When is touch communication deemed necessary in diving?

Touch communication is essential during low or no visibility situations in diving. In these environments, visibility is severely reduced, making verbal communication or visual signals ineffective or impossible. Divers may be unable to see each other's faces or hand signals and thus must rely on physical contact to convey messages, indicate presence, or provide reassurance. Using touch, divers can establish a connection to communicate intentions, locate each other, or signal for assistance without sight.

In brightly lit environments, divers can effectively use verbal communication and visual signals, diminishing the necessity for touch. Communicating with surface support typically involves relying on diving equipment like radios or signals, which can be utilized without direct physical contact. Routine safety checks are generally conducted in conditions where visibility is sufficient for verbal communication and visual inspection, reducing the requirement for touch as well.