Certification Information
Recreational scuba diving does not have a centralized certifying or regulatory agency, and is mostly self regulated. However, there are several large diving organizations that train and certify divers and dive instructors, and many dive shops require proof of certification before allowing divers to rent gear or taking divers to a dive site. The two biggest organizations in which you can get certified through are the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI). Follow the links to see the certification requirements for both agencies.
Although there are differences between certification information and requirements between agencies, each agency teaches nearly identical hand signals for underwater communication. Hand signals should be gone over before each dive to prevent dangerous situation, but typically the are as follows:
| Hand Signal | Meaning | Additional Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Fingers pointed up, palm facing receiver | Stop | |
| Thumb pointing downward from fist | Descend | |
| Thumb pointing upward from fist | Ascend | |
| Thumb and pointer finger making a circle with three remaining fingers extended | Ok/Ok? | Typically used as question/answer. Signal is for short-range use |
| Both arms over head with fingertips touching above head to make "O" shape (surface signal) | Ok/Ok? | If diver only has one arm free, they may make this symbol with one arm extended overhead and touching their finger tips to the top of their head. Signal is typically used at long-range as question/answer. |
| Hand flat, fingers together with finger tips facing receiver, and hand rocking back and forth on the axis of the forearm | Something is wrong | The opposite of "Ok." This signal does not indicate an emergency. |
| Hands waving above head (surface signal) | Distress | This signal indicates an emergency and that immediate action is required |
| Fist placed over chest | Low on air | This signal is used when the diver's air supply is less than 750 PSI |
| Hand slashing throat | Out of air | This is an emergency signal indicating that the diver cannot breathe |