Scuba diving is a fun, recreational activity but just like others sports; it comes with its unique risks. To minimize these risks and ensure safety, an effective technique of communication has been established – at least a rudimentary knowledge of hand signals is essential for all divers. Here are 25 which are great to know.
What are underwater hand signals?
Before we get started, let’s define underwater hand signals. These are simply a series of signs and gestures which other divers should be able to understand. They’re basic and simple so people don’t become confused, which makes them wonderfully useful not just for fun things like pointing out marine life, but for enabling communication in emergency situations, as well.
Why are underwater hand signals used?
There are many reasons we communicate using underwater hand signals; the greatest being that since most divers are not equipped with full face masks and intercoms, normal conversation is impossible. Hand signals allow you to pass on information, provide directions and instructions, and tell others about your personal situation. Different hand signals can have different meanings to various people, so before you dive with unfamiliar people, be sure that you speak “the same language” and know which hand signals you’ll rely on in the event of an emergency.
25 Commonly Used Underwater Hand Signals:
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Stop – To gesture to your partner that he or she should stop, just raise your palm straight up while keeping your fingers together. The palm should face the person being signaled to.
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Going down – If you feel you are going down or if you want to go down, make a thumb down sign with a clenched fist. This signal can also be used to direct the other person to go down.
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Going up – If you feel you are going up or want to go up, make an exact opposite to the going down sign; Use the thumbs up sign with a clenched fist. This signal can also be used to direct the other person to go up.
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Are you fine? - To check if your buddy partner is all right, make a circle by joining your first finger and your thumb. The other three fingers stay straight. A small variation of this is when you might be wearing gloves and this gesture becomes difficult to make with it. In that case simply make a circle without extending the fingers. This is generally recognized as the “OK” symbol.
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For a general problem – If something crops up which you do not have a specific signal for --simply jut one hand out, palm down, with fingers spread wide apart. Move the hand in this position back and forth from left to right in jerks.
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Help – To ask for help, start with the general problem sign, then move the hand to an overhead position in a quick movement from its horizontal position with the palm facing the person receiving the signal.
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Low on air – If you feel you are going low on air, clench one fist and make an inward movement to the chest. In case of emergency, repeat the gesture vigorously.
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Out of air – If you run out of air, don't panic. Place the palm of your hand in a horizontal position just below your neck, then make a cut signal. In case of an emergency repeat the gesture vigorously.
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Share the air – When you want to share air with your buddy, either point towards the regulator with the left finger or take your regulator out while pointing towards your mouth.
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Danger – Clench one fist of your hand and move it in a straight line towards the danger, to indicate direction. A variation of this is to make a cross with both arms with your fists clenched in front of the body.
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Come here – Simply make a beckoning movement with either hand.
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Watch – With the tips of two fingers, point toward the front of your mask, at your eyes. If you want to gesture in a particular direction after putting fingers on the mask point in the desired direction.
- Under, over and around – With one palm facing downwards, move your hand to either signal going under, over or around.
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Level off at a certain depth – With one palm facing downwards, and fingers stretched out, move your hand from one side to another.
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Going one way or to signal the other to go one way – Make a thumbs up sign diagonally and point towards the direction you want to go or want to ask the other person to go.
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Turning around – Make a circular motion with the first finger on one hand by rotating it.
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Which direction? – If there is confusion about which side to travel to, clench your fist with one thumb sticking out, then point in different directions to show confusion.
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Ear not clearing – If your ears are not clearing properly and you are experiencing problems, just point towards the afflicted ear with any finger.
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Cold – When you are cold and you need to tell your buddy what’s going on, just cross your arms in front of your chest as if hugging yourself.
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Slowing down – To ask your buddy to slow down, push your hand up and down, with your palm facing down.
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Hold hands – In a situation where you might want to hold hands, just hold both your hands together.
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Get with your diving partner – This signal is done by joining both hands, clenching the fingers together into fists, and pointing both forefingers straight out.
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Who leads and who follows – To signal who will go ahead and lead, just point towards the person and the direction in which he or she will be going. With the other hand point to the person who will need to follow, keeping the second hand behind the first one for a few seconds.
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I don't know/confusion – If you are stuck in a situation when you are not sure of something or being asked something by the diving partner, stick out your hands (palms facing upwards) and shrug your shoulders in the same way you might signal confusion when topside.
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To make a sign for a boat – To signal that you need or want to get to the boat, simply make a cup by putting your hands together.
These are certain standard hand signals which are used by scuba divers across the world. Learning them and practicing them will help you communicate well with others; however, it’s possible to come up with new ones just for you and your buddy!