"scuba Diving And Snorkeling Coverage In Australian Travel Insurance"

"scuba Diving And Snorkeling Coverage In Australian Travel Insurance" - IN THE PREVIOUS ISSUE of Dive Training we discussed the various hand signals that divers use to communicate while underwater. Now we'll cover the equally important signals you need to know when you're on the surface.

First of all, whenever you are on the surface before or after a dive, you and your dive buddy should make a habit of always keeping your mask and regulator or snorkel in place and your Buoyancy Compensator (BC) inflated so that you can float comfortably , before disembarking or when going to the exit area or waiting for the boat to pick you up. Next, it is important to be able to be seen by and communicate with other divers and/or the boat crew while on the surface.

"scuba Diving And Snorkeling Coverage In Australian Travel Insurance"

[ONE] Signal "I'm OK" by using one or both arms to form an "O" above your head. Photo by Barry and Ruth Guimbellot.

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There are two ways to give the OK signal. One option is to make a large "O" with both arms held overhead with fingertips touching to complete the circle (

). The second option is used if you have one hand free and the other hand is holding an object such as a camera. Give the signal by holding one arm above your head and then touching the top of your head with your fingers (

). Both signals are appropriate. Whichever method you use, continue to hold the signal in place until a crew member on the boat acknowledges your signal by returning the OK signal. (Note: If you surface some distance from the boat, do not use the commonly used underwater OK signal, which is made by touching your thumb and forefinger together to form a circle. From a distance, crew members can easily mistake this for a emergency signal.)

Let's say you go to the surface and are not in distress, but you realize that you are not making much progress returning to the boat due to a strong surface current. In this situation, the correct signal is to place an arm straight in the air (

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), which basically communicates, "I'm not in immediate danger, but I need help." Continue to hold the signal in place until a crew member gives you an OK signal in return. Keep an eye on the boat while holding your mask and regulator or snorkel in place and make sure your BC is fully inflated. You don't have to try to swim to the boat. Just be patient and pay attention, watch for the approaching boat.

[THREE] If you are not in immediate danger but need help, signal by holding one arm straight up. Photo by Barry and Ruth Guimbellot.

If you surface and need immediate assistance, extend one or both arms straight up and wave back and forth repeatedly in a windshield wiper motion to attract the attention of the boat crew (

). Either way, the crew will respond as quickly as possible to pick you up and either assist you or transport you to a medical facility.

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[FOUR] If you are in distress and need immediate help, wave one or both hands in the air. Photo by Barry and Ruth Guimbellot.

[FIVE] The inflatable safety bag is considered an important safety accessory that should be worn on every dive. Photo by Barry and Ruth Guimbellot.

We started last issue's Scuba Skills column by saying, "Communication is the act of exchanging information using signals or messages, including writing, speaking, and gesture. The key word here is 'exchange.' For solid communication to happen, your message travels in a loop that sees it conveyed, received and understood, acknowledged and answered correctly. If the message gets hung up along the way, the communication breaks down." This means that the boat crew must be able to see you before they can interpret your signals.Here we will go over a few more options to ensure good communication on the surface.

Although you and your dive group are encouraged to stay close to the boat, divers may inadvertently end up further away from the boat than expected. For example, when entering the water, the current can be practically non-existent, only to increase the pace during the dive. Before you know it, you're a long way from the boat, making it challenging for the boat crew to find you. This is especially true if you surface far to the side or in front of the boat. There are times when you may be able to see the boat but the crew cannot see you. So how do you get the crew's attention? You have several options to consider.

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). To inflate the tube, you can blow orally into it. If you run out of air when you surface, conserve the remaining air in the scuba tank by using this inflation method. If you have enough air in the scuba tank, you can use the second stage to inflate the sausage. When inflated and held upright, the sausage can be seen from afar. Typically, safety sausages are bright orange or hot pink, which increases their visibility. The safety vest is considered standard equipment: it provides a light and effective signaling device for all divers. We suggest you equip yourself with the biggest, clearest inflatable signal buoy you can find.

Another option to signal the boat crew is to remove one fin and hold it high above your head. For better visibility, your fin should be brightly colored (

). The fin signal is only a viable option when the surface conditions are calm. If you are in high seas or strong currents, do not use the fin as a signaling device, as you risk losing it. Instead, keep both fins on for your safety.

[SIX] In calm sea conditions, one way to make yourself visible to the crew is to remove a fin and hold it high above your head. Photo by Barry and Ruth Guimbellot.

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Along with a safety vest, every diver must be equipped with an audible signaling device. In bad sea conditions or during a sudden downpour, it can be difficult for the boat crew to spot you. By using a sausage along with an audible device, such as a Dive Alert Plus™, your chances of being located are much better. The newer audible devices can be heard for miles on the surface. Some audible devices can also be used below the surface. These units are usually mounted on a hose between the first and second stages of the regulator and the BC power plug. They are very loud and can easily attract the attention of your boat crew.

As an audible backup device, we suggest you also bring a whistle with you on every dive. Using a whistle requires that you have good lung capacity and the strength to blow the whistle for a long time. This method is more effective if you are close to the boat: if the wind is blowing or the water is choppy, the whistle may be harder to hear.

[SEVEN] Every diver should consider equipping himself with a marine emergency GPS device such as the Nautilus Lifeline™.

Every diver should seriously consider equipping with the latest safety accessories such as the Nautilus Lifeline ™ Marine Rescue GPS (

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). This special marine rescue unit sends a message directly to boats, ships and rescue vessels. According to the manufacturer, it is waterproof to 425 feet (129 m), covers up to a range of 34 miles (55 km), and is said to be accurate within a few feet/meters of your position on the surface. In the event that you are out of visual/audible range of the boat, this type of device can be a true lifesaver.

The staff at your local dive center can demonstrate the different types of surface signal accessories now available and can help you equip yourself with the safety accessories best suited for the type of diving you will be doing.

It is always important for you and your buddy to be able to communicate with each other as well as with the dive master and boat crew. Typically, the pre-dive briefing will include how and when to signal for the surface, along with procedures for getting out of the water on the boat. Be sure to go over the different signals with your buddy, especially if you have a new buddy.

By knowing the dive plan and reviewing the surface communication signals, you can enjoy a safer dive and avoid possible miscommunication and frustration.

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Diving is a joyful and exciting activity. It introduces you to a whole new world in the sea, and if you try it, you will have an experience of a lifetime. However, you must take the necessary steps to maintain your safety when diving. The first thing you need to do is buy diving travel insurance.

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