Louisville Diving Review

Good communication is important when scuba diving, however verbal communication is not an option underwater. Instead, the most effective method of communication used to communicate while scuba diving is that of hand signals.

When scuba diving, hand signals are not just limited to showing each other how much air you have left or highlighting problems that arise under the surface. Rather, scuba diving hand signals can also be used to inform your scuba dive buddy of interesting things you have seen, or to alert them of something you are both searching for, such as particular ocean species.

Common Scuba Diving Hand Signals

There are a number of standard hand signals that are essential to all divers, and you can also improvise new signals with friends.

The most basic of the scuba diving hand signals is the “OK Sign”, which is done by placing the tips of your thumb and forefinger together.

The “Something is Wrong” sign is another important and commonly used scuba diving signal, which is done by tilting the flat of your hand from side to side, palm down.

The “Up/Let’s Ascend” sign is done by pointing the thumb straight upward with fingers clenched in a fist.

The “Down/Let’s Go Down” sign is done by pointing the thumb downward with fingers clenched in a fist.

The “I Am Out of Air” sign is done by making a horizontal chopping motion across the base of the neck.

The “Slow Down” sign is done by moving palms slowly downward together, while pivoting at elbows.

The “Stay/Move Together” sign is done by moving your index fingers together until they are touching side by side.

Before you dive, it is important to review these signals, especially if you are diving with a new buddy. Additionally, it is important to give your scuba diving signals slowly and clearly, in order to ensure that they are easily understood.