Rebreather World - View Single Post - Development of hand signals for Rebreather divers

Drmike · 6th May 2006, 14:52

Ive been thinking for a while now that it might be a good idea to develop some standard and universally accepted hand signals for Rebreather divers to signal issues/status of their units to their buddies.

For example:

-Bail out to OC (see below)
-Excess water in loop - partial flood
-Running semi-closed
-Scrubbing ability limited
- Manual running
- Period of Hypoxia
- Period of Hyperoxia

Personally if Im with a Rebreather buddy and they turn the dive I would like to be aware of the details of the problem so as to better be able to monitor them or be ready with the appropriate support.

For example I once came across a Rebreather diver who had bailed to OC. He was using a BOV. It didnt even register with me that there was exhaust bubbles coming out of his BOV. It took a few moments for him to get me to understand that he had bailed.

Another example would be in a cave and your leading out, buddys scrubber is breaking through, or he has some partial flood. He gives you an alarm signal but cant explain easily and quickly whats wrong. He starts running semiclosed but you dont realise beacuse he looks the same as before externaly - only the occasional exhaust bubbles giving it away. If he cant tell you that he has a limited scrubber you might not slow your pace for example or monitor him for CO2 narcosis.

Another example is your buddys solenoid sticks closed and he signals to you this fact (assuming there is a sign for it) now hes leading out and you can keep an eye on him to double check as an extra pair of eyes that he is injecting O2 regularly and not forgeting.

Buddy realises hes had a period of high PPO2 and fears he might have a tox. if he can signal that fear to you you can stay close to him ready to assist and try to keep his reg in his mouth if he convulses.

Anyone think this is a good idea? Or is it enough just to signal 'problem', 'turn dive'

6th May 2006, 14:52	#1 (permalink)
Drmike Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Ouroboros Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 3,322	Development of hand signals for Rebreather divers Ive been thinking for a while now that it might be a good idea to develop some standard and universally accepted hand signals for Rebreather divers to signal issues/status of their units to their buddies. For example: -Bail out to OC (see below) -Excess water in loop - partial flood -Running semi-closed -Scrubbing ability limited - Manual running - Period of Hypoxia - Period of Hyperoxia Personally if Im with a Rebreather buddy and they turn the dive I would like to be aware of the details of the problem so as to better be able to monitor them or be ready with the appropriate support. For example I once came across a Rebreather diver who had bailed to OC. He was using a BOV. It didnt even register with me that there was exhaust bubbles coming out of his BOV. It took a few moments for him to get me to understand that he had bailed. Another example would be in a cave and your leading out, buddys scrubber is breaking through, or he has some partial flood. He gives you an alarm signal but cant explain easily and quickly whats wrong. He starts running semiclosed but you dont realise beacuse he looks the same as before externaly - only the occasional exhaust bubbles giving it away. If he cant tell you that he has a limited scrubber you might not slow your pace for example or monitor him for CO2 narcosis. Another example is your buddys solenoid sticks closed and he signals to you this fact (assuming there is a sign for it) now hes leading out and you can keep an eye on him to double check as an extra pair of eyes that he is injecting O2 regularly and not forgeting. Buddy realises hes had a period of high PPO2 and fears he might have a tox. if he can signal that fear to you you can stay close to him ready to assist and try to keep his reg in his mouth if he convulses. Anyone think this is a good idea? Or is it enough just to signal 'problem', 'turn dive' __________________ Cave diving is a sport Wreck diving is a sport Diving in general is a sport 'Rebreather diving' is not a sport its the delusional obsession with a highly dangerous and often inappropriate piece of equipment Last edited by Drmike : 6th May 2006 at 14:55.
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