K2 Scuba did a great refresher on diving hand signals that I just had to pass on! Keep this in your bookmarked pages for right before you dive! Enjoy! Article by
K2 Scuba and images and descriptions provided by
ukdivers.net Knowing your hand signals while diving is vital. Aside from regular communications, you need to have your hand signals ingrained in your mind in case of an emergency (or even better, avoiding one). This guide lists all the basic hand signals (both PADI and BSAC differences) and it a useful guide whether you're learning to dive or just revising after having a break.
Basic Signals
(Are you) OK? OK on the surface
Stop, wait here Slow down, move hand slowly down and up a few times
Stay at this depth. Move hand left to right and back Up Down
Stay together Move apart a little You lead, I'll follow
Where is your Buddy?
You Me Come here, beckon
Distress Signals
Not OK, something is wrong. rotate wrist slightly a few times Then point to whatever is the problem e.g., mask or ear. Out of Air (BSAC) Move hand forward and down at 45 degrees. Out of Air (PADI) Move hand across the neck left to right a few times.
Distress on the surface. wave aggessively Cramp – tight fist then point to where I'm Narked! Move index finger in circles.
I am cold, move hands up and down I am out of breath, move hands in and out at chest level.
Air Related
How much air do you have? Response example 1 50 Bar followed by 20 Bar – 70 Bar (Always round down to the nearest 10)
How much air do you have? Response example 2 Repeat the 50 Bar signal twice + 30 Bar = 130 Bar (Always round down to the nearest 10)
On Reserve or 50 Bar repeat signal twice = 100 Bar Occasional signal for 100 Bar
Depth and Time related Signals
Ascend to a particular depth Depth signaled afterward e.g., 6m
Descend to a particular depth Depth signaled afterward e.g., 10m
Time Stop for 3 Minutes Time out (sometimes used to denote 100 Bar)
Directional Signals
That way, point hand in the direction Home I don't know, shrug shoulders
Training Signals
Look at me I'm in Charge (Sergeant Stripes)
Underwater Creatures
Turtle, wiggle thumbs Large Ray , flap fingers like a large ray Moray Eel
Lobster Hammerhead
Shark Lionfish
Other Signals
Boat Hi Folks,and you thought we were almost done. . . . for the mondo list of (most comprehensive) hand signals, try American Sign Language (local at any bookstore) or:
http://www.wrstc.com/downloads/CommonHandSignalsforScubaDiving.pdf Thanks Tevis!!! The Scuba Diver Girls always appreciate a good refresher!
