Standard Sign Language

[Pixurman]

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,

 

[Walter]

...........such as "OK", "low on air", "out of air", "ascend", "descent", and a few others. Most hand signals are not standardized. There are several different signs for shark, lobster, ect. For this reason, it's always a very good idea to go over signals before that first dive with a new buddy.

Hand signals are not a language. A language is much more comprehensive than the few signs we use. A language also has rules of grammer.

ASL (American Sign Language) and other languages used by the deaf in other countries do meet the defination of a language.

HTH,

Walter

 

[LoCz]

Hey Pixerman, Walter

There are definately contrasting sign language signs in scuba diving. For example between BSAC and PADI. These two agencies use different hand signals for some of the same meanings. The main one that I can remember is the "out of air sign", the BSAC guys signal "out of air" by a chopping action (with the hand) to the throat. PADI divers instead draw there hand across their throat to signal "out of air".

Take a look for yourselves.
http://www.ukdiving.co.uk/ukdiving/June/Equip.htm

:goofy:

 

[Warhammer]

I usually use a variation of both of those, LoCz. I use more of a throat slicing with the action in the wrist. I think it makes it easier to see what's happening. I use to do this, unannounced, every few dives with my wife. Boy she'd get all out of whack when he discovered I was only fooling.

 

[Mario S Caner]

Warhammer,
The moral about calling wolf comes to mind here. OTH, I do this with current and former students all the time. I tell them that it's might happen during training though. After that they get no other warning. Reaction times on the second and third times improve dramatically.

 

[Tom]

The main thing is the hand to the throat is the same. We used the same on the fire dept too. Some slashed, some chopped, one did the wrist thing (I didn't associate with him). The movement of the hand got your attention. The hand at the throat was the signal.

 

[Warhammer]

Originally posted by Tom
one did the wrist thing (I didn't associate with him).

That's cold man, cold. :cold: LOL!!! You've been around Mario too long. LOL

Mario.....Yeah, I've since stopped for that very reason. She got to where she would make a different gesture with her hand and swim the opposite direction. So I said, hmmm that's not good! Now when I feel like doing a few exercises I tell her before the dive.

 

[LoCz]

LOL warhammer, and I thought you guys had no sense of humour when I first joined

Naughty Locz heh I have posted some funny stuff but it keeps disapearing off the boards.


The more I am silenced the stronger I shall become heh

:goofy:

 

[Remora]

:all:

Looks like a lot of hackin and slashin goin on! Not sure I'd wanna meet up with the likes of you folks on a secluded reef

Warhammer you are just cruel man! No wonder your lady wants to dive holding your hand! probably so you only have one to get into trouble with

 

[King_Neptune]

Locz,

I read your conversation with Mario and since you insist on trying to pick a fight with him lets end this now...

1) Some of your comment HAVE been edited from this board both my me personally and by some of the other Moderators

2) You will notice that these boards are a bit different from many of the others out there in that while we all like to have fun we also keep things RATED G-EDU... All ages are welcome and an educational atmosphere is the general theme to help people become better divers.

3) ALL are welcome period, even Non-Divers such as yourself... But there are some things that are not welcome...

4) Off-color, rude, racial or obnoxious remarks will either be edited for content or removed. Your post have come borderline for all of the above in the past.

5) Post that repeatedly make use of words like " mmmmmmmmmmuuuuuuulllllltttttiippppplllllllllleeeeeeee letters" will be edited or (as I have because I got tired of it after the X'th time) just removed as I don't have time to play games. This also includes post that have More Icons than LETTERS in the post ... Not just words, but letters!!! Come on now, that's just annoying.

6) Our goal is to help others and maintain a healthy and open forum for the promotion of scuba diving in both a recreational and professional manner. People start getting annoyed when they are trying to ask a legit question about something they obviously care about (or they wouldnt have asked) and their question gets buried under 4+ posts in a row with the same person posting with more Icons than intelligable thoughts.

7) Anyone that has taken any time to read the posts around here will easily find that while we like to have fun and can also be serious about diving, we dont tolerate things like those listed in #4 above. There is just no room for it here. There are plenty of other forums for being obnoxious and 97.5% non-serious/NDR chit-chat, heck, you'll even find other scuba diving forums like that. So your attacks on Mario, claiming that he has some sort of Racially motivated problems with you, are offensive and un-welcome!

Just so you dont try to do to me what you kept doing to Mario I will grant your request of "give me more specific examples"...

LoCz: how the hell do you see fit to edit my message like when i ofended walter?
Mario: Please keep in mind that I have been a Moderator on the board for a few hours now. I haven't been following everyone's 'issues'
LoCz: yeh well i just RETYPED it and who cares about grammer and spelling?...you have illusions of grandeur
Mario: I don't want to have this conversation with you any longer
LoCz: the boards are not american....they are international. you ppl dont seem to get that
Mario: you can respect that can't you, I don't want to get into this with you
LoCz: this is called a conversation
Mario: I have shown the utmost in respect towards you and anyone else I don't really know that well
LoCz: no mario ....your only aim is to become/remain popular ...do you reliase how rediculous you sound?
Mario: I'll always be happy to help you with dive questions you may have
LoCz: are there any americans with brains at all i wonder ...it pisses me off that americans cant hold a conversation...now your going to run away i expect
Mario: I said it before, I don't want to have this conversation with you
LoCz: your going to run?
Mario: I'm trying to be diplomatic here, but I do however have a tolerance limit
Mario: LoCz, I'll see you around the boards...Good night
LoCz: this is just because i not a diver yet?
Mario: Good night LoCz

Mario has earned and gained the respect of many here on these boards, and he, nor anyone else deserve that kind of treatment. If you can't respect people here and use these forums in a mature manner then please go elsewhere... I wont ask again...