As most divers do not possess full face diving masks or diving helmets incluing voice communication equipment, it is needed to use diving signals to communicate between divers. You well find here the most common signals but you must keep in mind that some variations exist between different groups of divers and that a lot of complementary signals may be used. All these signals must be performed clearly and firmly in the field of vision of the concerned persons.
"Ok" signal
Used to ask somebody if everything is OK.
Used as an answer to indicate that everything is OK.
Used to point out to somebody that his signal has been well understood.
Nb : if you use an "OK" signal to ask somebody if he is OK and you receive no answer, you must take charge and assist him.
"I have a problem" signal
Used as an answer to the "OK" signal or spontaneously it means that something is wrong.
If possible it is usefull to detail what is wrong, for example by pointing the part of the body that is concerned (ear, eye...).
The "I have a problem" signal recquires an immediate assistance of the diver and a suitable action. If the cause of the problem is unknow you should stop the dive and start an assisted ascent.
"Let's go down" signal
Used to indicate that divers must start the descent.
"Let's go up" signal
Used to indicate that divers must start the ascent.
Used at the end of the last decompression stop to indicate that divers may regain the surface.
"End of the dive, end of the exercice" signal
Used before the "Let's go up" signal to indicate that the dive is over.
This signal can also be used to indicate the end of a training exercice.
"Show me your manometer" signal
Used to ask to a diver to show his manometer in order to control the quantity of air available in his tank.
"Half-pressure" signal
Used to indicate to the other divers that the air pressure in your tank is half the pressure it was at the beginning of the dive.
"Reserve" signal
Used to indicate to the other divers that you started to use your 50 bars air reserve.
So the dive is finished and divers have to start the ascent.
"I'm out of air" signal
Used as an emergency to indicate that you are out of air.
A diver using this signal must immediatly received help : an other diver have to give him some air and help him during the ascent.
"I'm cold" signal
Used to indicate to the other divers taht you are cold.
This signal leads to the end of the dive and divers must started the ascent.
"I'm out of breath" signal
Used to indicate to the other divers that you are out of breath.
This signal leads to the end of the dive, a diver must take care of the concerned diver and perform an assisted ascent.
"Narcosis" signal
Used to indicate to the other divers that you can feel the first effects of the nitrogen narcosis.
A diver must take care of the concerned diver and ascend of a few meters with him.
Coup de Pouce Plongée - Copyright © Pascal Moreau 2005
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