Since verbal communication is impossible underwater, diving hand signals become essential. That's why the very first thing every diver learns in their Open Water Diver (PADI/SSI cert) course is how to communicate underwater through hand signals. After enjoying Albee's hilarious video above, let's follow in Instructor Albee's footsteps and learn each diving hand signal one by one!
Basic Diving Hand Signals
Surface OK
Underwater OK
Underwater Not OK
Ascend
Descend
Scuba Tank / Cylinder Running Low
Scuba Tank / Cylinder Empty
Stay Close to Your Dive Buddy — Don't Separate
Turn Around / Head Back
Current / Swimming Against the Current
Safety Stop at 5 m for 3 Minutes
Stop
Ear Discomfort (use together with the Not OK signal)
Bonus Tutorial: Hand Signals for Common Marine Life
Moray Eel
Lionfish
Shark
Sea Turtle
Stingray
The Correct Signal for Sea Turtle
Crab
Sea Snake
Pufferfish
Clownfish
Boxfish (commonly known as the "papaya pufferfish")
Triggerfish (spot one? get out of there fast!)
Nudibranch
After Instructor Albee's fun and easy-to-follow tutorial, we're sure you've quickly picked up all the correct diving hand signals! The next step? Plan a dive trip as soon as possible and put your dive buddy to the test underwater!
If you'd like to get to know the lovely Instructor Albee, the Editor has got you covered!
