Deep-Sea Sherpa

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 amount of time required at a specific stop.

Usage Examples:
    Signaler: “DECO” + “10″ = ten minutes of deco time.
    Teammate(s): “DECO” + “10″ = ten minutes of deco time, confirms the plan.

    Signaler: “LEVEL OFF” + 20 + (PAUSE) + “DECO” + “5″ = At 20′, 5 minutes of deco time.
    Teammate(s): “LEVEL OFF” + 20 + (PAUSE) + “DECO” + “5″ = At 20′, 5 minutes of deco time, confirms the plan.

“UP TO NEXT STOP”
This signals tells the team to move up to the next stop. The team should repeat the signal back to the deco captain (person leading the decompression stops) to confirm the move.

“SWITCH”
While this signal can also be used to change team position or x-change an item, it’s most associated with gas switches. During the predetermined gas switch stop(s), the deco captain will signal switch to commence the sequence.

• Scuba Signs – Line and Reel
• Scuba Signs – Position in the water column
• Scuba Signs – Directions
• Scuba Signs – Issues
• Scuba Signs – Command Signals

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Training by Don