SeaSigns™ Frequently Asked Questions

What are SeaSigns criteria for choosing words, sign languages, and signs?

To avoid numerous potential difficulties SeaSigns has well thought out criteria for choosing the words, sign languages, and signs we chose to include. All signs were approved by a nationally certified sign language interpreter, who is also a certified scuba diver.

Click on Methods for information regarding the reasons for SeaSigns choosing the words, sign languages, and signs we use.

What presentation methods do you use?

Classes, video as DVD & VHS, and the printable as well as readable on the computer E-book (electronic book in a PDF format) and printed flash cards.

For classes what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Class is great for the initial learning. Learn signs correctly from trained instructors. See how to make the signs from several points of view. Get immediate feedback as to how you are making the sign. Practice reading signs and communications made by a live person.

For videos what are advantages and disadvantages?

Video is a good method for learning the signs, if class is not an option. It is also useful for reviewing how to make signs you have truly forgotten how to make. See how to make each sign, including hand positions and speed as well as the direction of the sign. See signs used in communications. Practice reading signs. Review suggestions for more understandable reading of signs. There is no feedback if you are making the signs incorrectly.

• DVD - Fun & Safety Signing should be playable by most machines around the world as it is pressed and set for Zone 0 that is playable worldwide. The DVD is of high quality and has a menu to make finding a particular section easier.
• VHS tapes in the NTSC format is of lower quality and can only be played where NTSC players are available.

For Printed & Printable Materials what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Both E-book and flashcards have written descriptions and graphics showing how to make each sign. They also have written and graphic memory aids. You can take printed material anywhere and practice making signs -- once you have learned how to make them from the video.

Learning signing from printed material is somewhat difficult since the making of a sign must be presented with pictures and written words. Many signs involve movement and these sign are often shown in the middle of the movement that is not representative of the whole movement. The pictures, showing movement need to contain arrows and other symbols to signify a movement’s nature, direction, and speed. These devices are often confusing to someone who is not somewhat familiar with how to make the sign. The written descriptions of how to make the sign are often very difficult to understand. Also, there is no feedback if you are making the signs incorrectly.

• E-book and Flash Cards: Practice where a DVD or VCR player is not available. Use the printed out E-Book or the printed flashcard line drawings and the written descriptions of how to make the signs, as well as the colorful memory aids, as needed. Practice alone or with others.
  
  
• E-book presentation method: The E-book in PDF format is on a CD. The PDF Reader is available free from the Adobe website. Read the E-book on and/or print it out from your computer using most operating systems worldwide. It has more information than the flash cards. Use it to practice making and reading signs, as well as to review suggestions for making your signs more readable. Learn why specific words, signs, and methods were chosen. Go directly to the section you want to see since the E-book contains a table of contents and index. Get more information about the signing in general and SeaSigns method in particular.
  
  
• Flash cards presentation method: Choose the cards representing the signs you would like to practice. The flash cards are regular playing card size and are water resistant making them convenient for taking on a trip to practice, after you already know the signs. Sadly, they share the all E-books disadvantages and you can’t easily reproduce a card if you lose or destroy a card in some way.

Which hand do I sign with?

SeaSigns shows the right hand generally making a one handed sign. All videos and illustrations of persons signing in SeaSigns materials show how a right-handed person would make a sign -- from the point of view of the person reading the sign. The model's right hand is on the reader's left.

Occasionally, if there is a good reason, SeaSigns will change the hand that makes the sign. For example, SeaSigns makes "shell" with the left hand. We found that our right hands got mixed up with the regulator hose when we tried to sign it right handed.

How do I remember how to make a sign that uses both hands that do different actions?

If both hands are used, usually the right hand will be the hand doing the action and the left hand will be the hand to which the action is done.

May I sign left handed?

SeaSigns suggests that you sign right handed as we show you, unless it is difficult for you to sign with the right hand. In that case, you will have to reverse all SeaSigns instructions. Be aware that divers, unlike people who use ASL everyday, occasionally may not recognize the sign made with the opposite hand.

How can I make reading signs easier for my buddy?

1. Wear a color that contrasts with your hands or gloves.
2. Wear solid colors to make reading signs easier.
3. Get your buddy's attention before starting to sign.
4. Make each sign clearly, as you were taught.
5. Make most signs in an area that includes your head and chest.
6. Keep your hands steady while signing unless the word being signed requires
   otherwise. (By moving your hands you may be signing a different word than
   you intended.)

What suggestions do you have for practice signing?

1. Practice making and reading signs in a mirror. (This lets you see if you are making the sign correctly from the reader's point of view.)
2. Practice signing with your dive buddy.
3. Practice signing with many different people.
4. Practice signing whenever you dive.

Use of signs

Use signs in an order that conveys the desired idea understandably and rapidly. The practice of making and reading signs is key to successful signing.

Note regarding the shark sign:

Shark - Please do NOT to use the commonly used sign with the flat hand with the thumb side placed on the middle of the forehead. The sign is easy to make incorrectly. Even if the sign is made correctly it can be easily mistaken for an obscene sign. My signing nephew from inland US took his open water test in Hawaii. Without first explaining the commonly used sign for shark the instructor attempted to point out a shark to my nephew during the dive. My nephew was very upset when he surfaced from the dive. He felt he must have done something very wrong - for his instructor to call him a bastard!

Disclaimer

Underwater activities and other endeavors associated with underwater activities are inherently hazardous and dangerous and require proper training, supervision and execution therefore: SeaSigns, Inc.'s products are for demonstration purposes only. Producer of products assumes no liability for persons making or reading signs incorrectly under any circumstances.

What if I don’t want the class but know someone who might?

Get a GIFT for referring an Instructor to SeaSigns. You receive a SeaSigns SeaFun Pak (with DVD or VHS plus E-book that sells for $44.90) for every instructor you refer -- after the instructor (or SSI DiveCon) has paid for the class in full. Click on the Contact Us link below to contact SeaSigns for more information on instructor classes.

How can I get more information?

• Click on Request Information for a free intro CD and info on SeaSigns materials and instructor class as well as information regarding PADI Seal Team and SSI Scuba Ranger programs.
• Click on Contact Us to contact SeaSigns.