Most USEFUL Diving Signals 👌🏿👍🏽🤙🏼 FOR BEGINNERS

[@AzulUnlimited]

What are your favorite diving hand signals?? 🌿Check out our sponsor, ECO ROOTS: bit.ly/EcoRoots

[@joecostner1246]

Tuna fish

[@AzulUnlimited]

@@MadMax31577 hahaha I haven't used that one, but I like it!

[@Richard-x5h8i]

Sarah as a. Diver for 40 years now ssi and instructor your videos are sound advice delivered in an entertaining way I amin the uk and have worked in the carribean and france having a house in the vendee!!! All my best wishes to you and your enterprise xxxxxxxxxxrichard

[@AzulUnlimited]

Wow, thank you!

[@leopoldbloom4835]

My favourite dive sign is „how much air?“. My girlfriend and I use it at home for „Do you want another coffee?“. Okay, so we‘re caffeine addicts, now what? ☕️ 😁

[@AzulUnlimited]

Coffee?? don't you dear to touch my coffee!! Oh no sorry I mean I get a bit aggressive if someone say anything about MY coffee... LOL

[@zhibadzamgling]

We use ' safety stop' as a sign to go home during a party 😉

[@Yggdrasil42]

Nice video. Us tech divers avoid the thumbs up for going up. That's reserved for ending ("calling") the dive. In a cave, thumbs up means "we're turning back and exiting the cave with expedience, no discussion". Going shallower would be holding the hand flat (palm down) and moving it up with a little out and in motion, after which you'd signal which depth you want to move to (using number signs). We also like to signal one-handed to keep the other hand free for a light, spool or air share. So for signals that require two hands we have alternative one-handed ones. A useful signal for beginners can be holding up your closed fist. This means Hold or Stop. Maybe they're stressed and you want them to stop and think or you want them to hold still while you fix an equipment problem, etc. Can be preceded by pointing at the person you want to hold.

[@AzulUnlimited]

All great tips! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for watching our little video. Yes, technical diving has its own language. Very good to distinguish that 🤘

[@codewithmirko1651]

Going back to my comment about confusion its also much more bad that there are different hand signals for scuba and tech dive and those should definitly be the same.. imagine you are dizzy and u have to think hard about the signals because they are different between real life, scuba and tech dive.. kiss is always supreme, especially in those tricky enviroments.. but again..probably too late to change right? 😂

[@AdamHelb]

I think there are just a few signals that you can assume a buddy understands. All other signs need to be discussed beforehand, otherwise it leads to misunderstanding too often. Better to pull out a slate and write what you want to say.

[@AlexArrigoni71]

Good reminder 🤙🏽🙏🏽

[@AzulUnlimited]

We can always use a refresher now and again.

[@timgosling6189]

I knew of at least 3 distinct ways of signalling how much gas you have; now you've given me a fourth. Always good to get the local method clear before you get in the water! Another sign I find useful is the hooked index finger making a question mark '?'. So many times I see people give the OK just because they don't know how to say 'I don't understand', or 'give me that again'. Oh and another useful one for night dives: you can use your torch to illuminate your hand when you sign. Otherwise no one will know what you're trying to say, or even that you're signing at all! Fun video as always.

[@AzulUnlimited]

I had shared the question mark signal originally, but it ended up on the editing floor 😂 that's a useful one for sure! Thanks for watching, we appreciate it!

[@juanmagarciacambeiro7581]

I think that this video is not only useful for beginners. It is a good reminder and also teaches people signs that they do not use in their area, because they dont have these species or because they use BAR and not PSI...

[@AzulUnlimited]

BAR and PSI is one of the most critical points for us as an instructors, working with tourist from all over the world.

[@TritonsRealm]

Such a great video! Our personal favorite is "Mind Blown". Two hands exploding off the top of your head when you see something incredible that just blows your mind. 😊

[@AzulUnlimited]

Love that! hahaha.... very useful if either if you dive in Komodo surrounded of sharks, or teaching DSDs jijii

[@kurtsteiner8384]

Good points sarah. I have had to use both uk imperial and metric systems i my life. But most thesdays dont know imperial systems. Dont forget rope signals they are also very usefull. Good video sarah

[@AzulUnlimited]

Yeah we end up having to switch back and forth all the time, don’t we. Maybe one day we’ll all get on the metric system😂

[@1badsteed]

My favorite signal is biological in nature. It is also the ASL sign. Do the signal for surface (fist with thumb pointed up), grab that thumb with your other hand and slide upwards with the second hand. POOOOOP! I gotta poop! Hahaha Great info! Keep making vids

[@FM16117]

I had to look for a while before I could find a video of scuba signals that wasn’t shot, for absolutely no reason, underwater. Thank you.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Usually best to explain them at the surface anyway hehe

[@monteiro.naluiza]

you are so helpful ahahah. I will be starting my scuba dive path soon and your videos are great!

