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