Common Signals in Tech?

[Red Sea Shadow]

They are non-ambiguous, whereas "50 bar" is an odd signal.

Well, it's not only the 50 bar signal; the 100 bar as well (indicates half tank)

 

[mikemill]

Kinda funny that this topic was created. A month back I went diving with another UTD diver and a GUE diver. The GUE diver did the rapid light signal which I took for "attention" which I then gave him. He was expecting me to offer my reg. A second or two later he did the throat slashing which then triggered the response from me.

I think it is something that needs to be addressed before hand.

 

[AndyNZ]

Well, it's not only the 50 bar signal; the 100 bar as well (indicates half tank)

The 100 bar signal is more common, I used to use that when teaching non-tech classes. But in a tech context, I don't see the value of it?

 

[Red Sea Shadow]

I think it is something that needs to be addressed before hand.

Sure. Here we revise the signals during the dive briefing.

 

[JeffG]

Middle finger (pointed at equipment)..."its broken" or more exact...this POS is ****ed

 

[AndyNZ]

Middle finger (pointed at equipment)..."its broken" or more exact...this POS is ****ed

And of course....

Flat palm (stop), make circle with thumb/forefinger and repeatedly put other forefinger in and and out (d!cking), finally circle motion (around).

 

[Peter Guy]

Richard -- she had her light on her right hand which is something I've seen with others so I made no comment. I didn't know this was her first time with a can light (it was one of ours -- 21 W Salvo) which is why I didn't suggest the light be on her left hand. In addition she had her BT on her left wrist so she needed the right on her right hand to see her BT. And yes, she did the "throat slash" with her right (light) hand -- which left me seeing spots for quite a while!

This was part of the debrief and I believe she left with an understanding of why the light on the left and the BT on the right might be more advantageous. I know people dive with different configurations and this was just an instance where we discussed the "why" of mine and hers.

Just in case, I want to re-emphasize that she was a very good buddy and did well on her skills. Her training has been different and I think some things we have learned (and take for granted) have not been a part of her training (yet).

 

[Trace Malinowski]

Middle finger (pointed at equipment)..."its broken" or more exact...this POS is ****ed

Taz Brannan suggested that to AG in our 2001 Tech 1 class.

Here are some other hand signals that may interest the board:

Shipwreck Hand Signals

It's important to review all hand signals prior to the dive. Even if you dive in the same teams, hand signal review prior to the dive will refresh everyone's memory regarding signals or combinations of signals you may use in a dive. Some divers will just review a few emergency signals. If this is done, each individual should inventory all the hand signals in their minds and if they are unsure of a signal or forget a signal, the buddy or team can refresh everyone's memories.

When using lights, the speed of the light will often determine the intensity of the situation. Most cave divers no longer worry about whether "Attention!" or "Emergency!" is given horizontally or vertically, but the more rapid the strobing, the more rapid the response to a crisis.

Lights can be used easily in any hand and should not pose a signals problem. If the light is on the right, the diver signals left-handed. If on the left, the diver signals right-handed. What is important when illuminating hand signals is to be aware of what your buddy sees. This may take practice. Just because you shine a light on a hand signal does not mean that the illuminated hand signal is being clearly received due to shadowing.

Because lights often end up being cast in a buddy's eyes in a crisis, practicing emergency situations while "seeing stars" doesn't hurt.

Some divers become very picky and sweat the small stuff. Even the best divers zap each other in the face by accident. Some old-school cave instructors hate combination signals such as "Three" + "Thumb the dive" for "I've reached thirds. End the dive." To them, a thumb will suffice and anything else is poor form and poor discipline.

It's important to signal slowly enough that a buddy can process what you are communicating. Hand signals displayed for 2 - 3 seconds will allow buddies to study the signal even if you are not properly illuminating it.

Most technical divers follow the hand signals that are in the NSS-CDS, NACD and PSAI Cave Diving Manuals. Familiarity with these will allow you to communicate with most technical divers. Most of us tweak signals to meet our needs, but recalling both cave diving and RSTC approved recreational hand signals will aid technical divers to communicate with cave, tech and recreational divers as they may need.

 

[nadwidny]

So what would be the hand signal for "Crap, there's a mosquito in my mask and it's biting me on my cheek."?

 

[mikemill]

So what would be the hand signal for "Crap, there's a mosquito in my mask and it's biting me on my cheek."?

Nothing, you kill it and move on