in your mouth, makes it challenging to convey a message to your diving buddy. You hear nothing but your own breath. That’s where scuba diving hand signals come in handy (pun intended). These signals are vital for your survival and your diving partners’ survival.
Here are some of the most common diving signals used when communicating underwater.
1. Look at me
Instructions: To get your buddy’s undivided attention, clearly point your two fingers to your eyes and then to yourself.
2. Level off
Instructions: If someone in your group starts to sink deeper than planned, let them know not to descend any further by taking your flat hand and moving it back and forth at the same level.
3. Ok – underwater / above water
Instructions: It’s a common sign done on land and in water and one of the first important signals you’ll learn when diving. It’s the best way to let your buddy know that everything is all right and to check if he or she is OK as well.
4. Stop
Instructions: This signal is pretty much self-explanatory. Use a flat hand, palm out to tell your buddy to stay by your side in case you need to take care of something.
5. Problem – something is wrong
Instructions: It’s critical to let your buddy know if you’re having a problem of any kind. Shake your hand back and forth to let other divers know something is wrong.
6. Share air
Instructions: If you’re out of air, take a flat hand and motion back and forth between your mouth and your buddy’s mouth.
7. Ascend
Instructions: Once you’re ready to end the dive, let your buddy know that you’re ready to ascend safely by pointing up with your thumb.
8. Descend
Instructions: With your hand in fist shape pointing down with your thumb it can be used once you’ve safely entered the water and are ready to descend.
9. Turn Back: Turn the dive
Instructions: Take your index finger and swirl it around in a circular motion if you’re ready to turn around and head back toward shore or the boat.
10. Foggy mask
Instructions: Use your index finger like a windshield wiper on your mask lens to indicate a fogged mask.
11. Out of air
Instructions: With your hand flat, make a slashing motion across your neck.
Scuba Diving Hand Signal Tips
- Make sure you get the full attention of your buddy before you start to signal
- To attract your buddy’s attention, you can tap their tank or use a dive light
- All signals should be performed slowly to ensure your diving buddy doesn’t miss it or get confused
- Keep your hands in front of your chest so that any signal can be easily seen
- At night hand signals can be illuminated by a dive light but remember to never shine it on the other’s divers face!
Conclusion
70% of the world consists of water so why restrict yourself to just 30%? The ocean is a magical and peaceful place that also creates a special bond between divers. Enjoy the beauty of what surrounds you in the water. It’s like nothing else in this world. To make your experience a safe and enjoyable one it’s important to learn the most important scuba diving hand signals.
Learn valuable diving signals for every situation with our Scuba Diving Hand Signals online course.
Andrie Steliou
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