Basic Scuba Diving Hand Signals

Hand signals are the primary way divers communicate underwater. Because speech is impossible while using a regulator, divers rely on a shared set of visual signals to exchange information, coordinate actions, and manage problems during a dive. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings, supports buddy awareness, and allows issues to be addressed before they become emergencies.

This page lists common recreational scuba hand signals and their meanings. While most signals are widely recognized across training agencies, small variations exist. Divers should review signals with their buddy before entering the water to ensure both divers understand the same meanings.

All scuba hand signal illustrations on this page are copyright © Dive Otter. All rights reserved.

These images may not be copied, republished, embedded, or redistributed on other websites, social media, training materials, or publications without prior written permission and visible credit to Dive Otter. If you would like to use them, just reach out and ask first. I am not trying to charge anyone for using them, I just want to know where they are being used and receive proper credit.

Basic Hand Signals

These are the essential signals every recreational diver should recognize and use automatically. They cover basic status checks, simple questions, and the most common ones needed during a dive. If you only learn a small set of signals, start with these.

OK

Confirms everything is fine.

Abort Dive

Indicates the dive is ending and ascent will begin.

Descend

Indicates start or continue descent.

Look

Directs attention to something specific.

Pressure Check

Requests current air reading.

Low on Gas

Indicates reduced air supply.

Share Gas

Requests an alternate air source.

Out of Gas

Indicates emergency with no air.

Problem

Indicates an issue requiring attention.

Cold

Indicates discomfort due to cold.

Cramp

Indicates muscle cramp and need for assistance.

Turn Dive

Indicates planned turnaround point.

Direction

Indicates or requests direction of travel.

Kick

Instructs diver to improve propulsion.

Get Together

Directs divers to regroup.

Safety Stop

Indicates performing a safety stop.

Core+ Signals

These signals are more common in organized dive teams or in more structured recreational diving. They allow divers to coordinate actions, communicate detailed information, and maintain stronger team awareness underwater. Many recreational divers will encounter these as their experience grows.

Question

Indicates confusion or requests clarification.

Yes

Indicates agreement or confirmation.

No

Indicates disagreement or negative response.

Which Way

Requests direction clarification.

Deploy SMB

Indicates deploying a surface marker buoy.

Broken

Indicates equipment malfunction or failure.

Bubbles

Indicates bubbles leaking after a Bubble Check.

Stop

Indicates immediate halt.

Slow Down

Indicates reduce speed or movement.

Lead / Follow

Assigns lead or follow position.

Come Up

Directs a diver to ascend slightly.

Come Down

Directs a diver to descend slightly.

Level Off

Indicates maintaining current depth.

Hold / Stop

Indicates maintain position without movement.

Current

Indicates water movement or current conditions.

Boat

Refers to the boat or surface pickup point.

Specialized Signals

These signals are most often used during formal training with an instructor. They allow instructors to guide skills, correct problems, and communicate specific actions during practice. Outside of training dives they are used less frequently, but experienced divers may still recognize them.

Breathe

Indicates slow breathing and regain control.

Think

Indicates pause and reassess the situation.

Light

Refers to a dive light or illumination.

Stop Activity

Indicates cease current task or action.

Do Over

Indicates repeat the action from the beginning.

Repeat

Requests the last action or signal be repeated.

Hover

Indicates maintain neutral buoyancy at current depth.

Drop

Indicates drop the item you are holding

Big

Indicates something large or significant.

Small

Indicates something small or minor.

Next Level

Indicates moving to a deeper level.

Come Here

Directs another diver to move closer.

Clean Up

Indicates secure or tidy up equipment or area.

Switch

Indicates swap positions or roles.

I'm OK

Confirms personal status is normal. Usually after exiting a boat and on the surface.

Numbers

Hand signal numbers are most commonly used for gas pressure, depth, or time. Divers combine individual digits to form larger values, allowing detailed information to be exchanged quickly underwater. I prefer single-hand number signals because they are easier to see and recognize, especially in low visibility.

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

All scuba hand signal illustrations on this page are copyright © Dive Otter. All rights reserved.

These images may not be copied, republished, embedded, or redistributed on other websites, social media, training materials, or publications without prior written permission and visible credit to Dive Otter. If you would like to use them, just reach out and ask first. I am not trying to charge anyone for using them, I just want to know where they are being used and receive proper credit.