Diving Signals

DIVING SIGNALS

1. All signals are to be preceeded by ONE pull to call attention.
2. All signals will be answered as given.

3. Supplementary signals in addition ot those listed may be made between the Diving Officer and the diver to take care of special circumstances as they occur.

4. A clear distinction must be made between a "PULL" and a "BELL". A "PULL" is a firm, slow and steady signal. A "BELL" is a short, sharp jerk. a series of "BELLS" is to be given in the same manner as ringing a ship's bell.

5. Particular care should be taken when diving in deep water and/or strong tides, to ensure the utmost clarity in transmission of signals is achieved. The ability to make and interpret signals in these conditions must remain largely a matter of experience.

Diver to Attendant

2 Pulls......................."lower me" or "Give me slack"
3 Pulls......................."Take up my slack"
4 Pulls......................."Haul me up"
Series of single pulls which does not have to be preceded by one pull, "EMERGENCY" "Haul me up"
NOTE: This signal DOES NOT have to be answered,IMMEDIATE ACTION IS TO BE TAKEN

Attendant to Diver

2 Pulls...When diver descending-"Stop Going Down"
When diver ascending- "You have come up to far/go down until stopped."
3 Pulls......................"Stand by to come up"
4 Pulls......................"Come Up"
4-4 Pulls...................."Come up, hurryup"

Diver to Attendant & Attendant to Diver

1 Pull...."I am alright" - "Call attention" "Made bottom" - "Left bottom" Interogative.
2-1 Pulls...."Send down a pope's end" or as previously arranged.
4 Pulls followed by 3 Bells..."Come up your safety float" or "May I come up my safety float".

Distress Signals

2-2-2 Pulls......................."I am fouled and need the assistance of another diver"

3-3-3 Pulls......................."I am fouled but can clear myself if left alone".

Direction or Searching Signals

1 Pull......................"Search where you are"

2 Bells...................."go to the end of your distance line OR jackstay"
3 Bells..................."Go to your right".
4 Bells..................."Go to your left".
5 Bells..................."Come in" or "Turn Back if on jackstay".

Working Signals

1 Pull....................."hold on" OR "STOP"
2 Bells...................."lower"
3 Bells...................."Pull up"
5 Bells...................."have found" - "Started or finished my work".

Land and Special Signals

Thumbs up...................I am Okay
Hand waved across face........I am in trouble
One thunderflash exploded underwater..All DIVERS SURFACE IMMEDIATELY

Handbook for Ships Diver (Revised Edition) Canadian Forces Diving School 1978

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1.	All signals are to be preceeded by ONE pull to call attention.
2.	All signals will be answered as given.
3.	Supplementary signals in addition ot those listed may be made between the Diving Officer and the diver to take care of special circumstances as they occur.
4.	A clear distinction must be made between a "PULL" and a "BELL". A "PULL" is a firm, slow and steady signal. A "BELL" is a short, sharp jerk. a series of "BELLS" is to be given in the same manner as ringing a ship's bell.
5.	Particular care should be taken when diving in deep water and/or strong tides, to ensure the utmost clarity in transmission of signals is achieved. The ability to make and interpret signals in these conditions must remain largely a matter of experience.