Learn Hand Signals for Scuba Divers
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Knowing basic scuba hand signals can be lifesaving. It allows basic communication to be passed easily and clearly. You will still want to watch your partner carefully for those times when hand signals aren’t possible. Yet, when they can be used, hand signals are wonderful tools.
You only need a few well practiced dive hand signals. By trying these out in advance with your partner and being aware of them at all times, you can save a life if needed. By testing them out in advance of your dives, you know the communication will be clear if needed.
Emergency Help Signal
If you get into trouble on the surface, raise and extend an arm and wave it up and down as if ready to slice the water. This signals that you have an emergency and need help. People on the boat should be watching at all times for just such an occurrence.
Trouble Signals
Under the water there are many signals used to indicate trouble. One easy signal is to simply point to the head and shake your head in a common ‘No’. That could indicate a problem with the air supply, for example. If that’s the trouble use the following to suggest buddy breathing. Lift your arm and bend at the elbow. Point a finger across your chest and move it back and forth.
External Danger Sign
For external dangers, extend your arm and point a finger, shaking your head no. Be sure not to confuse this with an ordinary expression of desire to show something interesting under the water. That should not involve head shaking.
Cold Signal
If you experience excessive cold it can cause serious damage within a few minutes. In extreme cases, nerve damage to hands and feet can be permanent. Before things reach this level, fold your arms, make fists and imitate a broad shiver. You should surface as quickly as safety allows.
Time To Head Up Sign
That ascension can be signaled by holding a fist at shoulder level and extending a thumb upward, then wave the fist upward. Take care though not to rise too fast when you can avoid it. You may start to feel the effects of nitrogen narcosis. If you do, point your finger toward your head and wave it around in the classic “He’s crazy” fashion.
Going Down Signal
When all is safe and you want to descend, simply reverse the ascension signal by making a fist at shoulder height and point the thumb down. Wave it downward a few times. Before you start to go, you may want to join your partner, so give the ‘buddy up’ sign. Extend your hand and put the index and middle finger together, like the Cub Scout sign.
OK Sign
When everything is okay, you can signal so by using the classic sign. Just make a circle with your thumb and index finger, with the other three fingers together and straight. In some cases, this is posing a question: “Are you OK?” Agree in advance on the meaning. In this case, you can use the same thumb and finger circle, with the other three fingers circled too, to answer “Yes, I’m OK.”
On the surface, you can use one arm circled and touching the head to signal OK. If you have both arms free make the circle by touching the tips of the fingers together over your head.
Knowing and using these simple scuba safety hand signals can save you or your partner. Safe diving ensures many more dives in the future.
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