SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/scuba-hand-signal-out-of-air

How does a diver signal out of air?

Flat hand moved side to side across the throat.

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  1. Thumb down
  2. Clenched fist raised
  3. Flat hand moved across the throat ✔

Why: Fingers facing you, move your hand side to side across your neck. A buddy who sees it should offer their alternate air source.

Huh, didn't know that: In PADI's air-sharing skill, the two divers link with a Roman handshake, then ascend together.

The dad joke
Why did the hand signal cross the throat? It was cutting a long dive short.
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References

Answer: Flat hand moved across the throat. Fingers facing you, move your hand side to side across your neck. A buddy who sees it should offer their alternate air source.

  1. SSI: Basic Hand Signals Every Diver Needs to Know www.divessi.com/blog/basic-hand-signals-every-diver-needs-to-know-8837.html
    With your fingers facing yourself, you take your hand and move it side to side across your neck.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. PADI Blog: How to Give an Alternate Air Source to Your Dive Buddy blog.padi.com/how-to-give-an-alternate-air-source-to-your-dive-buddy
    Step 1: Signal out of air. Step 2: Buddy donates alternate air source.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Sports & FitnessWhich hand signal means OK to a scuba buddy?Sports & FitnessWhich hand signal tells your buddy something is wrong?Sports & FitnessYou run out of air and your buddy is close by. What is your first move?

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