Hand Signals for Boaters
Hand signals are good during times of adequate visibility, and are far less stressful than yelling from cockpit to bow. Here are a few commonly-accepted signals used not only on boats, but also cycling, diving, heavy equipment operation, and all sorts of activities.
Slow Down
Palm facing down, move hand up and down.
Or, Point down for less throttle.
Speed Up
Palm facing up, move hand up and down.
Pointing up can indicate more throttle.
Some people raise their right hand and then hold up fingers – one finger for every 500 rpm’s desired.
Raise Anchor
Spiraling up with your index finger can indicate raise the anchor.
I’ve also seen a simple thumb up to signal to raise the anchor.
Lower Anchor
Spiraling down would mean lower the anchor.
Thumb down also works.
Hold or Neutral
A fist held up can mean either “hold,” or “neutral” depending on the desires of the captain.
Those actually are two totally separate actions.
“Hold” means hold at what you are doing.
“Neutral” means shift engine to neutral.
Go Forward
Point toward the bow with index finger.
Go in Reverse
Point toward the stern with index finger.
More Scope
More scope can be indicated by waving the peace sign of holding up two fingers “I need some pieces!” makes it easy to remember.
Snub Rode
Open palm moving forward and back, like “stop.”
Cleat the Rode
Make the letter “C” with fingers and thumb, adding a flick, for indicating it’s time to cleat a line.
Anchor Direction and Angle
For weighing anchor, it’s good to have someone on the bow facing aft and indicating what direction around the compass from the boat the anchor rode lies. That’s direction.
Also, mimic the angle to the boat the rode falls toward the water. That allows the helmsperson to know whether to speed up or slow down or stop.
Challenge and Reply
A good habit is “challenge and reply,” meaning someone issues the command, and the receiver mimics it to show they have understood.
That way, the sender is absolutely positive the message was received. Boating is no time for confusion!
Turns Using Right Arm
Either point in the direction with the hand that lies in that direction, or, if you have to use the opposite hand, use that hand with palm open pointing up.
Turns Using Left Arm
Hand palm open pointing down, either side, means stop.
Cycling Hand Signals
Remember these? Pretty simple. Works on the water, too.
I hope you found these useful and usable on your own boat. If you have any additions or suggestions, please add them in the comments below! I’m always looking for a better way to communicate on board.
Wireless Communication
During restricted visibility vessel anchoring, headsets are a great way to communicate. The EARTEC UL2S UltraLITE Full Duplex Wireless Headsets are fantastic. One ear is open for audible cues, the other for listening to your captain or crew. And, they work in wind! Six hours of talk time, noise cancelling, and you can switch on which side you wear the microphone.
They are pricey enough that I would suggest adding a leash in case they get knocked off your head.
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