{"id":5763,"date":"2019-07-24T10:56:34","date_gmt":"2019-07-24T10:56:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kooxdiving.com\/en\/?p=5763"},"modified":"2019-07-24T13:48:18","modified_gmt":"2019-07-24T13:48:18","slug":"scuba-diving-hand-signals-you-should-know-before-you-dive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kooxdiving.com\/en\/scuba-diving-hand-signals-you-should-know-before-you-dive\/","title":{"rendered":"Scuba Diving Hand Signals You Should Know Before You Dive"},"content":{"rendered":"
Swimming underwater using a scuba continues to grow in popularity. And developing trends are encouraging more people to explore the incredible world beneath the sea. Scuba diving is not only a leisure activity \u2013 but has also become a sport. And amazing adventures can be had following basic and advanced training.<\/p>\n
Safety remains paramount \u2013 and communicating underwater is easy to learn \u2013 and essential. See scuba hand signals you should know before you dive here\u2026<\/p>\n
Hand signals are the main method of underwater communication for scuba divers. A standard set of signals designed for universal use can be learned at entry level diving courses. There may be slight differences depending on the region \u2013 and related to the type of dive.<\/p>\n
Scuba diving signals should be performed clearly and positively. And are normally done in front of the chest. They may also require an answer from the person being communicated with.<\/p>\n
There are over 240 scuba diving hand signals that can be used for navigation and safety. These are commonly broken down into different categories as listed here:<\/p>\n
But the ones you need to initially remember amount to around 21. Look at a brief guide below:<\/p>\n
1. OK<\/b>
\n<\/p>\n
Join thumb and index finger to form a loop \u2013 extending three remaining fingers upwards \u2013 if gloves are being worn the OK sign can be made without extending the fingers<\/p>\n
2. Not OK<\/b>
\n<\/p>\n
With an open flat hand facing downwards \u2013 rotating slowly side to side<\/p>\n
3. Ok on the surface<\/b>
\n<\/p>\n
Join both arms in a ring above the head \u2013 touching the top of the head with the fingertips<\/p>\n
4. Not OK on the surface<\/b><\/p>\n
Waving one or both arms overhead in a wide arc to call for attention indicates a problem needing immediate help<\/p>\n
5. Ascend or end the dive<\/b>
\n<\/p>\n
Make a fist with thumb extended upwards \u2013 moving hand upwards to show travel direction \u2013 and get an up signal in response<\/p>\n
6. Descend<\/b>
\n<\/p>\n
Make a fist with thumb extended downward \u2013 moving hand down to show travel direction<\/p>\n
7. Slow down<\/b>
\n<\/p>\n
Holding the hand out flat and motioning downwards showing the need to swim more slowly or relax<\/p>\n
8. Stop<\/b>
\n<\/p>\n
Holding up a flat hand \u2013 just like a policeman \u2013 is the typical way to say stop. Technical divers may use the hold sign made by extending a fist with the palm-side outwards, requiring a hold response in return<\/p>\n
9. Look or watch<\/b>
\n<\/p>\n
Use the peace sign and point to your eyes \u2013 then point to yourself for “look at me” \u2013 or elsewhere such as marine life or other interesting objects<\/p>\n
10. Go this way<\/b><\/p>\n
With the hand held flat and the palm facing sideways point using all five fingers to the specific direction<\/p>\n
11. Level off<\/b>
\n<\/p>\n
Taking the flat of your hand move it slowly back and forth at the same level to ensure other divers don\u2019t exceed the target depth<\/p>\n
12. Take a safety stop<\/b><\/p>\n
Point one, two, or three fingers towards the lower palm of your other hand to indicate how many minutes you would like the safety stop to last<\/p>\n
13. Follow me<\/b><\/p>\n
Point at yourself first to indicate you\u2019ll be taking the lead and follow up with that finger leading the way \u2013 if you want your buddy to lead point at your buddy first with that finger leading \u2013 the direction is indicated with the forefingers<\/p>\n
14. Something is wrong<\/b><\/p>\n
Make an open hand with palm facing down \u2013 fingers apart rocking back and forth on the axis of the forearm<\/p>\n
15. Danger\/ Abort dive<\/b><\/p>\n
Make an X out of your arms with closed fists to show that there\u2019s danger nearby. If it\u2019s in a certain direction use a closed fist to point that way<\/p>\n
16. Stay together\/buddy up<\/b>
\n<\/p>\n
Make hands into fists, extend index fingers, and hold both fingers together side by side \u2013 used when performing specific activities like going deeper or ascending the dive<\/p>\n
17. Decompression<\/b>
\n<\/p>\n
Scuba diver hand signals are extremely important when related to decompression stops \u2013 an underwater technique where divers spend a few minutes at certain depths to avoid decompression sickness. Making a fist and extending your little finger, or little finger and thumb together is how to do it<\/p>\n
18. I\u2019m cold<\/b>
\n<\/p>\n
The \u201cI\u2019m cold\u201d signal is made by rubbing upper arm with hands as if trying to warm yourself up. When divers get extremely cold it can impact on moving properly and thinking clearly \u2013 and absorbed nitrogen may not be eliminated efficiently<\/p>\n
19. Low on air<\/b><\/p>\n
Press and hold a closed fist against your chest to inform other divers that you\u2019ve started using your tank pressure reserve and need to end the dive<\/p>\n
20. Out of air<\/b>
\n<\/p>\n
Moving a flat hand across your throat in a slicing motion is an emergency scuba signal indicating your gas has been cut off \u2013 extremely rare \u2013 but requiring immediate response and assistance from your diving buddy letting you take breaths from an alternate regulator as you ascend<\/p>\n
21. Bubbles\/Leak<\/b>
\n<\/p>\n
The leak or bubbles signal should be used as soon as a diver notices bubbles coming from another diver\u2019s gear \u2013 this could mean a serious issue. With your hand facing up, hold your fingers together and then quickly move them apart repeatedly<\/p>\n
A large range of signals is used to indicate the remaining gas pressure in cylinders. Some of these are:<\/p>\n
Signals may also be invented by locals for local situations to point out wildlife such as:<\/p>\n