Surface Signaling (Hand Signals, SMBs, Whistles)

When you're on the surface, your ability to signal — both to your buddy and to the boat — can make the difference between a smooth pickup and a serious miscommunication. Whether you're trying to stay visible, call for help, or simply say "I'm OK," surface signaling should be deliberate, clear, and practiced.

Types of Surface Signals

Hand Signals

These are easy to use but only work if you're already visible to the person you're signaling — especially in clear weather and calm seas.

Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) / Delayed SMB (DSMB)

Even if not required by the boat, carrying one is a smart default — it’s your only true visibility device in some open water environments.

Audible Signaling Devices (Use with Intention)

Best practice: Carry a whistle in your pocket. Skip the rest unless you’re in high boat traffic or extreme conditions.

When to Signal

Practical Tips

The Mask-on-Forehead Myth

You’ve probably heard that putting your mask on your forehead signals distress — but that’s diver folklore, not an actual emergency signal. Boats don’t rescue divers based on mask placement, and no experienced team uses that as a formal sign of trouble.

(That said, some smartass diver might still try to “educate” you about it — just smile and nod. They're parroting bad info and missing the real issue.)

Still, you shouldn’t park your mask on your forehead — not because of signaling, but because it’s the least secure place to put it:

Better alternatives:

Bottom line: Don’t put your mask somewhere it can fall off — the superstition isn’t the problem. Losing your gear is.

Common Mistakes