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Divers in Thailand › PADI Scuba Hand Signals Chart

Scuba Diving Sign Language

Divers will find our review of PADI underwater scuba hand signs and symbols a useful resource. They make up the language and gestures used in diver communication.

The chart lists the common scuba diving hand signals (e.g. OK sign, numbers, air pressure, fish signs). You should always review divers sign language if you dive with an unfamiliar buddy.

How to Communicate while Scuba Diving?

Divers cannot speak through the mouthpiece of a conventional scuba regulator.

You would need an electronic system or a full face dive mask to have a reasonable conversation by voice while submerged.

Instead, we use PADI dive signals and hand movements underwater to interact with each other.

PADI diver training teaches you how to communicate and get attention underwater using standardised scuba signals or plastic writing slates.

Even so, it is worth noting that surface and underwater diving signs do vary among many of the different scuba training agencies (e.g. BSAC, CMAS, SSI) in Thailand.

Therefore, it is prudent to review common hand gestures and an appropriate emergency recall system during your pre-dive safety check (e.g. BWRAF).

Furthermore, you should always review the basic scuba diving hand signals chart below if you will go diving with a new buddy.

Fun fact:

It's quite common for a group of divers to have a coherent conversation underwater - even though they may speak different languages topside. This also applies to deaf divers who often enjoy entire conversations in the water.

In addition, some divers still use certain variants of dive talk on dry land. The adapted 'non-diving lingo' works for them even after they have surfaced.

Note: Being able to understand fingers and hand gesticulation underwater (and body movements) helps to reduce confusion, anxiety, and it increases safety.

PADI Scuba Hand Signals

We use a set of established PADI dive signals and common arm gestures on all dives as part of the scuba diving buddy system.

The okay hand sign is one of the most used of all body signs underwater. It is a technique used to ask, and then confirm, that you are 'OK' in diver sign language (i.e. you are feeling fine).

Hence, displaying a circle created by your thumb and forefinger underwater, or at the surface, means you do not have a problem.

But wait - there's more:

We also use basic PADI hand signals to show our intended direction (e.g. let's go up, go down, or stop). Whereas, other scuba signals that divers use, will show:

• Both hands to form the letter 'T' shape signals 100 bar (meaning the tank pressure is half used).
• Low tank pressure (such as a clenched fist for 50 bar).
• The procedures for making a 3-minute safety stop (using 3 fingers to mean the number 'three').
• You want to share air supply with a buddy (after making the slitting throat signal).

Using your fingers is an efficient way of indicating numbers underwater, such as when showing how much air you have remaining in the tank.

Apart from the recognised PADI dive signals, most divers use some really cool scuba hand signals - together with some funny body movements - to represent fish family species and other aquatic animals.

Scuba Diving Hand Signals for Fish

There is no standard PADI hand signals PDF used for communicating the different signals for fishes and sea life creatures.

Okay... no problem! So, here is a list of hand gestures and body motions that almost all divers will use to make fish signs underwater:

• Jellyfish: Sweep your hand and fingers horizontally through the water in a way that mimics the drifting movement of jellyfishes in the water column.
• Moray Eels: Fingers and thumb closing and opening to represent the way morays move their jaw as part of their breathing mechanism.
• Pufferfish: Expanding clasped hands to represent the way pufferfishes will 'puff up' like a balloon as part of their defence mechanism that they use when threatened.
• Sharks: Place a hand vertical near to your head to denote the large dorsal fin that makes almost all sharks easily recognisable.
• Shrimps: Point a finger upwards at the side of your head (one each side) to mimic crustacean antennae.
• Triggerfish: Pointing a finger (like holding an imaginary pistol) to imitate the caudal fin that these fish will erect during periods of aggressive behaviour.
• Turtles: Have one hand resting on top of the other hand to represent the carapace (the hard shell) that sea turtles have.

PADI Hand Signals for Communicating with Students

Because PADI® scuba courses are performance-based, students need to meet certain objectives and requirements to be certified. As a result, the instructor will use diving hand signs to communicate the following "phrases" during the training:

• Everyone in the group needs to watch me (e.g. while the instructor demonstrates a skill).
• Allow water to enter your dive mask and stop when it reaches halfway.
• I want you to perform that skill one more time.
• Remember, you should always blow bubbles any time the regulator is out of your mouth.
• Well done! Great Job! You have mastered the skill!

PADI Scuba Hand Signals Chart

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