How to Communicate Underwater When Scuba Diving

If you don't have access to underwater helmets with radio communicators, you'll find that speaking underwater can be mastered through an easy series of hand signals.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Scuba Gear

1. Know "OK" ' like a normal OK at the surface; forefinger curled and touching end of thumb, other fingers spread wide.

2. 

   Recognize "something is wrong" ' like a "so-so" sign at the surface; with palm flat and fingers spread, tilt your whole hand to the left and right.

3. 

   Understand "stop" ' palm straight out, fingers together and straight up.

4. Recognize "watch me" ' point to your chest.

5. Know "you lead; I'll follow" ' point with one finger in the direction you want your buddy to go. Make the same motion with the other hand, and place it directly behind the first hand.

6. 

   Understand "get with your buddy" ' make a fist with each hand, then extend each forefinger. Place the forefingers together lengthwise.

7. Recognize "out of air" ' with the regulator still in your mouth, hold your palm flat and parallel to the ground. Make a slashing motion in front of your neck. (Gruesome, huh?)

8. Understand "low on air" ' with the regulator still in your mouth, make a fist in front of your upper belly and move it up and to the center of your chest.

9. Know "my ears are not equalizing" ' turn your head slightly to the side and point at your ear.

10. 

    Understand "let's go up" ' give the thumbs up.

11. 

    Recognize "let's go down" ' give the thumbs down.

Tips & Warnings

• Having a waterproof writing slate is extremely helpful for complicated messages.

• To get your buddy's attention, rap on your tank with the pommel of your dive knife or a small, clean rock (never coral or organism-covered rocks).

• If you dive with the same buddy often, consider learning basic sign language together.

• Always stick close to your buddy so emergency communication is never stalled.

• While underwater, never "cry wolf" and tease anyone about running low or out of air - it's too difficult to say you were just kidding.

• Scuba diving is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.