Table of Hand Signals
A diver cannot talk underwater unless he is wearing a full-face mask, but divers can communicate, using hand signals. It is said that if a diver "signals to his buddy regularly during a dive, this will ensure that they remain in close contact and that they can easily notify each other in case problems occur."; a diver should repeat any sign that is not clear to his buddy, and acknowledge every signal that he or she makes with an "OK" signal to show that he understands.
| No. | Signal | Meaning | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Hand raised, fingers pointed up, palm to receiver. | STOP | Transmitted in the same way as a traffic police officer’s STOP |
| 2. | Thumb extended downward from clenched fist. | GO DOWN or GOING DOWN | |
| 3. | Thumb extended upward from clenched fist. | GO UP or GOING UP | |
| 4. | Thumb and forefinger making a circle with three remaining fingers extended (if possible). | OK! or OK? | Divers wearing mittens may not be able to extend 3 remaining fingers distinctly. |
| 5. | Two arms extended overhead with finger tips touching above head to make a large O shape. | OK! or OK? | A diver with only one free arm may make this signal by extending that arm overhead with finger tips touching top of head to make the O shape. Signal is for long-range use. |
| 6. | Hand flat, fingers together, palm down, thumb sticking out, then hand rocking back and forth on axis of forearm. | SOMETHING IS WRONG | This is the opposite of OK! The signal does not indicate emergency. |
| 7. | Hand waving over head (may also thrash hand on water). | DISTRESS | Indicates immediate aid required. |
| 8. | Fist pounding on chest. | LOW ON AIR | indicates signaler's air supply is reduced. |
| 9. | Hand slashing or chopping throat. | OUT OF AIR | Indicates that the signaler cannot breathe. |
| 10. | Clenched fist on arm extended in direction of danger. | DANGER |
Make sure that you review hand signals with your dive partner before your dive so there is no miscommunication underwater.
