Diver Communications - Hand Signals

Hand Signals

Hand signals are a form of sign system used by scuba divers to communicate when underwater.

The Recreational Scuba Training Council agencies have defined a set of hand signals intended for universal use, which are taught to diving students early in their entry level diving courses. The more commonly used hand signals provide the following information:

In most situations simple hand signals are used. The RSTC signals include:

• I am cold! Hugging chest - Crossed arms in front of chest, upper arms grabbed by opposite hands.
• I am out of breath! Hands indicate rising and falling chest.
• I can't clear this ear: Pointing at the ear with forefinger.
• Go that way: Fist with one hand, thumb extended and pointing in the direction indicated.
• Go under, over or around: With palm down, hand motion used to indicate intended route to go under, over or around an obstacle.

• Ascend, or I am going up: A fist is made with one hand, thumb extended upward, and hand is moved upward to emphasize direction of travel.

• Descend, or I am going down: A fist is made with one hand, thumb extended downward, and hand is moved downward to emphasize direction of travel.

• Something is wrong: An open hand with palm down and fingers apart is rocked back and forth on the axis of the forearm.

• Are you OK? or I am OK! A circle is made with thumb and forefinger, extending the remaining fingers if possible.

• The OK sign may be also be made without extending the fingers if wearing gloves

• I'm OK: Forming a large circle with both hands above the head: Used at the surface as the OK hand sign can be difficult to see from a distance.

• I'm OK: Touching or tapping the top of the head with elbow extended sideways: Used at a distance when the hand sign may be difficult to see. Alternative surface "OK" signal.

• Stop! Hand raised vertically with fingers together and palm facing the receiver.

• Turn around: A forefinger extended vertically and rotated in a circular motion.

• Which direction? A fist is make with one hand with extemded thumb and the hand rotated on the axis of the forearm through 180° a few times to ask which way to go.

• Boat: Hands cupped together.

• Buddy reference. Used alone: Get with your buddy: Fists made with both hands, forefingers extended, and hands placed together with forefingers parallel and in contact.

• Hold on to each other - Maintain physical contact: Both hands clasped together.

• Who will lead, who will follow: One hand pointed at the diver who will lead then positioned in front of the body, pointing forward, then other hand pointed to the diver who will follow and positioned behind the first, direction indicated with forefingers.

• Level off at this depth: Flat hand with palm down and fingers spread moved slowly back and forth horizontally.

• Take it easy, Relax or Slow down: Flat hand with palm down moved slowly up and down a few times.

• Give me air now (emergency implied): pointing to the mouth with thumb and fingers together, moving hand back and forth a short distance.

• I'm out of air: "Cutting" or "chopping" throat with a flat hand.

• Emergency! Help me now: Waving one or both arms in a wide arc. Used on the surface.

• I don't know: Shrugging shoulders, arms bent, hands to each side, palms up

• Danger in that direction: Clenched fist pushed/pointed in the direction of the perceived hazard