Turn the dive...

[johnj]

I dove with a new buddy this weekend, when I turned the dive (turning index finger), he was not familiar with the signal. After the dive we discussed it and he shared that his instructor teaches that to turn the dive he should use the "thumb" signal.


I was taught that the "thumb" means the dive is over, implying that there may be an issue or urgency.


Any insight on this:


JJ

[Ben M]

Twirly finger means turn around; we aren't continuing this way anymore for whatever reason. Dive plan briefing should have covered exploring other areas or what not after leaving that area or a slow pace out. Thumb means exit cave post hast.

[moody]

To me thumb means the dive is over we are proceeding to the exit, do not pass go, do not collect $200. Turn signal means we have reached one of thr predetermined limits that we set during the brief, gas, time, etc. but we still have the option to re calculated thirds and maybe check out a side passage close to the entrance. If my buddy is turning a dive due to an issue I expect them to communicate what the problem is so I can be vigilant as we exit.

[PfcAJ]

Turn around means turn around. Thumb means we're heading for the door.

Context is everything. "Turn around" might be because the passage is too small or stops, or maybe we've done a bunch of nav decisions and its getting ridiculous, maybe we've hit a predetermined waypoint and have more to see/ do on the dive, or whatever. The thumb means some controlling variable has been hit like gas or time. In real life, both divers should be aware of the 'impending thumb' as the dive plan should cover gas/time constraints. An equipment failure is pretty obvious and the team should be reordered as appropriate, and if a diver is having another problem (vertigo, for instance) that should ideally be communicated as well.

I used both this past weekend on the same dive, and there was never any ambiguity.


Regardless, a thumb means 'dive is over'

[tstormdiver]

I was taught Turn the dive means we're heading out, but can enjoy the scenery & fiddle fart around some. Thumbs up means dive is over, get to exit without delay.

[Kelly Jessop]

I was taught Turn the dive means we're heading out, but can enjoy the scenery & fiddle fart around some. Thumbs up means dive is over, get to exit without delay.

I think often times we find that not everyone is taught the same thing if classes are compared. If we are entering the overhead where working as a team can be critical, it is probably important to have a lengthy discussion before attempting a dive, that way everyone is on the same page.

[caveflyer]

Kelly makes a good point. Also even IF the same thing is taught when classes are compared unless you really check you may not know that the same thing was understood........

[cavekrazi]

It depends on which finger is used. Unlike the line arrow placement opinions voiced a few months ago, there seems to be a consensus opinion about using the thumb (Thank God). Using the twirling forefinger seems to universally mean turn around and does not imply urgency or intent to immediately exit the cave. Using the twirling middle finger in some circles implies a sense of displeasure and may imply some limited degree of urgency. Using the twirling pinky may imply less than a 180 degree turn, may be used as a question as to the appropriate decision to turn, or may imply a turn while conveying great affection for ones buddy. This latter depends on what part of the country one is from.

[gschaut]

‘When I use a word,’ Humpty Dumpty said, ‘it means just what I choose it to mean, neither more nor less.’

Which is why I like to discuss the meaning of "thumb vs twirly finger" before the dive with my partner(s).

[JCGoodwin]

A simple conversation pre-dive solves this very issue.
I have had it many times and use the turn-around and the thumb signal.
As stated previous Turn is the finger twirl dive can continue just not in that direction.
The Thumb is exit now something is not correct.

Simple clear communication, I have however thumbed dives when new buddies seemed to be distracted or awareness found lacking.
It's not about how far, "distance" of a dive but the quality of execution of the said plan.

JCG