ASL (American Sign Language) for diver communication

[TexasMike]

Yeah, Steve is a good choice.

Just was thinking about finding something for home study before I setup the "official" class.

But this past o/w class came up with a new interpretation for the sign meaning "good job"

Ask Alec next time you see him.

 

[voidware]

I learned finger spelling way back in the day (I think it was from a boy scout book...). My brother can sort of do it, but he is not "fluent," as it were. it is also rather hard to do when wearing gloves or see when vis is low.

it's really easy to learn, it only takes maybe an hour to learn.

brandon

 

[Ceberon]

People were talking about communication devices, and it reminded me of something I was thinking about before.

How many divers actually use sign language? Not signals, but the actual language. I would think it would be incredibly useful at getting across the more difficult concepts you might encounter. I know signals do cover all of the important "safety" things, but I'm sure you've come across enough other things where you'd either pull out a slate, write on your hand, or just wait until you're at the surface to communicate it.

My mom taught us kids the sign language alphabet many many years ago, I still remember most of it. I think if my dive buddy also knew it (and I had a refresher), it would probably be a pretty useful tool. I know I've had a few instances of trying to get across a fairly complicated point, and either spelling it out on my hand, or being forced to surface to explain what I wanted them to do.

Once again, I know you can get across almost any point with decent signals, but obviously it's not a full language. How useful would you think it would be to either learn sign language, or at least the sign alphabet? I was wondering if that was the type of thing I could suggest to my LDS as an optional class, etc.

 

[bridgediver]

I think that is a great idea. One of my dive buddies knows sign language and has shown me a few things. It helps

 

[ppilot]

I know ASL, and I always thought it'd be awesome to use it underwater. Never have met another diver that knows it, though.

 

[Hallmac]

You might look into this course it is based upon ASL. It is a blast to take and you will be suprised how much it is used.

Sea Signs

Hallmac

 

[blackice]

PADI Underwater Communications Course - coming soon to a PADI 5 Star Dive Shop near you!!!

 

[pasley]

blackice once bubbled...
PADI Underwater Communications Course - coming soon to a PADI 5 Star Dive Shop near you!!!

Nope, NAUI already beat them to it.

"SeaSigns™ is approved by major SCUBA certifying agencies including PADI, SSI, NAUI, YMCA, and SDI, and by a nationally certified sign language interpreter. "

 

[coberry7]

I went diving with two women once who had taken a sign language class, prior to their trip. They were effective at communicating with each other. Nobody else had a clue what they were trying to say with their hands.

Case in point, most divers know that if you have your fingers extended and you put your hand perpendicular to your forehead (immitating a shark fin) That means Shark. These girls kept using something noone understood to let us know they had seen a shark.

????

 

[scottish2]

Awesome idea!!!

Good in and out of the water!!!