The Language of the Ocean: 20 Essential Hand Signals Every Diver Must Know
Underwater, where sound doesn’t travel, how do you tell your buddy you’re okay, you’re low on air, or you’ve just spotted a giant sea turtle? The answer lies in the universal “language” of all divers worldwide: hand signals.
Mastering these signals not only makes a dive more fun but is also a vital element of safety for you and your team. At Amadive, we ensure every diver is fluent in this language. Let’s review the 20 most important hand signals.
Group 1: Basic Status
1. OK?
- How: Form a circle with your thumb and index finger, with the other fingers extended.
- Meaning: This is a question. You use it to ask about your buddy’s status.
2. OK!
- How: Same as above.
- Meaning: This is the answer. Always respond to an “OK?” signal with an “OK!” signal to confirm. On the surface, you can form a large circle with both arms over your head.
3. Problem
- How: Extend your hand, palm down, and rock it back and forth. Then, point to the source of the problem (e.g., point to your ear if it hurts).
- Meaning: Used to indicate that something is wrong.
Group 2: Direction & Control
4. Go Up / Ascend
- How: Make a fist and point your thumb up.
- Meaning: Signals the desire to end the dive or ascend to a shallower depth.
5. Go Down / Descend
- How: Make a fist and point your thumb down.
- Meaning: Time to begin the dive or go deeper.
6. Stop
- How: Raise your hand with your palm facing your buddy, like a traffic cop.
- Meaning: Stop, hold your position.
7. Look
- How: Point to your eyes with your index and middle fingers. Then point in the direction you want them to look.
- Meaning: “Look at me” or “Look at that.”
8. Level Off / This Depth
- How: Extend your hand flat, palm down, and move it horizontally.
- Meaning: Signals that the group will maintain the current depth.
9. Slow Down
- How: Extend your hand flat, palm down, and make a slow, downward patting motion.
- Meaning: Asks your buddy to swim slower.
10. Buddy Up
- How: Form two fists, then bring your two index fingers together, side-by-side.
- Meaning: Asks your buddy to stay closer together.
Group 3: Air Pressure Status
11. How much air?
- How: With a flat palm, tap your other palm with your index and middle fingers.
- Meaning: Asks your buddy how much air they have left.
12. Half Tank (100 bar / 1500 psi)
- How: Make a “T” shape with your hands.
- Meaning: Signals you have about 100 bar (or half a tank) remaining.
13. Low on Air (50 bar / 700 psi)
- How: Make a fist and hold it against your chest.
- Meaning: Signals you have about 50 bar remaining and need to prepare for ascent.
14. Out of Air (EMERGENCY)
- How: Make a slashing motion across your throat with a flat hand.
- Meaning: An emergency signal indicating you have no air and require immediate assistance.
Group 4: Feelings & Safety
15. I am cold
- How: Cross your arms and rub your upper arms.
- Meaning: Signals that you are getting cold and may want to end the dive.
16. Danger
- How: Make two fists and cross your forearms in front of you.
- Meaning: Signals danger nearby (e.g., a dangerous creature, strong current).
17. Three-Minute Safety Stop
- How: Hold up three fingers on one hand, and place them on top of your other flat, horizontal palm.
- Meaning: Signals it’s time to perform the safety stop at 5 meters (15 feet).
Group 5: Marine Life (The Fun Part!)
18. Turtle
- How: Place one hand on top of the other, palms down, and rotate your thumbs to mimic a turtle’s flippers.
19. Shark
- How: Place the side of your flat hand vertically against your forehead to represent a dorsal fin.
20. Fish
- How: Clasp your hands together at the thumbs and wiggle your fingers like a fish’s tail.
[Illustration for Fish signal]
Golden Rule
Always review the most important hand signals with your buddy before every dive. Clear communication is the key to a safe and memorable dive.
In every PADI course at Amadive, we ensure you master these signals until they become second nature. Join a course or fun dive with us in Con Dao and communicate like a pro!
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