Communication is essential while scuba diving, and since speaking isn’t possible underwater, divers rely on hand signals to communicate clearly and effectively. Mastering these signals ensures safety, helps convey crucial information and enhances your overall diving experience.
Top 21 hand signals
1. OK Signal
How to Do It:
- Underwater: Make a circle with your thumb and index finger, extending the other three fingers upward.
- On the surface: Touch the top of your head with 1 hand or arch both hands over your head to communicate over some distance.
When to Use: To indicate that everything is fine or ask if your buddy is OK.
2. Not OK or Problem
How to Do It: Hold your hand flat horizontally palm down and rock it side to side. Once acknowledged, follow by signalling the problem.
When to Use: To signal discomfort or to indicate an issue that needs attention.
3. Go Up
How to Do It: Make a thumbs-up gesture (different from “OK”).
When to Use: To indicate it’s time to ascend.
4. Go Down
How to Do It: Make a thumbs-down gesture.
When to Use: To signal descent.
5. Stop
How to Do It: Extend your hand with your palm outward, as if signaling “halt.”
When to Use: To get someone to pause or stop immediately.
6. Low on Air
How to Do It: Gesture a clenched fist on your chest.
When to Use: To indicate you’ve reached your air reserve (air reserve determined by dive operator taking location and depth in to account).
7. Out of Air
How to Do It: Move a flat hand across your throat in a cutting motion.
When to Use: To indicate you are out of air.
8. Share Air
How to Do It: Bring your fingers together to point toward your mouth, then gesture toward your buddy.
When to Use: To request air from your buddy’s alternate air source.
9. Look
How to Do It: Point two fingers from your eyes and then toward the object or direction.
When to Use: To draw attention to something.
10. Danger
How to Do It: Form a fist and extend arm in the direction of the danger.
When to Use: To signal a potential hazard nearby.
11. Come up or go down to my level
How to Do It:
- Come Up: Extend your hand flat, palm facing down and point your thumb upwards.
- Go Down: Extend your hand flat, palm facing up and point your thumb downwards.
When to Use: To indicate that your dive buddy or group should adjust their depth to match yours.
12. Ears Not Clearing
How to Do It: First signal that something is not ok or there is a problem then point to your ear.
When to Use: To indicate difficulty equalising pressure in your ears.
13. Come Here
How to Do It: Extend your hand palm up and motion with your fingers to beckon your buddy.
When to Use: To call your buddy to your location.
14. Boat
How to Do It: Use a flat hand to mimic a boat’s shape and move it forward.
When to Use: To indicate the direction or presence of the dive boat.
15. Buddy Up
How to Do It: Extend two fingers and tap them together side by side.
When to Use: To pair up with your dive buddy.
16. Follow Me
How to Do It:
First point at yourself with an index finger, and then with your other index finger point to your buddy, positioning that finger just behind the first in the direction of travel.
If you want your buddy to take the lead, point to them first and then point at yourself, indicating you will follow.
When to Use: To indicate that you want your dive buddy or group to follow you in a particular direction.
17. Air Check
How to Do It: Tap your fingertips on your palm repeatedly, as if checking something.
When to Use: To prompt your buddy to check their air supply and communicate how much air they have left.
18. Turn Around
How to Do It: Use your index finger to make a circular motion.
When to Use: To signal that it’s time to turn back.
19. Too Cold
How to Do It: Cross your arms over your chest and shiver slightly or rub your hands up and down your arms.
When to Use: To indicate that you’re feeling cold.
20. Safety Stop Hand Signal
How to Do It: Hold up three fingers (representing 3 minutes) against your other horizontal hand (representing 5 meters/15 feet).
When to Use: To indicate that you are stopping at the recommended safety stop depth, to allow the body time to get rid of the excess nitrogen that’s accumulated while diving before surfacing.
21. Surface Problem
How to Do It: Wave one or both arms overhead.
When to Use: To signal the boat and indicate an issue on the surface.
Tips for using scuba diving hand signals
Practice on Land: Familiarise yourself with these signals before diving.
Communicate Clearly: Make deliberate and visible movements underwater.
Learn Buddy Signals: Ensure both you and your dive buddy are aligned on hand signals.
Stay Calm: If there’s an issue, use the appropriate signal to alert your buddy or dive leader.
By learning and practicing these hand signals, you can enhance your underwater communication and ensure a safer and more enjoyable dive. Whether you’re exploring Africa’s vibrant reefs or wrecks worldwide, these signals are essential tools in your diving toolkit.
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