International Hand Signals

The 31 hand signals that every diver should master after completing basic diving training are part of the international standard ISO 24801-2 and are therefore recognized by most diving organizations and incorporated into their basic diving training.

ISO 24801-2 is an international standard that defines the minimum requirements for the training of independent recreational divers. It describes what a diver must be able to do and know in order to dive safely with a buddy without direct supervision (e.g., by an instructor).

ISO 24801 series

ISO 24801-1: Supervised Diver

ISO 24801-2: Autonomous Diver

ISO 24801-3: Dive Leader

Some of the most importand hand signals:

Source Pictures: By Peter Southwood - own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, 

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https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17674509, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17471369.

Sourcs Pictures: By Thomei08 - own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,

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Source Pictures by Taucherpedia: Public Domain,

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Caution: In diving terminology, waving with your hands or one hand means emergency or help. Therefore, NEVER wave as a greeting. Simply use the surface signal for OK.

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