Idea RE: cave diving communication

Ever had a buddy hand signal you that you've got a backup light on? But you don't know which side it's on. And you don't want to waste precious dive time checking both?

Ever had a dive buddy hand signal you that you've got a leak in one of your backgas valves? But you don't know which side it's on?

Granted these things rarely occur, but it sure would be nice to have a follow-up signal to tell the diver which side it's on. For example, a sign language "L" for left side or "R" for right side.

Problem is, the sign language "L" looks like the "Which direction is up" question. And the sign language "R" looks like the "line" signal. So something else would have to be thought up.

Most buddies just give the signal and you are left guessing which side. An alternative is to point to the "trouble" side or reach up and turn off the light for him.

Just food for thought.

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Originally Posted by aw

or reach up and turn off the light for him.

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Probably a good idea to know in advance if your buddy has a switch on/off or pressure activated. Would be bad to unscrew the lid on a switch activated,thinking it is pressure activated.

PS I need to talk to you about the article you asked me sometime

Good point.

Also wanted to clarify that sidemount with backuplights may be a little more aggrivating to check. Backmount, it's slightly less combersome because they're right there in front of you. But sidemount you gotta reach back on either side and check. And you can't see behind you, so you don't know if you got it or not. Then you risk flooding your light if you grab the wrong one.

PM sent on the PS.

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Originally Posted by aw

Good point.

Also wanted to clarify that sidemount with backuplights may be a little more aggrivating to check. Backmount, it's slightly less combersome because they're right there in front of you. But sidemount you gotta reach back on either side and check. And you can't see behind you, so you don't know if you got it or not. Then you risk flooding your light if you grab the wrong one.

PM sent on the PS.

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I'm curious. Mine are still in the front though I sidemount. Where do you store yours?

I clip mine on the bungie that the suicide clip is attached to which is attached to the tank band. It runs down the the tank and is held in place by innertube. One of several places to keep them when sidemounting.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by aw

... But you don't know which side it's on?

... it sure would be nice to have a follow-up signal to tell the diver which side it's on.

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Why not just point to the hand? e.g. if it is the left, point to your left hand.

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Originally Posted by DeWayne

Quote:

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Originally Posted by aw

... But you don't know which side it's on?

... it sure would be nice to have a follow-up signal to tell the diver which side it's on.

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Why not just point to the hand? e.g. if it is the left, point to your left hand.

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Yeah, this would work. Or signal with your left or right hand corresponding to the side that his backup light is on.

I think all divers should learn ASL Fingerspelling. Thirty minutes a day on the website, and you'll proficient in a week or so.

Ron and Kim have been doing it for years, so I learned it a couple of years ago, and boy, does it make communication easier!

http://asl.ms/

Actually it would probably be a good idea if all cave divers learned some ASL in addition to the finger spelling. My girlfriend is very proficient in ASL and I have learned some as well. It sure does make communicating underwater a lot easier.