Big Blue One once bubbled...
Can someone help me out here as I am keen to learn more.
I only learnt the basic light signals in my standard AOW but have read alot on this board how lights (even during the day) are extremely useful for buddy communication.
Does anyone have information on "Light Signals 102"
- their benefits
- most useful signals
- how to do them
Who teaches these in depth or is this a word-of-mouth thing from diving elders to younger tribe members
Great questions!
I'm not an "elder" on the board...or by any means
but here's a little more info...
There is a broad range of use of lights for night diving.
Underwater, as mentioned above, the presence of your buddies dive light makes for easy buddy location. Many divers feel that it is easier to stay in buddy contact at night.
Signals:
Signals should be slow and definate. They should be directed slightly in front of your buddy in plain view.
slow, large cicle pattern= OK. or are you OK? When a buddy gives this signal, it should always be confirmed, just as an OK signal during daylight dives.
Gentle side to side= look at... This signal is used to gain buddy's attention, ie: to look at something in particular, or to gain attention for a following hand signal. It is important not to rush this signal, although you may be excited about the huge stingray, you do not want to confuse this signal with the following one.
Rapid Up and down= something's wrong, come here quickly.
Hand signals can also be used a t night. Point your dive light toward your chest (at arms length), use your other hand to communicate normal hand signals. Never make hand signals while directing light on your hand TOWARD your buddy. This is difficult to see and often flashes binding light into yourbuddy's eyes.
It is important to discuss ALL signals with your buddy/group during the briefing. Some people may be accustomed to different signals and you must be clear as to what each one means.
Lights are used for many other purposes at the surface, on boats, on shore, anchor/mooring lines.
If you surface during a night, dive, you can make a large OK (circle) sign above the water to signal the boat crew, buddy, or surface personel. Be careful not to submerge the light, show full circle above the water. Submerging the light in mid circle could be misinterpreted as rapid up and down. Should you need assistance, establish positive bouyancy and signal rapid up and down.
Dive lights, glow sticks and strobe lights are often used at the base of an anchor or mooring line to facilitate location/navigation of the starting point/boat.
Glow sticks and stobes are sometimes used to mark buddy teams. These are commonly worn attached to the snorkel, mask, tank or bcd. Snorkel mount offers a good view from any direction as it stays high above divers head. However many people prefer not to have the extra wieght of a glow stick on the snorkel.
Lights can be used on shore dives to mark entry/exit points. Use one light low on shoreline (but higher than surf so it can be seen from the water) and another light higher, directly in line behind
the first. Aligning the lights from the water insures that you exit where you entered.
Hope this helps...
OK, here comes the PADI plug.........
PADI (as well as other agencies) offers a Night Diver Specialty course. This class involves brief home study, a video, some classroom time and open water training.
Besides practicing underwater and land techniques of using lights, the class also covers proper maintenance for dive lights.
This program is designed to help build skills and confidence in order to better enjoy recreational night diving.
Night diving is a huge topic. There is a lot to be learned. This is just a little general ifo to get you started. Hope it's helpful.
Good luck...
Andrew
