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UNDERWATER COMMUNICATION
By Capt. Dan Berg
Underwater communication is discussed in every basic diver's manual
and in all certification classes. I'm sure everyone remembers all of
the hand signals and the meaning behind each. In fact, in clear
water, these signals may work fine, but in the real world of wreck
diving, hand signals become very hard to use and understand. For
example, if two divers are entering a wreck and the lead diver has a
line reel in his right hand and a light in his left, how can he
communicate with his buddy. In order to use hand signals, he would
have to putdown the light or let go of the line reel. If the light
was put down, neither diver would be able to see the hand signals,
and putting the reel down, which is the direct lead to the entrance,
is not a good idea. The divers could use an underwater slate, but
again the divers have to stop, put down some gear and one partner
may have to hold the light for his buddy. By this time, both divers
are kneeling on the usually silty bottom, and the rising sediment is
covering them in complete darkness. My partner, Bill Campbell, and I
began communicating by talking to each other while diving. There is
no trick or any additional equipment needed, just stay close to each
other and talk very slowly into your regulator, and keep the
sentences short, like, "lets go up," "how much air" etc. In fact,
when you first start, try communicating in one syllable words like
"up"; or "air". If you dive with the same person often, you will
quickly start to understand each other. Although Bill and I have
used this method during many different types of diving just to avoid
the time consuming hand signal and slate methods, its real benefit
can be appreciated while on night dives, in limited visibility or
while wreck diving. Go back to the original scenario: Both divers
could talk to each other while continuing to explore the wreck; they
didn't have to stop or putdown any of their equipment. It takes a
little practice, but it's worth it.
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The Shipwreck Diving E-Book
Instant Downloadable E-Book
Shipwreck Diving,
by Capt. Dan Berg is a complete how to book about the sport of
wreck diving. This book is packed with information and heavily
illustrated with over 80 sensational color photographs. |
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