Tools
Dive Signals
A searchable reference of standard underwater hand, light, and contact signals, organised by category, to learn and brush up before you dive.
Last updated June 3, 2026
What it is
Dive Signals is a reference of the signals divers use to communicate underwater, where you cannot speak. Each entry pairs an illustration with the signal’s name and what it means, so you can learn the ones you do not know and refresh the ones you half-remember before you get wet.
It covers hand signals for both recreational and technical diving, plus light signals for night and cave diving, touch contact signals for zero visibility, and a Marine Life Signals group of hand shapes for pointing out fish and other creatures.
How to use it
- From the Plan tab, open Dive Signals.
- Scroll the list. Signals are grouped under category headers, which scroll with the content.
- The search bar stays pinned at the top. Type in it to filter signals by name or description across every category at once.
- If no signal matches what you typed, the app shows a “No signals match” message with a Clear search button to reset the list.
- Tap a signal to open it as a bottom sheet showing the illustration, name, and full description. Dismiss the sheet by swiping it down, tapping outside it, or using its close button to return to the list.
How it is organised
Signals are split into categories so you can find the right group fast:
| Category | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Essential Hand Signals | The core recreational signals every diver should know |
| Technical Diving Signals | Hand signals used in technical diving |
| Light Signals | Flashlight beam signals for night and cave diving |
| Touch Contact Signals | Physical contact signals for zero-visibility conditions |
| Marine Life Signals | Hand shapes that represent common fish and other marine life |
Search runs across every category at once, so you do not need to know which group a signal lives in to find it.
Behaviour and limits
This is a learning and reference aid, not a rulebook. Signals vary by training agency, region, and dive team, and some have local or boat-specific meanings. The most important step happens before the dive, not in the app.
Related
This page stands on its own. Use the pre-dive briefing to align signals with the people you are actually diving with.
Parts of this guide were drafted with AI assistance and may contain mistakes. It's educational, not a substitute for training. Always dive within your certification and verify with your instruments.