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thank you! I’m so glad I can help. Stay in touch. I’d love to hear how your training goes!

[@redcoalsJK]

thanks for the info! always good to brush up on signals. I suggest to invest in a mic and not rely on cam audio cause of the echo as you all continue to make these great vids!

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thanks for the tips! that's on my list for Christmas gifts LOL

[@stucorbett]

My favorite hand signal? Jazz Hands.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Solid choice 😆

[@openseaescueladebuceomdq]

Thanks Dude for the great explanation! Cool & attractive thoughts ! More Hugs Sara from Argentina 🇦🇷 See ya

[@AzulUnlimited]

Glad you enjoyed it! Muchas gracias Gustavo!! Nos encanta saber que tenemos seguidores Argentinos y estoy deseando volver a visitar el país. Un fuerte abrazo!

[@maxkol4380]

Sarah is MOST DEFINATLY not a dude.

[@openseaescueladebuceomdq]

@@maxkol4380 mi comentario es amistoso amigo ! Nada más q eso ! Y Sara es una Genia! Saludos para ti

[@philclose86]

Another good video. Always enjoy your content.

[@AzulUnlimited]

So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks a lot!

[@suhaibalbakri6691]

Great video , p.s you have such a cute smile

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thank you very much! We appreciate you watching.

[@bornaluckyman1]

Great video Sarah.. I learned a few more signals from you which helps loads

[@AzulUnlimited]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cerensaltan2752]

Remember! If you are signaling with the torch at a night dive do NOT wave it to people's faces. Watch the angle so you won't blind your guide or other divers around you

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thanks for the comment! Yeah, night signals with a torch can be tricky for divers that are not use to have a underwater light.

[@andrasbiermann5766]

Hi, My favorits are the marinlife signals like octopus. Because it is for fun basically:)

[@AzulUnlimited]

That's because octopuses are the best! Thank you for commenting!

[@victoraguilar6470]

I always have such a great time when I watch your videos jajaja That sound was a parrot or what? Anyway keep going with the great content!

[@AzulUnlimited]

You're so kind! The bird was a crow. So funny! Thanks a lot 🙏🏻

[@manofwar931]

Really helpful with the deco sign as I never knew how to signal it before I use to just show my buddy my computer

[@AzulUnlimited]

Glad that help you! yeah a lot of divers has the same issue with how to signal DECO!

[@kriszuTV]

Well.... that's a sign commonly used in technical diving, it is in fact question/answer about DECO time. It will be confusing to show divers your NO DECO time using that sign.(no decompression limits)

[@blitzkriegspearfishing]

Shark is a very important signal here in Durban, South Africa 🦈😂I use it as a spearfisherman. 😎

[@AzulUnlimited]

Haha yeah I can imagine!

[@peteatlas7652]

Your cuttlefish sign is my sign for bearded toad fish. Mostly because we don't have cuttlefish in Utila! Region to Region!

[@AzulUnlimited]

I love the bearded toad fish! how fun :)

[@TaínoN8iv]

I used to go pool n chatting w my friends with sign language (ASL) cause we all deaf lol that was fun 😊

[@AzulUnlimited]

that's awesome!

[@psarmstr]

The thumbs up one can be "interesting". In tec circles, that's the universal sign for "cancel the dive". In general, single handed signals FTW! Especially numbers. Nothing like trying to signal 8 with both hands while you're holding a reel in one hand and a camera in the other.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Yeah in cave diving a thumbs up also mean call the dive. Also you can have a look to hand signal in Tec/Cave circles for numbers, is a way to signal above 5 up to 9 with one hand. 1 to 5 with fingers pointing up and switch with the same hand to horizontal position to count 6 to 9. Like one finger in vertical is number one, switch to horizontal and means 6.

[@1badsteed]

A thumbs up in PADI means end dive/surface. Great video!!!

