Clear communication helps scuba divers convey information about their well-being, air supply, and any issues they may encounter, which fosters a sense of mutual understanding. This can reduce stress by promoting a safer and more controlled diving experience, as divers can address concern promptly and work together effectively.
Scuba divers primarily use hand signals and underwater communication devices, such as underwater signaling devices (like whistles or clackers) and slates, to convey messages and ensure effective communication underwater.
If divers are unable to communicate effectively, a situation that could be remedied might lead to panic, which could lead to a diver falling prey to the fight or flight reflex and bolting to the surface. The fight or flight reflex is a primitive physiological response triggered by the sympathetic nervous system as a reaction to a perceived threat or danger. It prepares the body to either confron the threat (fight) or flee from it (flight). During this response, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline, leading to increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and a surge of energy. This reflex evolved as a survival mechanism to help organisms react quickly in the face of potential harm. This could partially be the reason that humans survived such beasts as the saber-toothed tiger!
So what can divers do to be better communicators under water? There are some simple solutions, some that are costly, and some that are more time consuming. So, here we go:
SCUBA DIVING HAND SIGNALS: All divers learn basic hand signals throughout their Open Water Certification and continuing education courses. However, these are limited in number and are not completely in line with American Sign Language. In fact, some could be considered offensive the deaf community. Personally, I feel that we divers are missing out on a huge opporunity by not taking it upon ourselves to learn American Sign Language so we can better communicate with our buddies and other divers.
DIVE SLATE AND RETRACTOR: Dive slates costs approximately $10 USD and a retractor about $25 USD. This partnership of slate and retractor can make a diver readily able to communicate with other divers given there's enough time to formulate an underwater text.
TANK BANGERS: Costing approximately $15 USD, the tank banger is a bungee with a hard ball that is strapped around the base of a diving cylinder. If the diver needs to attract the attention of another diver they simply grab the ball, pull it a couple inches from the cylinder and release it. This will send one ping, and one ping only (Hunt for Red October) in all directions.
BOLT SNAPS: These $15 to $25 USD devices extremely reliable and are made from brass or marine grade steel and have many applications. Divers use them to attach gear to their BCD, on their SMB reels, and to click the bolt snap or bang on their tank to attract the attention of another diver.
CLICKERS, CLACKERS AND SHAKERS: These items can range in price from $10 to $30 USD and can be attached to a 'D Ring' of a diver's BCD by a retractor. These reliable devices send out a very noticeable sound recognizable by divers.
FULL FACE MASKS WITH COMMUNICATION UNITS: Running around $1,200 USD, these masks mostly resolve the issue of not being able to communicate underwater, given that the divers are close enough for the signal to be received.