Man I feel like a 100% wimp.

[Soggy]

i thought a fist meant "danger"?
and an open hand meant "wait" and an open hand in up down position "slow down".
yeah, 2 thumbs up means "over and out" as far as i know.

try not to invent too many new signals, coz if you're gonna be diving with someone else someday he/she might not understand and it could get dangerous.
why not buy a slate and write down any special commands.

As far as I'm concerned, and speaking from a GUE and technical diving perspective, closed fist means "Hold." It is a critical hand signal that is returned with the same signal, so you are clear that it is understood. This is probably the 3rd most important signal right after the throat slashing/OOA signal, and thumbs up.

There is no difference between 1 thumb up or 2 thumbs up. They means the same thing....dive is over.

Don't make this stuff more complicated than it needs to be.

 

[MASS-Diver]

Rule #1 of diving

Anyone can call a dive for any reason with no repercussions.

Ditto. Good idea calling the dive.

 

[nite_diver]

you were right in calling off the dive because safety is always the first rule of thumb. when you fell head over heels where was the DM to help in the situation. Please don't feel like a wimp, just chalk it up as a bad experience. i am always lookinf for some one to dive with either cape ann or at nubble light in york, maine. ever interested in hooking up give me a days notice and will be more than happy to hook up with you

nite_diver

 

[LobstaMan]

I guess I won't use the throat slash manuever again. Doy!? That's why it's good to talk these things over before you hit the drink. Why can't we just talk u/w!?

LobstaMan

 

[ScubaNorth]

I believe signals can be different to different divers. I'm not saying it is right it is just the way it is. It is best to go over the basics before going in the water when diving with a new partner. My regular partner and I have some signals that are not common but we know that they are not understood by everyone. Like fist is hand (cathcers Mit style) means lobster with claws the size of baseball gloves or ripping the regulator out of the other guys mouth means out of air (uh just kidding on that one).

 

[MASS-Diver]

As far as I'm concerned, and speaking from a GUE and technical diving perspective, closed fist means "Hold." It is a critical hand signal that is returned with the same signal, so you are clear that it is understood. This is probably the 3rd most important signal right after the throat slashing/OOA signal, and thumbs up.

There is no difference between 1 thumb up or 2 thumbs up. They means the same thing....dive is over.

Don't make this stuff more complicated than it needs to be.

Aaron makes a good point in this thread with the thumbs up signal - there is no discussion about stuff like that. The same goes for the hold signal - if someone flashes it to you, you should freeze - the most common reason for this signal (IME) is if one diver is entangled - any movement will makes things worse. The entangled diver is given the hold signal and is freed by another team memeber.

Soggy's point about returning the singal is also critical and deserves to be repeated. If I give you a thumbs up and you give me an OK back I don't know if you understood or if you are just one of those people that gives an OK sign to everything under the sun

My favorite GUE signal is the middle finger - if I have a problem with any piece of my gear I can point to it, and flip the bird - my buddy knows right away that piece of equipment is out of action.

 

[Kim]

As far as I'm concerned, and speaking from a GUE and technical diving perspective, closed fist means "Hold." It is a critical hand signal that is returned with the same signal, so you are clear that it is understood. This is probably the 3rd most important signal right after the throat slashing/OOA signal, and thumbs up.

There is no difference between 1 thumb up or 2 thumbs up. They means the same thing....dive is over.

Don't make this stuff more complicated than it needs to be.

Which way does your fist face? A closed fist with your fingers pointed forward means danger everywhere I've been in Asia, (I haven't ever dived in the States). In any event if you are diving with someone you don't know, hand signals should be part of pre-dive planning - especially if you are in a new geographic location that you've never been to before.

 

[Quarrior]

Ok, folks, these are directly from the PADI OW manual pages 106 and 107.

Closed fist in front of chest = Low on air

Hand slicing across throat = Out of air

Thumb up = going up

Closed fist with arm outstretched in a particular direction = Danger in that direction

Palm down and hand moving up and down = Take it easy, slow down

Hope this helps.

 

[ScubaNorth]

and for just $300 you can take the new PADI hand signal certification course.

 

[Quarrior]

Nah, just come on out and dive in the nice warm waters out here in MO/IL and we can learn them together. I'll even copy and seal the pages from the book so they work underwater.

and for just $300 you can take the new PADI hand signal certification course.