Underwater language does not exist in words. In the silent underwater world, safe and effective communication requires a universal language of signs and gestures, which is crucial for both safety and sharing your impressive discoveries. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to various underwater gestures that will be useful to every diving enthusiast - both beginners and experienced divers.
1. Safety and general communication gestures
These gestures are the foundation of any dive. They ensure that both you and your dive partner are safe and understand each other.
- Everything is OK:
- How to show: Connect your thumb and index finger to form a circle and leave the other three fingers extended.
- Meaning: Used to ask the question “Is everything okay?” and to respond that everything is okay. Everyone should show this gesture regularly throughout the dive to confirm that everything is okay.
- Problem:
- How to show: Extend your arm with your palm open and slowly swing it from side to side.
- Meaning: Indicates that something is wrong. This signal is followed by a gesture indicating the source of the problem. For example, a problem with the ears (pointing to the ear) or air (pointing to the pressure gauge).
- Up/end of dive:
- How to show: Thumbs up.
- Meaning: Contrary to popular culture, underwater it means “up.” It is a signal that it is time to begin the ascent to the surface.
- Down/start of dive:
- How to show: Lower your thumb down.
- Meaning: Signal to begin a dive or move to greater depth.
- Slow down/calm down:
- How to show: Gently wave your palm downward.
- Meaning: A call to dive slower or calmer to save air and enjoy the dive.
- I am frozen:
- How to show: Cross your arms over your chest and pat your shoulders with your fists.
- Meaning: You feel too cold and it's time to stop diving. Ignoring this signal is dangerous, as hypothermia can lead to serious problems.
- Air volume:
- How to show: When asking, tap your fingers on your palm or point to the pressure gauge.
- Meaning: Question about remaining air: When answering, show the remaining air pressure with your fingers (for example, showing the number “100” with one hand and “200” with the other, indicating 1200 psi).
- Running out of air:
- How to show: Tap your chest with your fist.
- Meaning: Your air pressure is low and approaching a certain reserve, and if your partner is a fan of this style of diving, you can continue diving or start planning your ascent.
- No air:
- How to show: With an open palm, make a cutting motion across the neck.
- Meaning: Emergency! You need your partner's air immediately.
2. Gestures for identifying animals
These fun gestures allow you to share the joy and excitement of seeing underwater creatures. While they are not as universal as safety gestures, PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) has popularized many of them and they are understood worldwide.
- Shark:
- How to show: Place your hand flat on your head, simulating a shark fin.
- Octopus:
- How to show: Clench your fist and wave your fingers as if they were octopus tentacles.
- Jellyfish:
- How to show: Place your palm with your fingers facing down and swing it through the water, simulating a jellyfish swimming.
- Tuna:
- How to show: Place your palm vertically and make a cutting motion with your other hand, simulating a fish swimming.
- Moraitite:
- How to show: Bend your index finger and thumb to form a “jaw” and simulate opening and closing.
Conclusions
Underwater language is not only a practical necessity, but also an integral part of diving. By learning these signs and signals, you will not only improve your safety, but also be able to fully participate in the underwater adventure, sharing it with your partner. Remember that before each dive it is important to review and agree on the gestures to be used, especially if your dive partners are new or coming from another country. Have a safe dive and unforgettable moments!
