Communicating Underwater

Effective underwater communication is necessary for the safe and efficient conduct of any recreational or training-related scuba dive. While many mechanical or electronic underwater communications devices are available, in the majority of situations, the most reliable method of communication between divers is through the use of simple hand signals.

Divers exchange hand signals to give each other instructions, provide information on the dive and indicate their condition. The signals employed by divers to increase the efficiency of their dives are natural signals, local signals and those created for special circumstances. For more information, click here.

Standard Operating procedures

Why can’t we put snorkel on the right side? Why can’t we arrange weight belt for left hand release? Why must we inform dive guide when we’re at 50 bar or 750 psi? Why we must not have mask on the forehead?

The reasons for standardization become clearer with experience. Safe diving relies on buddy system and yet we don’t always dive with the same buddies. When two divers of different background, experience, training and equipment come together as a buddy team, differences are likely to surface when trouble comes hunting.With standard operating procedures, a swift action will resolve conflict quickly. Be prepared is the best policy.