[@psarmstr]

@@1badsteed Absolutely, in tec it's always end the dive immediately. I brought it up as that's a difference between the recreational and technical teaching and one of the things many new tec divers need to get used to.

[@powerofeus]

I always get 210 tanks, I felt so lucky! 5:20 . That barracuda signal is amazing 9:55 I just saw one on my last dive! I´ll use it next time! 11:30 my favorite signal is give me air, it´s literally a scuba kiss JAJAJA. Excellent video as always! Gretings to my friend Itor! See ya next time. what is your favorite signal? I´ll make rescue course soon do you have any recommendation for me? Sorry for my english it is not my first language. 13:28 that bird wanted to show it favorite signal too. JAJAJA

[@AzulUnlimited]

Nice! I personally like the signal for bullsh*t 💩The rescue course is tons of fun! make sure you get an experienced instructor for it 👊🏻

[@powerofeus]

@@AzulUnlimited Thanks!!! Im googling the signal JAJAJAJAJA i didn´t know it at all. yes my instructor is the best! jejeje I just make advanced open water with him and is awesome.

[@Kunozeros]

I find the signal for a tuna really funny, where you do like opening a can.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Yeah but I think we can do better LOL!! I feel sad that's the signal for tuna... poor babies hehehe...

[@Kunozeros]

@@AzulUnlimited you‘re absolutely right. Actually it‘s funny and sad all in one

[@1badsteed]

Hilarious!

[@INTERNA9]

Thanx

[@AzulUnlimited]

you are very welcome!

[@govindpuri4286]

Great video, tnx a lot!

[@AzulUnlimited]

Glad you liked it!

[@peterkoller3761]

good luck doing your hand signals with 3-finger gloves in under 1ft viz! ;)

[@AzulUnlimited]

Signals are always fun in that kind of viz... good times :)

[@skianddie]

Love you

[@gabyallrath553]

I’ve also seen guides tapping their computer with two fingers (similar to the “how much air”-question) to ask about your remaining no decompression time.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hi Gaby. Yeah that also works, to be honest whatever you brief to your divers before the dive as a way to communicate is fine, what I normally do when I have experience diver is ask them how they do it, better than teach to someone with 700 dives how I´m gonna ask.... Is easier for me as a dive guide to adapt to my divers than make them cofuse hehe. Cheers.

[@CoopersAmputeeLifestyle]

I make a fish swimming motion with my hand in a direction to tell my buddy we will swim this way.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hahaha I love that one!!

[@cliffmillerslandlockedexpl5421]

I always get the thumbs up confused between "okay" 👌and "going up" 👌

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hahhaha thats a classy!!

[@cat-gineer0]

I want to be a scuba instructor because then I can actually threaten to revoke someone's oxygen privileges! :D

[@cat-gineer0]

This is a joke btw.

[@AzulUnlimited]

That’s good! 😁

[@AzulUnlimited]

Now that’s a way to grab a student’s attention 😅

[@marktaylor6188]

I was taught the "arm method". Thousands on the arm and we used both hands for the hundreds. It is pretty quick and simple IHO.

[@AzulUnlimited]

yup. that's a good one!

[@marktaylor6188]

@@AzulUnlimited I'm a beginner and finding your videos very helpful. The navigation vid I enjoyed because, well...I kind of suck at it. Currently looking at buying gear so any videos you can do on that would be great. Currently trying to decide if i want do a backplate/wing or a back inflate jacket (Sherwood Axis). Including computers, Shearwater Peregrine vs Sherwood Wisdom 4?

[@AzulUnlimited]

@@marktaylor6188 You'll get the hang of it! Style of BCD depends on what kind of diving you want to do. If you're gonna stick to regular recreational diving (or even go the professional route of divemaster/instructor) go with the jacket style. If you think you might go tech, go with backplate which is also great for recreational diving, but can be a pain at the surface bc they tend to push you toward the horizontal (face down) position. Hope that helps!

[@michaellambert2976]

Just a note on the response to the deco signal (extended pinky). The appropriate response is to signal back the amount of time you need to complete your deco obligation; its not used to signal back how much time you have left before you go into deco. I’m not sure that was clear in your video. Thanks for the great content!!

[@AzulUnlimited]

Fair enough. We aren't teaching tec divers here so I'm speaking from a recreational point of view (where no one should be getting anywhere near getting into deco), but good point!

