wondering what comms system do people use in a silt out - had a recent trip where one diver went through a silty restriction and was waiting for the second diver to come through - second diver didn't want to follow so both waited for each other to make a move -both fearing if they both went at the same time they would meet head to head in a tight unturnable restriction
I have an idea of a plan but wanting to hear others systems
eg a signal for :
i need help
I are you coming?
yes im coming
no im not coming
I’ve read through the thread, sounds like you’re talking about two separate but often related issues; how to communicate in zero/low vis and how to communicate and coordinate teamwork in restrictions. The way I was trained, diver 1 approaches the restriction but does not enter, signals restriction, waits for an ok, then goes through. Diver 2 waits for an ok signal that indicates diver 1 is through and waiting, then goes through, signals ok to waiting diver 1, then the team moves onward.
I would try to stick with that protocol as closely as you can in poor vis. In Mexico this sort of thing happens all the time, not so much because of silt, but any restriction in a halocline quickly deteriorates into a cloudy mess. It’s pretty unusual that you can’t at least see enough shadows to interpret light movement. A nice slow steady movement of the light shadow is a decent indicator that diver 2 can go through. For me, whenever there’s a loss of vis, I instinctively contact the line. So in this situation I’m either cautiously proceeding through the restriction in contact with the line or I’m the guy waiting on the line on the other side. I would not have entered the restriction until I’ve received some sort of ok signal. If the vis is so bad that that is impossible, I’m going to stay put for a while and hope diver 1 figures out he’s got to come back. There’s no rush, everyone’s got gas.
There is definitely some variance in how well divers signal restrictions and make a team decision before anyone goes through. Sometimes it’s not easy to see a tight spot until you’re practically in it. But in general communicating through restrictions and being able quickly adjust communication techniques to make sure your intent is clear are two pretty reliable indicators of team awareness.
If the vis has really gone bad and you can’t interpret any light shadows, the only way to communicate is touch contact, and one thing you can certainly do beyond the go/stop/hold is to slide your hand along the line to contact your teammate’s hand, then form the signal and confirm. In the few unfortunate **** shows I’ve had to do this it generally is thumbing the dive. The message is pretty clear, and hopefully there’s enough room to turn around and exit very slowly using touch contact.
