Cave divers and technical divers extensively use reels and lines. As such, we have standard signals to communicate these items.
“LINE”
This signal denotes a line. Depending on situation, can be the dive team’s line, the anchor line, or a side passage line.
“REEL”
This command can either be the object or an action, depending on context.
Usage [...]
On Thursday, Kenn, Steve, I took a mid week day for a
UTD Stage Mini.
For technical diving, the use of deco bottle or stage bottle is a necessary skill. The UTD Stage Mini allows one to learn how to use a deco bottle in a workshop format. The day consists of lecture, equipment review, [...]
As recreational divers move towards the technical path, they will have many decisions and experiences:
Steve recently posted a sidemount diving skills demo on YouTube. These are some but not all the skills that we learned and practiced during Steve’s Basic Sidemount class.
KMD posted a very nice short video on how to dump gas while riding a scooter.
In his words:
Some items to notice.
* By thumbing the light the diver keeps it pointed forward into the view of her buddies and frees up a hand to manipulate dump valves
* The [...]
Team diving is best when teammates are at the same level in the water column. It facilitates communication and allows for comfortable diving.
To facilitate this, there are a few useful signals. These can be used during the dive, but are great for decompression stops and safety stops.
“LEVEL OFF”
This sign directs the teams to [...]
At the end of the time, we need to communicate our decompression obligation and stops. For recreational dives, these hand signals can be used to communicate safety stops.
“DECO”
This signals the team’s required decompression time and is followed by numbers specifying the amount. When combined with the “LEVEL OFF” sign, then this denotes the [...]
Here are some useful signs to provide team direction.
When these commands are given, it’s good procedure for every team member to respond with the same signal if there is agreement.
“DIRECTION OF TRAVEL”
This sign directs the teams path of travel.
“TURN AROUND”
This sign simply tells the team to turn around. In a cave, this sign is [...]
We can’t communicate with only command scuba signs (though I know some divers who like to try). We also need to let people know that there are issues – to tell someone there is a problem, to tell someone no, and to ask a question.
“PROBLEM”
This scuba sign notes that there is an issue. [...]
The most commonly used scuba signs are the command signals. These are “command” signals because these signals explicitly demand a response – either an affirmation of the command signals or an alternate sign.
“OK”
This is the primary team check and status sign. The expected return signal from the teammate(s) is an “OK” sign.
Usage example:
Signaler: [...]