cave diving and the nss - bei Swiss-Cave-Diving

20 HAND SIGNALS
HAND SIGNALS 21
an "Okay" signal. Your buddy may be pointing out some interesting
feature of the cave, such as animal or plant life, an unusual formation,
a side tunnel, the strength of flow, a special location discussed
on the surface, or organic debris indicating a nearby access or
strong flushing of the cave. Or he may be calling your attention to
some technical item such as a line marking or configuration, or reel
placement. Or he may regretfully be pointing out some form of
vandalism or accidental damage to the cave. The observation may
either be made with a hand signal, pointed light beam, or some
combination of both.
The communication of some of these problems, questions,
warnings, etc., may be fairly complex, involving a lengthy series of
signals. A question, for example, may begin with the "Question"
sign, be followed by pointing to some item of gear, such as a
pressure or depth gauge, then be further qualified by pointing to
the other diver to indicate whose gear. The answer may involve a
series of numbers, indications of being close to turn or being at
maximum desired depth, desiring to go no deeper, etc.
Nouns such as "tunnel," "current," "bubble," or "problem," may
be qualified by adjectives such as "big," "little," "bad," or "silty."
Verbs such as "swimming" or "tying off the reel" may be modified
with adverbs such a "slowly" or "quickly." The movement of items
or divers from place to place can be expressed by describing a
progression of objects and events in the approximate order that
they would occur in the simplest, most straightforward of spoken
sentences. For example, "You - hold here - I - operate reel - over
there - tunnel - point to watch - small - hold here" equals "You wait
here tor just a minute while I take a quick look-see with one of my
jump reels in that tunnel; I'll be
right back so just wait right
here for me," with the further
probable implication that if it
looks good, he'll then motion
"QUESTION" + (point lo watch) =
"What time is it?"
you to follow. Although, with
an experienced exploration
team making a dive, the specific
purpose of which is to
check out side leads, it may be
necessary to do no more than
signal "Hold," if even that.
"KNIFE"
Make a sawing or
slashing motion.
"GAP LINE"
May be used to refer to either
a gap or jump line.
"TANK"
Make a motion at least a
foot high, simulating a
cylinder.