15 Common Scuba Hand Signals for Safe Scuba Diving

Overview

Communication is important for secure scuba diving. However, with the second stage of the controller in the mouth, it’s extremely difficult to certainly communicate a message to one’s mate. This is when finger signs from scuba diving come through.

  1. Okay

The very first sign is the “Okay” hand gesture which most scuba divers understand. To create a circle and stretch the 3rd, 4th, and 5th fingers, connect the thumb and index fingers. It is possible to use this signal as both a statement and a reaction. The “Okay” signal is a demand-response signal, indicating that when a diver asks one diver if he okay, in response or with the interaction that anything is inaccurate, he must reply with just a okay” signal. The “okay” hand sign must not be mistaken for the thumbs-up signal, meaning “end of dive” in scuba diving.

  1. Problem

Spin it gradually side by side including a free, flat palm pointing downward, as though to indicate “so-so.” Divers will make people realize that there may be an issue by making the “Not OK” gesture and afterwards gesturing with the index finger to the root of the issue. Lets hope, you won’t need to employ it for significant issues at all, but during certain stage this will actually deal with you as it’s a popular reason for divers to notify their dive mates that they may be having problems with ear adjustment.

  1. Out of air

However, if situations worsen and you are out of the air, create a slicing movement across the neck quickly and take steps to share oxygen or make an urgent journey back.

  1. How much air do you have?

Divers must monitor after few moments for their oxygen supply. This is a safe practice to keep on alert of the air levels of the dive partner as well. You hit 2 fingers gently on the surface of the other hand with the palm looking outward or upward, to ask someone how many airs they possess. In reaction, by actually holding the fingers to reflect the bar/psi displayed on the gauge, the mate can indicate how many airs he have.

  1. Stop

Practically, there really are 2 methods of doing this, either of which are right and could be recognized by professional divers. You do this through raising an arm with the hand forward towards amateur divers, similarly to how a police officer might stop a vehicle or pedestrians. In the other side, how they do for professional divers is to cover their palms.

  1. Go in this direction

Whenever you need to demonstrate the path to travel here is the hand gesture which you need to conduct. Always, dive masters do this frequently helping the students understand precisely where they would be going and be confident that they will not be in dangerous areas. Put your arms straight with the hand faced horizontally to do it And after that, using all of the fingers, point it in the particular direction while keeping a clear posture. This is not to be mistaken with the hand gesture of the watch or look.

  1. End dive

A thumbs-up signal indicates “up” or “complete the dive.” The most significant signs in scuba are the “end” gesture. Using the “up” sign, every diver will end their dive at every point for just about any purpose. This significant dive safety procedure helps to ensure that divers really aren’t pushed undersea below their level of security In response, the diver that signals “up” to a fellow diver will obtain the “up” signal so that he can be sure that the message was gotten

  1. Look

By directing the index and third fingers toward the eyes and then signaling the item to be examined, the “look” hand gesture is created the “look at me” signal is used by a scuba trainer to signify that learners must watch him show an underwater ability, like mask clearance in a open water class. “Look at me” is shown with a finger or thumb by making the “look” gesture and then making gestures towards the chest. By using the “look out here” symbol, created by signaling “look” but instead pointing towards the creature or item, divers may also proudly show each other marine life as well as other submarine sights.

  1. Cold

By folding the arms and brushing his arms and shoulders with his fingertips, the diver creates the ‘I’m freezing’ symbol as if he is attempting to heat himself. The signal from the hand is not insignificant. He may lose logic and impulse control if a diver was overly cold underwater. And, his body cannot effectively remove the absorbed nitrogen. For these purposes, it is important when a diver who starts to feel intensely cold communicates the issue with the “I’m freezing” gesture, ends the dive, and begins his dive mate’s ascent to the top.

  1. Turn Around

Take the finger and move it across in a circular pattern when you are about to move back and start heading towards the land or the ferry.

  1. Level off

Keep the palm facing down, stretch a flat palm and shift the palm from left to right. This signaling is meant to warn all divers to retain or stay at a certain level. Throughout that period, either the expected depth or the specified distance for allowing a deceleration or protection stop were reached by divers.

  1. Write

If all other contact refuses it is often best for divers to actually write down the details to be shared on a submerged slate or undersea journal with wet paper. A writing device is a powerful instrument underwater. By encouraging a diver to communicate complicated ideas or issues, it can conserve time and improve the safety of the diver.

  1. Come

With the palm upwards, stretch one flat hand and turn the fingers a few times towards yourself. It also a well-known hand gesture which means the same underwater as it does on land. It is also used to get people near to you, accompanied by other signs to tell others to look or do stuff elsewhere.

  1. Ask ? Gesture

Form a fist to shape a loop and then lift a finger. Together with some of the various scuba hand gestures, the ? gesture is used to inquire when another diver is cold, for instance, use the ” Quest – ?” and “Cold” signals concurrently. Also do “?” gesture to ask anyone whether they are willing to reappear, and repeat with the “End” gesture.

  1. Follow me

Let the partner realize that with that finger taking the lead, you can take the lead by indicating initially at yourself. First, gesture at the partner with that lead finger if you want him or her to lead the way.

Conclusion

For interacting purpose and giving directions, studying hand signals is essential. More significantly, it provides security, making it much easier to ask the diving buddy for assistance. It is a contact tool that can be learned uniformly by professional divers.