[@kirbymcd1]

Another good reason to go over hand signals in your pre dive. Not everyone will know you and your usual dive buddy's sign for "I need to pee so help me with my suit first after the dive"

[@windman657]

@@kirbymcd1 ummmmm, people actually have to pee "After" the dive? I've never heard if that.

[@markboscawen8330]

@@windman657 needing to wait to pee after a dive can be a thing for drysuiters. Well unless one is willing to turn it into an actual wetsuit …

[@alessiobruti]

Grazie per i simpatici ed utili video,sei molto simpatica!la parte dei segnali sui pesci è la più bella per me,non ne conosco ancora molti ma mi ha ricordato una bella esperienza nel mar rosso con una giuda che me li indicava ed insegnava è stato molto bello..👏👏👌👌👌

[@sussannerandall85]

Back in the pool for some more learning tonight.....struggling with being mask free and only breathing through my reg

[@AzulUnlimited]

I'm sure your instructor will help you! Sometimes is a good idea to blow just a few bubbles with your nose to avoid the feeling of water coming in. Let me know how that goes!!

[@sadagat]

Now you have me curious about the non-PG hand signals, LOL

[@AzulUnlimited]

haha, we can communicate anything down there

[@curtispalmersimmons4064]

Elizabeth shaw, prometheus. Lol another world scuba.

[@AzulUnlimited]

scuba is a whole other world. it's a good one to be a part of!

[@frankotheguy8566]

And one more reason bhy bar is better than psi is for couning pressure underwater. At 10m the pressure is 2 bar and at 60m its 7 bar and so on.

[@AzulUnlimited]

I think that we all agree that is million of reasons to use BAR better than PSI... you can't imagine how difficult was for me the first time teaching Tec 40 to 50 with 2 students, one working bar and the other psi.... my head still hurts. Thanks for your comment!

[@juanmagarciacambeiro7581]

@@AzulUnlimited I dont want to get anywhere near PSI and tech haha. It was painful enough having to rent and having PSI for a few easy rec dives. I just asked what was the equivalent to 50 BAR and that was it. Actual math with PSI... no no no

[@andrewkuc5861]

Weights ? I need more weight ?

[@AzulUnlimited]

I've seen it signed as a W or a square. Very useful sign!

[@peteatlas7652]

When I casually forget something on the boat - wiggle my left tit *left it* make boat sign. Left it on the boat. Stop sign - finger in a hole I'm make with the other hand then make a circle - stop fucking around. Used that with DMTs a bit.🤣🤣

[@AzulUnlimited]

omg, left it on the boat, that's hilarious

[@bullsharkreef]

Do I ever hate it when a DM ask for my air pressure, it's in psi so well into the 4 digit and I never know what to do(still don't) especially since THEY are expecting bars and I'm not about to convert psi to bars in my head while on a dive, so I just give the OK signal. If they insist I give them the ok again and so on until I get fed up... then they'll get the FY hand signal, THAT one is universal lol.

[@psarmstr]

Please don't hate on us when we're asking for you air, it's critical to safety and while you might be competent we really can't rely on that for everyones safety. Have you considered switching your computer/SPG to Bar? That'd make the problem disappear.

[@1badsteed]

Give a 4 digit reply. 1-0-3-5 etc...they ask, you tell. If they don't understand, make the OK signal to them?

[@Yggdrasil42]

I'd use the number signals to say it. It's exact, works worldwide compared to some of the systems like the arm one shown in this video and can be used for any numbers, not just pressure. For example, move to a certain depth, how long's your deco, compass direction. When I got into tech then cave diving I learnt those and they've worked well for years.

[@parsonstj]

Before diving: tell the divemaster you're diving psi and agree on how to indicate. When asked by DM for your air, which he/she absolutely should be doing and you should be happy about, signal thousands on arm, and hundreds with fingers, forget about the tens, and in the 10 seconds it takes for this exchange to occur, everybody is safe and happy. All better than being ignorant about basic scuba communication, and getting angry because you don't know what's going on.

[@WeiseGuy91]

Give us the non PG dive signals now! Haha

[@AzulUnlimited]

hahaha

[@morgannights76]

We aren’t gonna talk about the no air signal?!

[@AzulUnlimited]

It’s an important one but it’s also covered extensively throughout the open water course

[@ricardoj.valdez4573]

My favorite signal is 👎each time that i go to dive 😉

[@AzulUnlimited]

Yeah best time of the dive..... Guys please stop and Let´s Go Down!!

[@saltergracie]

🤘CESA?

