When you’re diving, the only method you have to communicate with your fellow divers is hand signals. You can’t give instructions, you can’t talk, and you can’t yell when something goes wrong because you have a regulator in your mouth, plus you’d get a mouthful of saltwater regardless! With both the risks and rewards of being underwater, knowing your hand signals is absolutely essential so that you can effectively ‘talk’ to other divers.
These hand signals are universally used by the diving community, but always be sure to go through them with your dive buddy before putting on your dive mask and getting into the water. Some divers may learn signals differently, and you need to ensure that you’re both on the same page when it comes to diving language. There are upwards of 100 different diving hand signals, but we will focus on 10 of the most essential ones you need to know.
1. OK
The hand signal that you’ll use the most when you’re underwater. You’ll likely learn this signal first when doing your PADI or other scuba certifications, and you’ll even learn it on trial/exploratory dives. The “OK” hand signal is used both to ask other divers if they are doing alright and to let divers know that you are alright.
To do the “OK” hand signal, join your thumb and forefinger together to create a circle. Then extend your other three fingers straight up.
2. Not OK/Something is wrong
There is always the chance that things can go wrong when under the water. You need to notify your dive buddy when something feels off by doing the “something is wrong” signal.
This can be used to communicate anything from ear equalization problems to panic/anxiety or even a faulty dive mask. To perform this hand signal, keep your palm flat and extend it out in front of you, palm facing down. Then tilt your hand side to side as if you’re saying “so-so.”
Once you’ve got your buddy’s attention and they know something is wrong, then point to the source of the problem to identify it for them.
3. Descend
You need to communicate with your dive buddy when you’re ready to descend. Divers descend at different speeds based on their experience and comfortability.
Some people take longer to adapt to the pressure changes than others, so staying in sync with your dive buddy is important. You will use the “descend” hand signal to let your dive buddy know it’s time to go down.
To communicate you’re ready to descend give your dive buddy a thumbs down and move it up and down.
4. Ascend
The ascend hand signal is very similar to the descend signal; it’s just flipped. You will use this signal to indicate that you want to go up.
This could be because you’re ending the dive and beginning your ascent to the surface, or it could be because you descended too quickly and need to go back up the equalize.
To perform the “ascend,” hand signal, simply give your dive buddy a thumbs up and move your hand up and down.
5. Slow down
Slow down is one of the first hand signals that every new diver learns. Without having much experience in the water, it’s common for new divers to descend too quickly without giving the body time to adapt to the pressure change. Additionally, going slower gives you more time to enjoy your dive!
Typically this hand signal will be used by dive instructors, but you can also use it with your buddy to let them know you need time to catch up or need a minute to rest.
Hold your hand flat, palm facing down, and slowly move it downwards.
6. Stop/Hold
Sometimes you will need to stop or hold your position. The stop hand signal is most commonly used when diving recreationally, whereas tech divers prefer “hold.” You can use these signals if you need to stop for any reason, such as if you see something you want to look at or if you need to check your gear. Make sure if someone does the stop signal that you repeat it back to them, so they know you understand.
To make the stop hand signal hold your hand out and face your flat palm forward towards the other diver, exactly how someone would when directing traffic to stop. If you see someone holding up a fist at the same level, they are signaling to hold. Both signals essentially mean the same thing.
7. Look
There are so many unique and beautiful things to see underwater, but it can be easy to miss something if you don’t know where to look. If you’re diving with others who have lots of experience, they may spot marine life more effectively. Or, you might see something extraordinary that your buddy isn’t aware of.
That’s where the “look” hand signal comes in.
Let your buddy know where to look by pointing to your eyes using your forefinger and middle finger. Then point at where you want them to look. An instructor may also use this to ask you to look at them by pointing to their eyes and then at themselves.
8. Low on air
It’s crucial that you let your dive buddy know when you are running low on air. This hand signal is to alert other divers that you will need to start ascending back to the surface, not for when you’re in an emergency.
To communicate that you are low on air, you need to make a fist and place it on your chest.
9. Out of air
While you will hopefully never need to use this hand signal, there is a slim chance you could run out of air while underwater.
In the event that this happens, you will need to perform the “out of air” hand signal so your dive buddy can prepare to give you air from their secondary regulator until you get to the surface.
To signal you’re out of air, take your flat hand, palm down, and make a slashing motion across your throat.
10. Safety stop
Safety stops are essential to give your body time to release nitrogen buildup. It’s recommended to do a safety stop approximately every 15 feet and to stay at that level for a minimum of three minutes. The safety stop hand signal uses both hands. One hand should be held out flat with the palm facing down. The other hand goes underneath the flat hand and will hold up the number of fingers corresponding to how many minutes you’ll be stopping.
Diving hand signals to use when you’re underwater
Using these ten popular diving hand signals, you can effectively communicate with other divers underwater. Familiarize yourself with these signals to ensure you have a fantastic time and stay safe on your dive.
