"What Are Glad Hands & What Do They Do?"

Ever wondered about those peculiar-looking, hand-shaped symbols you often see on ships, submarines, or in marine-related contexts? They're called "glad hands" or "OK signs," and they serve a crucial role in underwater communication. Let's delve into the world of glad hands, their purpose, and the fascinating language they've helped create.

What are Glad Hands?

Glad hands, also known as "OK signs" or "thumbs up," are a series of hand signals used for underwater communication. They were developed by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and his team in the 1940s to facilitate communication between divers who were separated by a distance or a language barrier. The name "glad hands" comes from the fact that these signals are often used to convey positive messages, such as "OK" or "everything is fine."

How Do Glad Hands Work?

Glad hands use a combination of hand signals and body language to convey messages. Each signal has a specific meaning, and divers must learn and memorize these signals to communicate effectively underwater. Some signals are universal, while others are specific to certain diving environments or communities.

Universal Glad Hands

Some glad hands are universally recognized among divers. These include:

• OK sign: Thumb and index finger form a circle, other fingers extended. It means "everything is OK" or "yes."
• Thumbs up: Thumb extended upwards, other fingers clenched. It means "OK" or "good job."
• Thumbs down: Thumb extended downwards, other fingers clenched. It means "no" or "not OK."
• Stop sign: Palm facing out, fingers spread. It means "stop" or "don't do that."

Specific Glad Hands

Other glad hands are specific to certain diving environments or communities. For example, military divers might use signals to convey tactical information, while scientific divers might use signals to describe underwater phenomena. Some of these signals are highly specialized and require extensive training to understand.

The Language of Glad Hands

Glad hands have evolved into a complex language, with hundreds of signals used by divers around the world. This language allows divers to communicate with each other even when they can't speak or see each other clearly. It's a testament to human ingenuity and the power of non-verbal communication.

Learning Glad Hands

If you're interested in learning glad hands, there are several resources available to you. Many diving organizations, such as PADI and SSI, offer courses that teach glad hands as part of their open water diver certification. You can also find online resources, such as videos and apps, that can help you learn and practice glad hands. Some popular apps include "Dive Signs" and "Underwater Signs."

Glad Hands in Popular Culture

Glad hands have made their way into popular culture, appearing in movies, TV shows, and even video games. They're often used to convey a sense of adventure or danger, reflecting their real-world use in underwater exploration and research. Some examples include "The Abyss," "Finding Nemo," and "Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War."

In conclusion, glad hands are a fascinating and important part of underwater communication. They've helped divers explore the depths of the ocean, conduct scientific research, and even save lives. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a curious observer, understanding glad hands can open up a new world of communication and adventure.