Diving Signals are a form of Sign language used by SCUBA divers to communicate when underwater.

Some diving equipment such as full face diving masks and diving helmets include voice communication equipment but most divers in recreational diving do not possess expensive equipment like that and must use Diving Signals.

Hand signals

In most situations simple hand signals are used. The most basic ones are:

• Thumb up = lets go up
• Thumbs down = lets go down
• Circle with thumb and index finger = I'm OK or Are you OK?
• "Cutting" or "chopping" throat with a flat hand = I'm out of air
• Wobbling a flat hand = I have a minor problem
• Waving the forearm in a wide arc = emergency!
• Hugging chest = I am cold!
• Hands indicating rising and falling chest = I am out of breath!
• Repeatedly clenching and unclenching fist = cramp

Torch / flashlight signals

The focused beam of a torch can be used for basic signalling as well.

• Drawing a circle on the ground in front of buddy = the OK signal
• Waving the torch = attention please!

Normally a diver does not shine a torch / flashlight in another diver's eyes but directs the beam to his or her own hand signal.

Rope signals

These are generally used in conditions of low visibility where a diver is connected to another person, either another diver or a tender on the surface, by a rope.

The British Sub Aqua Club rope signals are:

• One pull = OK? or Yes I am OK
• Two pulls = Stay put or I am stationary
• Three pulls = Go down or I am going down
• Four pulls = Come up or I am coming up
• Continuous pulls = Emergency: bringing you to the surface or Emergency: bring me to the surface