When you’re scuba diving, communication doesn’t come through words. Underwater, you rely on hand signals to share important information with your dive buddy or group. These signals keep dives safe, fun, and stress-free. Whether you’re new to scuba or brushing up before your next trip, knowing the core scuba hand signals is essential.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most common hand signals every diver should know, why they matter, and some tips for remembering them.
Why Hand Signals Matter Underwater
Diving is a silent world. Regulators, bubbles, and water pressure make speaking impossible, so hand signals are your universal language. They:
- Ensure safety by alerting others to issues.
- Help with navigation and dive planning.
- Allow you to share experiences (like pointing out marine life).
- Reduce anxiety by keeping communication clear.
Just as traffic signals make roads safer, scuba hand signals make dives smoother.
Essential Scuba Hand Signals
Here are the key signals you need to master before diving:
OK Hand Signal
- How to do it: Form a circle with your thumb and index finger while extending the other three fingers.
- Meaning: “I’m okay.”
- Tip: This is the most used signal. It can also be asked by another diver (as a question: “Are you okay?”).
Not OK / Problem Hand Signal
- How to do it: Hold your hand flat and rock it side to side (like a “so-so” gesture).
- Meaning: Something is wrong.
- Tip: Follow this up by pointing to the problem, like your ear if you’re struggling to equalize.
Up / Ascend Hand Signal
- How to do it: Make a fist and extend your thumb upward.
- Meaning: “Let’s go up.”
- Tip: Use this when signaling to end a dive or move higher in the water column.
Down / Descend Hand Signal
- How to do it: Make a fist and point your thumb downward.
- Meaning: “Let’s go down.”
- Tip: Often used at the start of a dive.
Stop Hand Signal
- How to do it: Raise one hand, palm out, fingers up (like a traffic stop).
- Meaning: “Stop immediately.”
- Tip: This one is critical if someone is drifting too far or entering a risky area.
Out of Air Hand Signal
- How to do it: Move a flat hand across your throat in a cutting motion.
- Meaning: “I’m out of air / I have no air.”
- Tip: This is a distress signal—respond quickly with your alternate air source.
Share Air Hand Signal
- How to do it: Extend your hand with two fingers pointing toward your buddy’s regulator, then bring them back toward your mouth.
- Meaning: “I need to share air.”
- Tip: Always practice air-sharing drills before deep dives.
Level Off Hand Signal
- How to do it: Hold your hand flat, palm down, and rock it side to side.
- Meaning: “Stay at this depth.”
- Tip: Useful when hovering at safety stops.
Low on Air Hand Signal
- How to do it: Place a flat hand across your chest.
- Meaning: “I’m running low on air.”
- Tip: Different from “out of air”—this gives you and your buddy time to plan an ascent.
Buddy Up Hand Signal
- How to do it: Extend your index fingers on both hands and hold them side by side.
- Meaning: “Stay close to your buddy.”
- Tip: Often used when visibility is low.
Look / Pointing Out Marine Life Hand Signal
- How to do it: Use your index finger to point at something of interest.
- Meaning: “Look over there.”
- Tip: Great for spotting fish, wrecks, or reefs—but never touch.
Danger / Hazard Hand Signal
- How to do it: Hold a flat hand, fingers spread, and wave side to side.
- Meaning: “Danger” or “Don’t go there.”
- Tip: Often used to warn of strong currents, sharp corals, or marine animals.
How to Practice Hand Signals
- Review on the boat before each dive. Quick refreshers reduce mistakes underwater.
- Practice with your buddy—consistency matters. Some divers may have slight variations.
- Keep signals clear and deliberate—don’t rush movements.
- Use a dive light during night dives to illuminate signals.
- Combine with body language when possible. For example, shaking your head can emphasize “not OK.”
Extra Tips for Smooth Communication
- Stay calm—panicked signals are harder to read.
- Confirm signals—if your buddy signals “OK,” return the same signal to acknowledge.
- Don’t mix signals—avoid multitasking hand movements that confuse meaning.
- Learn local dive signals—sometimes dive guides introduce area-specific ones (like “turtle” or “shark”).
Beyond the Basics: Fun Signals
Divers also use informal signals for marine life:
- Shark: Hand flat on your forehead like a fin.
- Turtle: One hand on top of the other, thumbs sticking out like flippers.
- Ray: Hands flapping out to the side.
- Octopus: Wiggle fingers spread wide.
These aren’t critical, but they make dives more fun and memorable.
Final Thoughts
Hand signals are a diver’s lifeline underwater. They keep you connected to your buddy, help prevent accidents, and make it possible to share the joy of the dive. Whether it’s signaling “OK,” pointing out a passing turtle, or warning of a hazard, these simple gestures are your words beneath the waves.
Before your next dive trip, review these signals and practice them with your buddy. The better your underwater communication, the safer—and more enjoyable—your dives will be.
FAQs: Scuba Hand Signals
Most core signals, like “OK,” “Up,” “Down,” and “Out of Air,” are standardized worldwide. However, dive guides in certain regions may use fun or local signals for marine life. Always review signals with your buddy and guide before a dive.
Practice them on the surface with your buddy before diving. Repetition makes them second nature. You can also use flashcards or review posters while studying for your certification.
Repeat the signal slowly and clearly. If confusion remains, surface safely or use an underwater slate or writing tablet to clarify.
No, but divers have developed informal ones for common sightings like sharks, turtles, rays, and octopuses. They’re not universal but are widely understood.
Yes. Point the light at your hand while signaling, or circle the beam to get your buddy’s attention first. Many divers also use illuminated slates for extra clarity.
