Ways of communicating underwater

The water environment is such that we become almost mute and deaf in it. How to communicate with our partner in such conditions? How to communicate with the rest of the people accompanying us? How to inform them about the problem and understand what they are trying to tell us? Below we present methods that will allow you to communicate freely underwater.

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Diving signs – The absolute basis. We learn them from the very first course. They define the states we are in, the problems we may experience or the questions we would like to ask. They are universal, and regardless of the language divers use on a daily basis, communication is very smooth thanks to them. It’s easy to see that the more we dive with someone, the more we can communicate with simple hand gestures.

Writing slates – These are the most ordinary pieces of plastic, accompanied by a pencil, which can be used for taking notes as well as communicating information. The disadvantage of this way of communicating, is the time it takes to convey information. In emergency situations it is not useful at all, and the same is true if the distance between us is too great. However, it is effective if we want to convey some detailed information. With a good partner we can communicate this way using abbreviations, which will significantly accelerate and increase the effectiveness of the message.

Light – A method useful only in conditions where our light signals are clearly visible, i.e. usually at night or at great depths where darkness prevails. As in the case of hand signs, here too we have basic messages assigned to specific movements of our torch, the advantage being the distance over which we can communicate. At short distances, we can also illuminate our hand with which we will be making specific signs.

Shaker – It may happen that we lose eye contact with our partner. In such a situation communication with the above ways is impossible, but we can also deal with this problem by switching to a less effective, but in such a situation effective method, communication by means of sounds. Shaker looks like a cigar box or a small, slim torch. Inside it is a metal ball which, when shaken, produces a characteristic sound similar to that of spray paint when you shake it. The shaker works great as an attention-getting device, or as a device that brings our location closer if our partner is a short distance away.

Pneumatic signalling device, so called “Duck” – connected to our inflator, with the help of air can give a characteristic, loud sound, both under and above the water, thanks to which we can get out of many dangerous situations, e.g. making it easier to determine our location, when we go to a different place than the boat and we do not have buoys. It is one of the quickest ways to alert a partner and get their attention, but should not be abused without reason.

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