safety and organized diving<\/a>, divers can also converse about underwater creatures. These signals are useful, especially for those who are profiling sea creatures or are into photography\/videography. <\/p>\n\n\n\n**Shark<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
If you see a shark, you can let other\ndivers know by placing palms vertically on your forehead, as if mimicking the\nfins of a shark. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
**Lobster\/crab<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
If you see a crab or a lobster, you simply\nhave to mimic the movements of its claws. With your four fingers altogether,\npress it to your thumb repeatedly after pointing to the direction of the crab. Some\ndivers only use their index and thumb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
**Hammerhead<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
For hammerhead sharks, clench your fists\nand place it above your ears. Do this after pointing to the direction of the\ncreature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
**Turtle<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
If you want to show your fellow divers a\nturtle hidden on the reef, put your hands on top of each other with your thumbs\nsticking out. After that, make a circulation motion using your thumbs, as if\nmimicking the limbs of a swimming turtle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
**Stingray<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Stingrays are sneaky creatures as they can\ncamouflage really well. So when you spot one, let the other divers know by\nmaking the right signal. Cross your wrists then stick an index finger with your\nleft hand while the right has a flat palm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
**Lionfish<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Lionfishes have venomous fins so you should\nalways alert your fellow divers once you spot one. Point to the location of the\nlionfish then clasp your fingers, but without bending the fingers. This mimics\nthe fins of a lionfish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
**Angelfish<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
As its name indicates, you can easily let\nyour fellow divers know that an angelfish is nearby by tracing a halo on top of\nyour head using your index finger. Although angelfishes are a common sight, your\nfellow divers will surely enjoy seeing one underwater. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
**Boxfish<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Like Lionfish, Boxfish emits venom when\nit\u2019s threatened. So when you spot this creature, make sure that you let other\ndivers know by making a box shape using your thumb and fingers. Imagine taking\na picture in a make-believe camera, that\u2019s how it goes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
**Barracuda <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Barracudas are easy to spot with their\nmarkings, sharp teeth, and elongated bodies. So if one of your fellow divers is\nlooking to profile one, let them know by making three chopping gestures on your\narm using your other hand. It\u2019s like emulating the markings on a barracuda\u2019s\nbody. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
*Fire coral<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Fire corals are dangerous for divers and it\nwill cause intense pain upon contact. So be quick enough to warn them by\nmimicking the coral using your fingers pointed upward and seemingly swaying in\nwater. After that, use your thumb to gesture lighting a flame on a lighter. So\nthe next time that your buddies look like they are asking for a lighter\nunderwater, a fire coral is usually nearby. It\u2019s best to observe distance to\nprevent injury. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
**Dolphin<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s always a joy to see dolphins swimming\nunderwater. Your buddies will surely love seeing one so make sure that you\nsignal it to them as well. You should be quick because these underwater mammals\ndon\u2019t stick around for too long. With your index finger, mimic an up and down\nswimming motion similar to the playful attitude of dolphins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final\nwords <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nMastering some basic hand signals for scuba diving is crucial before you even take your first plunge. Also, it will help to know advanced signals so you can communicate better with other divers. Besides, these hand signals are a matter of safety. If anything goes to worse, the divers will not panic as they know that there\u2019s a way to communicate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Above all, attentiveness is necessary. You should keep an eye on your buddies so you\u2019ll see whoever needs help or if someone is warning of a potential danger. <\/p>\n