Hand Signal in Emergency – For divers as well as prospective divers, the ability to communicate using hand signals is a must both when enjoying the underwater beauty and in the face of an emergency. The following are some of the hand signals to use when dealing with emergencies, such as cold, irritated ears, running out of air, to signals asking for help sharing air and signs of needing help on the surface.
Hand Signal in Emergency
Freezing
Both hands embrace the body itself. This hand signal is done when the diver begins to feel cold. Chills can occur if the diver is in the water for too long or uses inadequate protective clothing or the diver is in an unsanitary condition when diving. Divers who feel cold must notify the instructor or dive leader in order to return to the surface safely.
Troubled Ears
The index finger points to the ear followed by the signal There is a Problem. This hand signal is used when the diver has trouble with the ears when descending into deeper waters (Descend) or vice versa when the diver is about to head to shallower waters.
This disorder usually occurs because the diver produces fluid in the canal between the ear cavity and the sinus cavity so that there is a blockage that causes the diver to fail to equalize the pressure, especially in the ear cavity.
Divers who have problems when going down are encouraged to swim up a little while doing equalization until they are successful. If the diver cannot overcome this equalization disorder or the ear problem persists, it is best not to continue the dive and return to the surface slowly.
Out of Air
The palms face down in front of the neck and are moved to the left and right repeatedly. This hand signal is used when the diver runs out of air while diving.
After performing this out-of-air hand signal, the diver continues with the hand signal asking for help sharing air with the dive instructor or dive partner, and continues by giving the Up Up hand signal.
Requesting Air Sharing
The right-hand holds the mouthpiece and the fingertips of the left hand meet and point to the mouth. This hand signal is done after the diver gives the out of air signal.
After receiving this signal, the dive partner will approach the diver who needs air assistance and his left hand holds the BCD jacket to the right of the requester for air support.
Then inhales 2 breaths of air then gives a Mouthpiece to the requester for air assistance so that he can inhale 2 breaths of air.
This is done continuously while swimming to the surface safely. If the dive partner who provides air assistance is equipped with an Octopus hose, then he can provide air assistance by using the Mouthpiece of his Octopus hose.
Danger Nearby
Hands straight ahead with fingers clenched. This hand signal is used when a diver wants to inform other divers that there is a danger, such as a sudden strong current.
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