Diver Signs

[Pixurman]

I'm going to try this again. Hopefully, we will all learn more as a result.

The original post was as follows:

Is there a standard for diver sign language? I have seen conflicting signs for the same meaning. Seems to depend on who you're with and where you are.

Is there a standard? If so, where can I get a copy? (Actually, I'm looking for all sources for sign info. Maybe, I will be the one to decide the best for us all... just kidding ... then maybe not)

Regards,

 

[Iguana Don]

Pixurman,
I found this website in regards to your question:

http://www.seasigns.com

Maybe this will help.

Don

 

[Dee]

The signs you learn in OW are the only standard ones I know, although there are several books out covering all kinds of things. I think there are probably small differences from one geographic location to another, but not enough that you and I couldn't understand each other. Plus anytime you dive with a new buddy, you should go over your hand signals with each other.

Here's a site that has most of the ones we use, plus some that obviously aren't used by recreational divers.

Click Here

 

[Pixurman]

DON,

I thank you for the info. I checked the website and it's interesting. I have a book written by an American Sign Language instructor and diver. To my amazement, the website, which is based also on ASL has conflicts with this instructor. Looks like even within the American Sign Language system there are conflicts, or room for "speciality" interpretation, which might make some sence. After all, there must be provision for a deaf person with one hand, or limited hand movement.


DEE,

Thanks also for your input. This might surprise you. The site you listed shows a hooked finger to mean a question. My sign book shows a hooked finger to mean "hook". you can hook this finger on the part to 'hook' or attach a line to, as an example. This is an obvious conflict of meaning.

I am fortunate, I think, to have a state school for the deaf within a short distance from my house. I think I might take my 'offical' sign book to them and get some inside skinny (or more confussion) on this mystery.

More to follow my friends;

This gets more interesting, the more I learn.

Thanks for the input,

 

[Dee]

I've seen several websites and books on divers signals but, as you pointed out, there are always conflicts! I wonder how much of the confusion stems from coming from so many geographical areas? I wish there was a complete listing for all divers.

Maybe we all need to contribute the signs we commonly use and come up with a list of our own?

 

[MrMrEZG]

as long as you and your buddy (or any one that you might try to sign) is aware of the meanings

 

[DivingGal]

I agree with MrMrEZG - your buddy and you need to agree on the signs. It's one of the first things I do when I dive with a new buddy (either at home, but especially when I'm away).

A simple run through of the standard ones: up, down, OK, out of air, look there, problem - just to name a few I run through, can go a long way in preventing problems on a dive.

Standardization would be great, but we all have to be aware that local influences will creep in to any language.

Colour = color, biscuit = cracker, crisp = chip, car boot = car trunk . . . and that's just the words, and then there is the pronunciation.

 

[Pixurman]

Very good point DiveGal, about the local lingo always influencing any language. It just seems to me that although we all learn our scuba skills from different agencies, we still all perform mostly the same skills for the same reasons. It would be nice not to have to verify our signals with boat assigned buddies. It just adds another unknown to the 'who the heck is this guy/gal I'm diving with' and if this buddy turns out to be a bad apple, can't even comunicate that .... well, maybe there is a universal sign for that one.

Regards,

 

[vr]

There is no single standard. While some people do use ASL, it has its problems, as others have mentioned. Thre are several here at http://diverlink.com/training/communication.htm that you might find helpful.

 

[Dee]

I got an email from the Houston Hammerheads today and one of the announcements was a scuba sign language course. Here's the info...
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SCUBA SIGN LANGUAGE COURSE
This winter, members Kristi Foster and Randy Knippa attended an instructor training program to teach Scuba Sign Language. You can be the guinea pigs for the first class starting March 10. Cost for this class only is $75 for Members and includes academics and one pool session. Students need to provide their own equipment and a passport-sized photo for the certification cards. Learn over 100 useful underwater hand signals beyond the open water basics you already know. Enroll at least one week in advance.
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If you're interested, email me and I'll give you the contact info.