Team Communication in Limited Visibility

Limited visibility changes everything about a dive. It makes team awareness harder, signals less reliable, and separation more likely. But with a few adjustments to communication, positioning, and gear use, teams can dive effectively—even in near-zero vis.

This page covers how to maintain team cohesion and communication when visual contact is reduced, whether in a murky lake, dark wreck, or night dive.

What Counts as “Limited Visibility”?

Any situation where you cannot clearly see your teammates with normal hand signals qualifies as limited vis. This can include:

Silty freshwater quarries or lakes
Algae blooms or suspended particulates
Night dives
Wreck or cavern environments
Poorly lit conditions at depth

Even 3–5 feet of visibility can be challenging if you’re not prepared.

Challenges in Limited Vis

Harder to maintain formation
Visual signals may be missed or misread
Hand signals may not work at all
Increased risk of buddy separation
Narrow focus reduces awareness of surroundings

All of these increase cognitive load and make it easier for small issues to spiral.

Key Communication Adjustments

Strategy	What to Do
Use lights	Keep beams visible, steady, and directed ahead—not waving. Use agreed light signals.
Stay closer	Close formation helps avoid losing teammates. In extreme vis, maintain near-touch proximity.
Minimize hand signals	Use simple, pre-agreed signs or switch to light-based signals.
Communicate more often	Make frequent eye contact, light sweeps, or OK checks—don’t assume everything is fine.
Agree on lost buddy protocol	Everyone should know exactly what to do if contact is lost.

Adjusting Team Positioning

In clear water, it’s easy to spread out a bit. In low vis, the team needs to tighten up:

Two-person teams: Stay close and either side-by-side or facing each other
Three-person teams: Use a triangle with the lead diver’s light visible to both followers
Single-file movement: The rear diver monitors both forward visibility and spacing
Assign sides during the briefing so no one overlaps beams or guesses who’s where

It’s also helpful to practice touch communication drills in controlled environments, even if you don’t plan to use them—just in case.

Use of Light as Primary Signal

In limited vis, your light is your voice:

Beam discipline is essential—don’t blind teammates
Keep your light visible to others at all times
Use intentional signals (e.g., short flashes, circular motion, rapid side-to-side for problems)
Monitor teammates’ lights for changes in behavior or orientation

Confirming Signals

Don’t assume a signal was received—confirm it. In low vis, that may mean:

Using a second light flash to acknowledge
Moving your light beam in a circular “OK” motion
Giving a clear “OK” hand signal directly in front of the other diver’s mask
Repeating until acknowledgment is received

No response? Pause and regroup immediately.

If the Team Gets Separated

Even well-trained teams can separate in poor vis. The key is to agree on a lost buddy protocol ahead of time. A typical process might be:

Stop and search for no more than one minute
Use lights, slow rotations, and calm breathing
If no contact is made, ascend as a team (or solo if necessary)
Reconnect on the surface and re-evaluate

Psychological Safety in Limited Vis

Limited vis can increase anxiety, especially for newer divers. Good communication reduces this:

Don’t let long gaps go by without a check-in
A simple light sweep to confirm everyone’s position helps
If your teammate looks off-balance or hesitant, pause and give them a moment
Be open about discomfort and call the dive early if needed