Silence is Golden, Communication is Vital
One of the most magical aspects of scuba diving is the silence. No phones ringing, no traffic noise—just the rhythmic sound of your own breathing. However, effective communication is critical for safety and fun. Since we can't speak underwater (unless you have a very expensive full-face mask!), divers use a universal sign language.
Whether you are a PADI Open Water student or an experienced diver visiting Hurghada, refreshing your memory on these signals ensures you and your buddy stay safe and don't miss that passing turtle!
1. The "Big Three" Safety Signals
These are the signals you will use on every single dive. They must be performed clearly and calmly.
The "OK" Sign: This is the most common signal. Join your thumb and index finger to form a circle, and extend the other three fingers.
Confusion Alert: Do NOT use the "Thumbs Up." On land, thumbs up means "Good." Underwater, it means "Go Up" (End the dive).
Going Up / Going Down:
Thumb Up: "Let's ascend" or "I am going up."
Thumb Down: "Let's descend" or "Go deeper."
Stop / Hold: Hold your hand up flat, palm facing forward (like a traffic policeman). This tells your buddy to pause and wait.
2. Air Management: The Life-Line
Your guide will frequently ask you how much air you have left. You must answer honestly and accurately.
"How much air?": The guide will point two fingers at their pressure gauge (SPG).
Your Response: You can use fingers to show the number (e.g., 1 finger = 100 bar, 5 fingers = 50 bar) or specific signals for "Half Tank" (forming a 'T' with hands).
Low on Air: Make a fist and beat your chest gently. This means "I am low on air, we should end the dive soon."
Out of Air: The slash across the throat. This is an emergency signal meaning "Give me air NOW."
3. The Fun Stuff: Marine Life Signals
In the Red Sea, pointing at a fish isn't enough. Here is how to identify what you see:
Turtle: Place one hand on top of the other and rotate your thumbs like flippers.
Shark: Place your hand vertically against your forehead (mimicking a dorsal fin).
Moray Eel: Make a mouth with your hand and open/close it (mimicking the eel's breathing).
Ray: Flap your arms like wings to mimic a Stingray or Eagle Ray.
4. Night Diving Signals
When diving in the dark, hand signals are useless if nobody can see them.
Shine the light on your hand: Never shine the torch in your buddy's eyes! Shine it on your own hand while making the signal.
The "OK" Circle: Draw a circle with your torch beam on the seabed to ask "Are you OK?".
Ready to Learn More?
Hand signals are just the beginning. If you want to master underwater navigation and more complex communication, it might be time to take the next step in your diving education.
