How to Communicate Air Level

How would you show "1900" to your buddy

  • One hand, flash 5 fingers three times, 4 fingers once

    Votes: 19 21.8%
  • Two hands, hold up one finger, pause, hold up 9 fingers

    Votes: 3 3.4%
  • One hand, tap one finger on forearm, flash 5, then 4

    Votes: 8 9.2%
  • Two hands, tap one finger on forearm, hold up 9 fingers

    Votes: 6 6.9%
  • One hand, show one finger vertically, then 4 horizontally

    Votes: 19 21.8%
  • One hand, one vertical, then 4 horizontal, then "zero" twice

    Votes: 11 12.6%
  • Show your buddy your SPG

    Votes: 14 16.1%
  • Write it on a slate

    Votes: 1 1.1%
  • Some other method

    Votes: 5 5.7%
  • Use ASL

    Votes: 1 1.1%

  • Total voters
    87

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Because it requires my forearm be in front of me. What if I'm dumping gas at the same time, or reattaching my SPG, or a dozen other things that could be occupying my left arm as I flash with my right? Do you seriously think it takes significantly MORE time to flash extra 5s as opposed to reaching over to your other forearm? For us, it's such a rare thing to need to check each other's gas (we either know, or just go by signals for "turn" and "ascend") that its never been a concern to shave off one second from a dive. There's also less chance for confusion using 5s (e.g. take 2000PSI, for you I need to notice the difference between one and two fingers across your forearm, both of which might be in black neoprene, versus catching four flashes).
 
Pinky up only means deco to me, not the actual time or depth. It will mean different things to different people.

diver 85:
Why not use another symbol for 1k psi???....The one I've seen used more & the one I use is your index finger over your forearm, 2 fingers for 2k etc etc........sort of like the pinky up for 15'/3 min SS.....short & sweet.....
 
Relax dude, the response was all in fun. If you don't like the method, don't use it. I didn't invent this stuff; especially the math.

SkullDeformity:
Oh wow you have completely changed my mind, I am now going to follow interwebs advice. Thank god for you Dan Gibson, thank god for you.:shakehead:shakehead:shakehead:shakehead:shakehead:shakehead:shakehead:shakehead
 
I like people to show me the gauge, it's quicker. The divers you really have to keep an eye on sometimes don't read it right anyway, I find.

It never fails I get the pilots doing all the side ways hand stuff...so I just figure, "you're a pilot, so hopefully I can trust you to watch your air"
 
diver 85:
Why not use another symbol for 1k psi???....The one I've seen used more & the one I use is your index finger over your forearm, 2 fingers for 2k etc etc........sort of like the pinky up for 15'/3 min SS.....short & sweet.....

To better illustrate the speed benefit of NOT needing the other forearm, consider the following. I signal for a pressure check. My buddy reaches with his left hand and unclips his SPG from his waist D-ring. As he's going to reclip it, he's flashing me his pressure with his right hand. By the time he's done with the left hand, I already know his pressure. Using numbers across the forearm would require a pressure check (unclip and reclip for him) and only *then* would his left arm be free for him to use the system you suggested. In this case, I don't see how what you suggests would be quicker.
 
I like the I'll show you mine if you show me yours too
 
Dan Gibson:
Pinky up only means deco to me, not the actual time or depth. It will mean different things to different people.

You're right, what's some people's **** is others gold.....looks like otherS beside me pass it(little pinky up) along as a SS..............click the link, 5th down on the right side........

http://www.scubadiver.cc/handsignals/uwbasic.htm
 

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