Basic Scuba Diving Underwater Hand Signals July 27, 2016 by lukesheppard

In this advice video we’re gonna be going over the basic fundamental hand signals for scuba divers. These are based on American Sign Language, but most of them are quite regional, so talk with your instructor about the specific ones that you need to use.

INDEX FINGER AND THUMB TOUCHING TO FORM A CIRCLE

This means okay and is used as a question and an answer.  

PALM FLAT FACING DOWN, THEN TILTING IT SIDE TO SIDE

There’s something wrong. Always point after this hand signal so that people will know what’s wrong.  

‘THUMBS UP’ GESTURE

Go up or ascend.  

‘THUMBS DOWN’ GESTURE

Go down or descend.  

PALM FLAT FACING DOWNWARDS, THEN MOVING IT FROM LEFT TO RIGHT A COUPLE OF TIMES

Level off or stay at this depth. This is good for your safety stops.

FIST WITH THUMB OUT, MOVING IT IN AN 180 DEGREE ANGLE FROM SIDE TO SIDE A COUPLE OF TIMES

Which way? If you don’t know which way to go, use this hand signal.

PALM FLAT FACING THE OTHER PERSON

Stop. Stay where you are or don’t do something.  

TWO FISTS WITH INDEX FINGERS OUT, WITH PALMS FACING DOWN BRING THE INDEX FINGERS TOWARDS EACH OTHER AND AWAY FROM EACH OTHER A COUPLE OF TIMES

Buddy, this can be used with where’s your buddy or get close to your buddy.

ONE PALM FLAT FACING OUT TO THE OTHER PERSON, THEN TAP YOUR PALM WITH TWO FINGERS FROM YOUR OTHER HAND

How much air do you have? Check your gauges.    

And those are the fundamental hand signals that all scuba divers use. For more advice videos, check out our YouTube channel or to shop for your next scuba adventure head to our website.