Which method is NOT suggested for underwater communication?

In underwater environments, effective communication is crucial, and certain methods are well established for this purpose. Verbal signals are not suggested as a reliable means of communication while submerged. This is primarily due to the physics of sound transmission in water; underwater, sound travels differently than in air, and voices tend to become muffled and indistinct. The clarity necessary for meaningful communication is often lost, making it difficult for divers to understand each other verbally.

On the other hand, hand signals, dive slates, and even bubble signals are commonly used methods for underwater communication. Hand signals allow divers to convey immediate and straightforward messages using gestures, which are easily visible in the water. Dive slates provide a written method to communicate complex ideas or messages without relying on spoken words. Bubble signals can refer to specific formations or patterns created by bubbles as an additional means of sharing certain information.

Therefore, verbal communication is not practical underwater, which is why it is not suggested as a method for communication in diving situations. Understanding the limitations of underwater communication methods is crucial for effective and safe diving practices.