COMMUNICATION

HAND

SIGNALS, LIGHT SIGNALS,

AND writing are all common means of communicating in an overhead environment when visibility is intact. In the event of visibility loss, divers must resort to touch contact in order to communicate with each other. Many risks, stresses, and even fatalities are the result of divers who misunderstand one another or communicate inaccurate information. Divers must take efficient communication seriously in order to preserve team unity, safety, and diving fun.

Hand signals

In close quarters with good visibility, communication between divers is typically uncomplicated. When divers are close to each other, hand signals are the most common method of communication. For important or detailed communication, however, divers may want to consider writing on an underwater slate or a set of wetnotes, as this is more precise and leaves less room for confusion. Nonetheless, familiarity with hand signals allows for quick communication at close to moderate distances and is an important element of safe diving.

The following are the most common hand signals.

Command signals

Command signals are signals that require a response. There are three command signals:

1. OK

The use of the OK signal does not vary from its known open water application. Like all other command signals, the OK sign must be returned, either with an affirmation or an indication of a problem. Remember, if divers are having a problem, it is their responsibility to inform other team members. If other divers are having a problem, then they can use that OK query as an opportunity to convey their problem.

The OK signal can be communicated either by hand or with a light drawing a circle.

To indicate bubbles, divers repeatedly move their index finger towards their thumb in a gesture that increases in distance to represent larger bubbles.

2. Stop/hold

Failure to properly recognize and acknowledge the stop or hold command can be very dangerous. Misunderstandings relating to the hold command have resulted in several confusing situations and at least one fatality. The stop command is communicated with a closed fist. The open palm signal commonly used by the open water community will often be understood but is less commonly used than the closed fist. It is crucial that this command be returned, as miscommunication could easily lead to team separation.

3. Exit

When communicating that a dive is being terminated, divers must be especially clear. Dives can be terminated for any reason: because team members have reached thirds; because they are uncomfortable, cold, or sick; or because they simply no longer want to be in the overhead. The moment the exit signal is given, everyone is required to respond in kind and begin to exit the overhead. To reduce confusion, most divers use the ascend signal (thumb up) from the open water community, as it is easily recognized and leads to a quick response. Some divers use a less urgent turn signal by pointing the index finger upward and rotating it in a circular fashion. This turn signal occasionally creates confusion and is, therefore, best used in less time-sensitive situations.

For example, a diver may use this signal as an open-ended suggestion to turn, even though no real limitation has been reached. The common thumb-up sign is the best option when the team has reached some limit of their penetration, such as in the case when team members have used up 1/3 of their gas supply. The proper response to the exit signal is a confirming exit signal from every member of the team.

Other Common Hand Signals

1. Out of gas

Out of gas is signaled by drawing the hand across the throat. Obviously, this signal demands immediate attention. Upon receiving this emergency signal, team members should prepare to donate gas while quickly approaching the out-of-gas diver. Divers using lights can signal team members with a very rapid light signal, shortening any delay in their response.

2. Silt

Disturbing bottom sediments (often called silt) can be indicated by rubbing the thumb across the ends of one’s fingers while holding the hand in a palm-down position. A diver may opt to use this signal to communicate to team members that they are disturbing the bottom, or to warn the team of a particularly susceptible area. Silting is nearly always the result of poor technique and, with practice, can be all but eliminated. Divers should call their team members’ attention to poor technique in order to reduce silt and to communicate the need for improved anti-silting technique.

3. Light is on

Divers should periodically look at other team members to verify that their equipment is in place and to determine whether there are any irregularities present; for example, bubbles or an activated reserve light. A repetitive signal in which divers alternately spread wide the five fingers of their hand and then close them into a fist is used to indicate that a dive buddy’s reserve light is burning. In practice, it is often more efficient to simply turn off the light for that diver. If the diver is confused by this action, or if one is unable to reach the light, then the “light is on” signal becomes useful.

4. Safety stop

It is recommended that on all dives, regardless of decompression obligation, divers execute minimum decompression stops. Safety or deco stops can be indicated in several ways. One commonly used sign is to hold a fist with a raised pinky finger in front of oneself. Another popular method is to hold out an open hand with the palm down and motion parallel to the ground back and forth from the chest in a repetitive fashion, indicating a stop or leveling off point.

5. Low on gas

If divers are at their turn pressure, they could use the exit or “call the dive” sign in conjunction with the low-on-gas sign. This sign is the most important part of this communication but indicating a low-on-gas situation can prepare divers for future trouble. Divers may choose to communicate to the team that they are low on air with the conventional arm across the chest sign. However, if divers are trying to indicate that they have reached their turning pressure, then the thumb-up or exit sign is preferred.

6. Line

The middle finger crossed over the index finger is commonly used to represent the line. Divers may communicate more specific information about the line with signals used in conjunction with this signal, including: a. Line Entanglement: the line sign done with the hand moving in a figure eight pattern b. Tie-off or Placement: the line sign pointed downward and rotating c. Reeling in the Line: the line sign moved in a circular pattern mimicking the action of winding a reel d. Cutting the Line: fingers moved in a cutting action alternated with the line sign.

7. Bubbles

In order to indicate the presence of bubbles, divers hold out one hand and bring the index finger down to the thumb in a repetitive motion with the amount of distance increasing to indicate larger bubbles. With this signal, divers can easily tell a dive buddy about a bubbling hose or regulator. Bubbles coming from divers’ valve-regulator orifice often indicate the need for maintenance and/or repair.

Light signals

In dark, overhead environments, light signals are extremely important because they allow

NEXT TIME: DIVE PLANNING – PART 1 divers to easily get one another’s attention and to communicate effectively over large distances. Even in close quarters, light signals can be preferable to hand signals, because hand signals can be awkward, especially if divers are not facing one another. Today, many open water divers are realizing how lights can simplify communication and enrich the dive. Thus, divers will frequently choose light signals over hand signals because they are easy to see, more efficient to use, and effective at much greater distances. The following are some common light signals.

Ok

A slowly circling light indicates “OK” and can be used to ask divers if they are OK, or as an answer to a question. Avoid shining the light in someone’s eyes. Generally, pointing the light at the ground and drawing a circle with the beam is sufficient for communication and prevents blinding another team member.

Attention vs. emergency

Rapid light signals indicate a problem and demand immediate attention. A purposeful sideto-side or up-and-down motion with one’s light indicates attention. A rapid light signal denotes an emergency. In a real emergency, divers should move the light rapidly from side to side (or up and down) until their signals bring assistance. Once the signaled divers turn, the light should be diverted so as not to blind them. The attention gesture is a far more common signal. Indeed, a gas failure is the most likely cause for the emergency signal; therefore, its use should prepare the responding divers for the impending gas-sharing episode. Erratic light signals should be avoided unless a diver is truly in need of immediate assistance since careless flashing movements can be an irritation to surrounding divers and may desensitize one to emergency signals where needed.