Remember the old days when we, as kids, used to try talking and screaming underwater? It wasn\u2019t that easy to understand. That\u2019s because our inner ears aren\u2019t triggered by underwater sound waves the way they are above water.<\/p>\n
Communication is really essential for divers, but can you talk while scuba diving?<\/p>\n
The answer is no, not with ordinary diving gear. However, it\u2019s possible to connect using modern technologies that facilitate sound wave transmission. Additionally, if these technologies aren\u2019t available, there are always other communication methods.<\/strong><\/p>\n Keep reading to find out how scuba divers talk, and what modern communication equipment is currently available.<\/p>\n Yes, sound travels underwater in the same way it travels through air, which is via mechanical waves. Nevertheless, these sound waves move so much faster underwater (almost 5 times) because the density of water is higher than the air.<\/p>\n As a result, our ears, which are accustomed to the normal speed of sound, fail to determine which way the underwater sound is coming from.<\/p>\n It\u2019s hard to talk with all the scuba diving<\/a> equipment. So, even if you managed to speak underwater with the regulator in your mouth, it could be challenging for others to understand what you\u2019re trying to say.<\/p>\n Not to mention that in order for others to get what you\u2019re saying, you have to get really close to the person, and speak loudly as well as slowly.<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t practical nor effective in all situations, and this is why innovative companies are always attempting to develop practical solutions for underwater communication.<\/p>\n Because communication between divers is essential and it can sometimes be lifesaving, companies have tried to develop verbal communication devices to use while scuba diving. Currently, there are two devices that make it possible to talk underwater which are:<\/p>\n Full-face masks<\/a> are one of the best solutions for talking underwater. That\u2019s because while wearing this mask, your whole face is inside an air-filled space. Consequently, you can use your mouth and nose freely to breathe as well as communicate.<\/p>\n Some of these masks come with a microphone and a speaker, which allow the divers to speak with each other and with the boat. They use wireless technology to transmit signals through an attached transmitter\/receiver.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, these masks have a few downsides to them. They\u2019re pretty expensive, especially those that come with communication devices. Additionally, they require extra training to use safely because they\u2019re a bit complicated.<\/p>\n Logosease<\/a> is an underwater device developed by Casio to help divers converse with each other. The device is fairly small and easy to attach to your mask strap, which makes it highly convenient.<\/p>\n Logosease uses ultrasound communication. It works perfectly at a distance of up to 45 ft and a depth of 130 ft. The device has a built-in bone conduction microphone that collects vibration from the speaking person\u2019s bone and transmits them through ultrasonic waves.<\/p>\n The ultrasonic waves are then received by the other person\u2019s built-in bone conduction speaker. In turn, this speaker transfers the ultrasound to the receiver\u2019s bones.<\/p>\n This device is perfect, especially at night or in muddy waters where it\u2019s not easy for divers to spot each other. It incorporates other senses when the sense of sight is obstructed due to out-of-hand conditions.<\/p>\n The only downside is that Logosease requires special training to be able to speak clearly with the regulator in your mouth.<\/p>\n Now, there are traditional communication methods that divers have been using effectively for ages. They work just fine, especially when new speaking technologies are expensive and sometimes not as effective.<\/p>\n Classic underwater communication methods are quite easy to use and reliable in certain situations.<\/p>\n Hand signaling is the most common method of underwater communication. You learn a few of these signals during your first couple of sessions as a new diver. With time, you add more signals to your knowledge.<\/p>\n Hand signals are designed to be as simple and clear as possible. They allow you to ask and answer questions or give a piece of your information to your diving partner.<\/p>\n There is a set of hand signals that are commonly agreed upon among divers, which they call the \u201cstandardized signals.\u201d These are universal signals that the World Recreational Scuba Training Council created.<\/p>\n These are some of the most common underwater hand signals. Remember that you can use the same hand signal to either ask or inform.<\/p>\n This method works perfectly in low-light or low-visibility areas. The dive light is a special flashlight that divers use to illuminate their surrounding environment underwater. Divers sometimes use their dive lights to communicate.<\/p>\n You can use your dive light to grab the attention of your fellow diver or to make a meaningful signal. A few of the most common light signals used while scuba diving<\/a> are:<\/p>\n A dive slate is another simple way of communicating and it doesn\u2019t require training or memorizing signals. That\u2019s because you use this erasable board to communicate with your fellow diver through writing.<\/p>\n These dive slates are typically made of plastic or PVC, and they\u2019re fitted with a waterproof marker. Some of these dive slates come with a glow-in-the-dark marker, which is perfect for nighttime diving.<\/p>\n The only downside to this method is that it requires you to carry the slate around while diving. So, make sure that it\u2019s properly secured to your wrist or your Buoyancy Control Device<\/a> (BCD).<\/p>\n Divers don\u2019t use the rope tug method to communicate with each other, instead, they use it to communicate with the boat operator or crew. When the crew member pulls the rope once, it means \u201cis everything ok?\u201d Similarly, pulling the rope twice means \u201cstay where you are.\u201d<\/p>\n To answer these signals, all you need to do is repeat the action. One tug means \u201cI\u2019m ok,\u201d and two tugs mean \u201cI\u2019m not moving.\u201d Other signals include \u201cdescend,\u201d which is three tugs, \u201ccome up,\u201d which is four tugs, and \u201cemergency, \u201cwhich is five tugs.<\/p>\nDoes Sound Travel Underwater?<\/h2>\n
Can You Talk While Scuba Diving?<\/h2>\n
How Can You Talk While Scuba Diving?<\/h2>\n
1. Full-face Masks<\/h3>\n
2. Logosease<\/h3>\n
Other Underwater Communication Methods for Scuba Divers<\/h2>\n
Method #1: Hand Signals<\/h3>\n
The Most Common Hand Signals Used While Scuba Diving<\/h3>\n
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Method #2: Light Signals<\/h3>\n
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Method #3: Dive Slates<\/h3>\n
Method #4: Rope Tugs<\/h3>\n
Method #5: Noise Makers<\/h3>\n