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hahaha Yeah that's the best one for CESA!!

[@traveldiver8417]

👌

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thanks!! good hand signal lol

[@maxkol4380]

The metric system is for everybody else. I like our system

[@AzulUnlimited]

haha fair enough!

[@DanielRicardo42]

An important one is "abort the dive" - forearms crossed followed by two thumbs up. This means we are aborting the dive, no questions asked. And with that comes the important rule - any diver can call off any dive at any time for any reason.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Absolutely! Very important signal. Thank you for sharing here. The second part of that is super important and we make a point to share that in all of our dive briefings.

[@cliffmillerslandlockedexpl5421]

I always get the thumbs up confused between "okay" 👌 and "going up" 👍. I have always liked the hand signals of lion fish.

[@AzulUnlimited]

You and me both! mmmm but I think my favourite is Octopus!!

[@liberalforfreedom]

Did anyone mention the ..."Come here A--hole" sign ? It was a joke among many of us in the "Industry" back in the good old days

[@AzulUnlimited]

I've seen a version, but not sure if it's the same one!

[@YouTube_user3333]

Don’t waste time on tank air numbers. If you have enough air, just give a 👌 after you look at your spg. If you are running low, maybe then give a number. Imagine having to go through a group of ten people, asking for tank numbers.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Well, I think is kinda of important to know how much air your divers have, for safety and that stuffs, but what do I know ;) Thanks for your comment!

[@YouTube_user3333]

@@AzulUnlimited Your time underwater is precious. When you say safety what are your referring to?

[@AzulUnlimited]

@@KZbin_user3333 When you are diving on a group, you dive as a team, if on a deep dive someone is low on air at 25 mt but nobody knows because that diver never communicates with the group, now not only that person is at risk, the whole group is in trouble because someone need to share air, ascent or in a worst-case scenario, deal with an accident. And dive guides or instructors have the legal responsibility of supervising divers, for some dive guides a 👌 back is enough, but most of us need to know how much air is on our divers to adjust the dive planning, dive profile according to the level of the group, bottom time and air consumption, so everyone can do a 60 minutes dive vs calling the dive after 35 minutes because someone is low on air but we didn´t know until is too late co ascent to shallow waters and be able to extend the dive.

[@YouTube_user3333]

@@AzulUnlimited now you’ve specified more details, of course I agree totally. But if we are diving at 8 meters and you ask me how much air after 20 minutes, you’ll get a 👌 I’m glad we could clear that up. Safe diving

[@AzulUnlimited]

@@KZbin_user3333 Now makes more sense! Totally agree, shallow water dives, an OK back is good enough, and if they are good divers, buddy teams, etc, whenever they want just need to shoot the DSMB and see you later on the boat. We are up for chats at any time! Safe dives

[@shadwabarghash8734]

& kneeling

[@AzulUnlimited]

Kneeling? like the signal? Yeah, that's good to explain if you're teaching people to touch the bottom, but we do our best to not do that once they are out in the ocean

[@psarmstr]

The kneeling signal is a single finger waving side to side, i.e. "don't" ;-p

[@liquidsofa]

All these problems are solved with Auslan.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Very true! It would be great to learn, but then again, i kind of like that people can't talk to me underwater unless necessary 😂

[@MUCKFOOT399]

✌️🤫✊️🖖🖐 🤞👇👆👍👍

[@AzulUnlimited]

Nailed it. See you in the water!

[@codewithmirko1651]

I would swap the 👌 with the 👍 and use index and middle finger to point where to go or👆 to go up for example..but i guess its too late for that.. just to make sure to use unique signals which people are not using for other stuff in real life.. my 2 cents.. favourite signal is obv this 🤙

[@AzulUnlimited]

Clear communication is the key 🤙

[@Blademasterssss]

You kinda funny

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thanks!! heheh. Any funny hand signal you wanna share??

[@Blademasterssss]

@@AzulUnlimited I'm on the beginner side, that's why I don't have any yet ;)

[@masteroftheuniverse9929]

No metric system for America Leave the Chacka to Hawaii This is not for beginners!

[@AzulUnlimited]

Cool.

[@Yggdrasil42]

So do you have an alternative for the shaka? A clear signal to show "this is awesome"?

[@yogawithsarahmiller632]

My favorite is bullshit 🤣🐃💩

[@AzulUnlimited]

the best one by far!

[@divemasterdavid595]

Metric...no....just no

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hahahah let them live too LOL