Which signal is used to begin or continue searching signals?

• A. 7 line pulls.
• B. 1 line pull.
• C. 3-2 line pulls.
• D. Go on (or off) searching signals.

Answer: (A)

In underwater search operations, divers rely on fixed line-pull sequences to communicate when speaking isn’t practical. The signal that tells the team to begin or continue searching is seven pulls on the line. This length is distinctive and easy to observe, even from a distance or in current, so it’s unlikely to be mistaken for another instruction. The count provides a clear, repeatable cue that the search pattern should start or keep going until a different signal is given.

Shorter signals, like a single pull, are used for other, non-search-related commands, while patterns such as three-to-two pulls have their own specific meanings within the signaling set. A phrase like “Go on (or off) searching signals” isn’t a defined, codified signal pattern, so it isn’t used as the concrete instruction to begin or continue a search.