Whistle Signals

[Diver_Jan]

Am wondering if there is a set guideline for Whistle Signals on the surface and underwater? To let a buddy know you are ok, or need help, ect???

Or, do we need to make up our own signals pre-dive?

Thanks for your help

 

[archman]

Have you used your whistle underwater yet? If so, you know how awkward (and potentially dangerous since you're removing your reg) it is. Nobody really uses them much underwater... don't know where you got that idea from. Just 'cuz certain models "work" underwater doesn't imply that folks regularly use 'em in that capacity.

As for surface work, basically you blow it when you need help or can't find the boat. If you separate from your buddy, blow your whistles REALLY HARD until you find each other. At that point you can, uh... talk.

Sounds like you're a PE teacher or lifeguard, being as they use rudimentary whistle codes extensively.

 

[Firediver]

On the surface whistles are generally ment for emergencies.. There are other devices better suited for underwater sound, whistles don't work to well underwater... try it in a swimming pool and you'll understand what I mean, use a Fox 40, or the pelican whistle <orange emergency one you sometimes get when you purchase their light> Keep the whistle for surface emergencies, and hand signals for everything else. Between you and your buddy you can make up handsignals that only you two understand... easier, and safer

 

[SDAnderson]

To expand on what Firediver said, whistles are meant for emergencies and should only be used in an emergency. It's kind of like a car alarm - there are so many of them going off all the time that most folks don't even notice them anymore - so don't cry wolf until you need to.

There are a number of books that contain sets of hand signals, my favorite is the NSS Cave Diving Manual. DO NOT make up your own - you'll find yourself unable to communicate with anyone but your buddy. In the best of conditions, that's a nuisance, in an emergency it can be fatal. The NSS manual has a full set in there without any of the cute "local flavor" signals that every tropical DM will demonstrate to get a chuckle and your attention. It's also a great book to own as a general reference manual even if you aren't planning on any cave dives with details about almost every aspect of diving from emergency planning to specialty gases to photography to knot tying to...

 

[pipedope]

As this is in the PSD forum, I must ask. Are you asking about whistle signals in PSD?

If so then the team diving and procedures manuals should cover this in detail..

For recreational diving whistles are best reserved for emergencies, or getting attention so that hand signals can be used.

 

[Firediver]

The only reason I mentioned about making your own, my dive buddy and I have a few signals that are our own, and we only use them when we dive together. We still continue to use the universal signs as well.

 

[SDAnderson]

As this is in the PSD forum, I must ask. Are you asking about whistle signals in PSD?

Good point - I hadn't noticed which forum this was in. I moved the thread to Basic Scuba Discussions and left a redirect in the PSD forum. Hope you don't mind, Jan.

 

[DandyDon]

Sounds like you're a PE teacher or lifeguard, being as they use rudimentary whistle codes extensively.

She's a "Recreation Therapist," which she has declined to explain. It's in her Profile; if you didn't look, you missed her pretty smile...

 

[archman]

She's a "Recreation Therapist," which she has declined to explain.

I DID look, but figured a job title like that could umbrella over all sorts of junk. My outdoor education resume is similar in that regard.

 

[justleesa]

Have you used your whistle underwater yet? If so, you know how awkward (and potentially dangerous since you're removing your reg) it is.

Archman, do you have to use your 2nd stage? Couldn't you use your octopus?