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Dive Signals and Terminology
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BCD
Buoyancy Control Device, a piece of diving equipment used to control a diver's buoyancy underwater.
Dive Computer
An electronic device used by divers to monitor depth, bottom time, and decompression requirements in real time.
Regulator
A device that reduces the high-pressure gas from a diving cylinder to ambient pressure and delivers it to the diver.
SCUBA
Acronym for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, equipment allowing divers to breathe underwater.
Buddy Check
A pre-dive check performed with your partner to ensure all gear is functioning and properly configured.
Ear Equalization
The process of equalizing pressure in the middle ear during descent, typically by swallowing or gently blowing while pinching the nose.
Ok
A hand signal used to communicate that everything is all right, typically a circle made by joining thumb and forefinger.
Descend
A hand signal given by pointing downwards with the thumb, indicating the need or desire to move down in the water.
Not Ok
A hand signal used to communicate a problem or that something is wrong, often by shaking a flat hand back and forth.
Neutral Buoyancy
A state where a diver neither sinks nor floats, achieved by balancing buoyant and gravitational forces.
Danger
A hand signal typically given by placing a hand flat over the head, indicating a serious problem or threat.
Stay
A hand signal implying to remain in current position, usually signaled by flattening a hand and pushing downwards.
Ceiling
The maximum depth from which a diver can ascend directly to the surface without a decompression stop, due to nitrogen absorption.
Out of Air
An emergency situation where a diver has no remaining breathable gas, requiring immediate ascent or gas sharing with a buddy.
Safety Stop
A short pause at a shallow depth at the end of a dive to decrease the risk of decompression sickness.
Ascend
A hand signal given by pointing upwards with the thumb, indicating the need or desire to move up towards the surface.
Surface Interval
The time spent on the surface between dives, allowing nitrogen to off-gas from the body to reduce decompression risk.
Nitrogen Narcosis
A reversible alteration in consciousness that occurs while diving at depth, caused by the anesthetic effect of nitrogen under pressure.
Nitrox
A breathing gas mixture of nitrogen and oxygen with a higher than normal oxygen content, typically 32% or 36%.
Decompression Sickness
A potentially lethal condition caused by nitrogen bubbles forming in the bloodstream and tissues when ascending too quickly.
Buddy Up
A safety procedure where divers operate in pairs for mutual support and assistance.
Low on Air
A hand signal used to indicate that a diver's air supply is running low, usually done by placing a flat hand on the edge of the throat.
Trim
The balance and position of a diver in the water, affecting hydrodynamic efficiency and air consumption.
SPG
Submersible Pressure Gauge, a device that displays the remaining pressure in a diving cylinder.
Maximum Operating Depth (MOD)
The depth at which a diver can safely breathe a specific gas mixture based on its oxygen partial pressure.
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