Extra hand signals must be approved by the activity under NAVFAC P-307

Signals are the quiet language of the work site. When your hands move, they tell a story—one that keeps people safe, time-efficient, and in sync. On naval and maritime settings, on construction decks, or in crowded yards, that language matters more than you might think. NAVFAC P-307, among other standards, puts a spotlight on how we introduce and use signs that go beyond the basics. The key idea? When you add any new hand signal, it must be approved by the activity. That’s the security blanket that prevents miscommunication when it matters most.

Why approvals matter more than you might guess

Let me explain with a simple image. You’re coordinating a crew near a loading crane. A new hand signal could save a moment here or there, but if several teams don’t share the same meaning, that moment becomes risk. Approval from the activity does a few essential things:

• Consistency across teams. If everyone knows what a signal means, you don’t have to stall while someone interprets it. You get a smooth flow of actions, even in high-stress moments.

• Clear responsibility. Approvals tie the signal to a role or supervisor who can confirm it’s appropriate for the specific task, environment, and equipment.

• Safety reinforcement. Approved signals align with the safety protocols already in place, reducing the chance of errors that could lead to injuries or equipment damage.

And yes, standard signals are useful, but they’re not enough on their own. Without official approval, minor deviations can creep in—and that’s a recipe for confusion when you’re in a hurry or under pressure.

What “approved by the activity” looks like in the real world

The phrase sounds formal, but in practice it’s about a practical process. Here’s what teams typically do:

• Propose the signal. A supervisor, safety lead, or a qualified operator drafts the hand movement, its intended meaning, and the contexts in which it should be used.

• Check compatibility. The proposal is reviewed to ensure it doesn’t conflict with existing signals or procedures. Is it intuitive? Will it be understood by all shifts and contractors involved? These questions matter.

• Obtain authorization. The activity’s designated authority—often a safety officer or operations manager—gives the go-ahead. This step is the crucial stamp that says, “Yes, this is how we’ll communicate in this environment.”

• Document and train. Once approved, the signal isn’t just tucked away in a binder. It’s added to training materials, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), and the job-specific signaling chart. Everyone who might see or use the signal gets an explanation and a demonstration.

• Communicate broadly. A quick briefing, a posted sign at the worksite, and a reminder in shift-change briefings keep the signal fresh in people’s minds.

Notice how the emphasis isn’t on cleverness but on clarity and responsibility? That combo—approval plus documentation—turns a potential shortcut into a reliable system.

What happens if we skip approval?

If a signal is improvised on the fly or pushed without proper authorization, the potential pitfalls stack up quickly:

• Mixed signals. Some people might use the new gesture, others won’t. The gap invites hesitation, not speed, and hesitation can cost safety.

• Training gaps. If the signal isn’t part of the official training suite, new crew members won’t know it. Then it becomes another rumor rather than a standard.

• Accountability blur. When something goes wrong, it’s harder to trace where a signal originated and who signed off on it. That makes it harder to fix the issue and prevent repetition.

• Compliance questions. In many settings, official signaling is tied to regulatory frameworks and internal safety audits. Skipping approval can put you out of step with those requirements.

The NAVFAC P-307 angle: signaling is part of a bigger safety culture

NAVFAC P-307 sits in a family of standards built to reduce risk and improve performance in demanding environments. One recurring theme is that communication tools—signs, gestures, radios, and lights—must be reliable, understood, and repeatable. Hand signals, in particular, function like a portable protocol: you carry a short, direct method of conveying a critical instruction without relying on spoken words that might be muffled by wind, distance, or noise.

That means the simple act of approving a new hand signal isn’t just a bureaucratic formality. It’s a moment to check:

• Do we truly need a new signal, or can we adapt an existing one?

• Is the signal legible from all expected viewpoints and distances?

• Will it stay effective as crew compositions change or as equipment is replaced?

So, the act of approval becomes a guardrail, not a gatekeeping exercise. It’s about keeping the team’s communication crisp, even when you’re wearing gloves, heavy gear, or working in a noisy environment.

A practical, easy-to-use checklist for teams

If your crew is considering adding a hand signal, here’s a straightforward checklist that keeps the process practical and fast:

• Signal clarity: Is the gesture easy to see and repeat under different lighting and weather conditions?

• Meaning clarity: Is the signal’s intention obvious? Is the same meaning shared across all shifts?

• Scope: Will this signal be used for one task, or multiple operations? Does it apply to everyone on deck or only to certain roles?

• Approval path: Who must sign off? Who will handle documentation and training?

• Documentation: Has the signal been added to the signaling chart, SOPs, and training materials?

• Training plan: How will you teach the signal? Will you demonstrate it during briefings and on-the-spot training?

• Review cadence: How often will you revisit the signal to confirm it still fits the work and safety goals?

If you can answer these questions quickly, you’ve kept the process lean while protecting safety and effectiveness. And that’s the sweet spot we’re aiming for.

Real-world parallels you’ll recognize

Think about everyday operations in other high-stakes fields—aircraft marshalling on a busy ramp, hospital teams coordinating during a code, or a shipyard crane crew moving heavy loads. Each place values a shared, approved system for signaling. A hand signal that isn’t officially acknowledged can lead to misreads, similar to a misheard radio call. The difference is that with approved signals, you’ve already agreed on the language and the meaning. It’s a small ritual, but it pays off big when the weather turns rough or the noise spikes.

A quick note on language and tone

In this conversation about signals, we’re balancing precision with practicality. The rule about approvals isn’t a fancy loophole; it’s the backbone of reliable communication. When you’re on deck, a single well-understood gesture can save precious seconds and prevent mistakes. And yes, it’s also a chance to show respect for teammates—everyone deserves to know what the signals mean, without a translator’s brief.

Bringing it all together

If you remember one thing from this discussion, let it be this: any additional hand signals must be approved by the activity. That single rule creates a foundation where everyone understands what’s being asked of them, no matter who’s directing the action or what time of day it is. It’s not about stifling creativity; it’s about channeling it through a safe, shared language.

And while we’re at it, a few practical takeaways to keep in mind:

• Approval first, then documentation. Don’t add a signal unless someone in charge has given the thumbs-up.

• Train and test. Show people the signal, explain when to use it, and confirm they can reproduce it reliably.

• Keep signals simple. Simple gestures travel farther and faster than more elaborate ones, especially in noisy or windy environments.

• Review regularly. As crews change or tasks evolve, revisit the signal’s relevance and clarity.

Closing thought

The job of signaling is a blend of science and craft. It’s science because it follows a method: propose, verify, approve, document, train. It’s craft because it lives in how people actually work together day after day—how they notice, interpret, and respond to a gesture with calm competence. When you keep to an approved path for any new hand signal, you’re not just checking a box. You’re building a safer, more efficient team where every hand wave carries shared meaning.

If you’re standing on the edge of a busy deck or at the edge of a noisy pier, remember this rule and the why behind it. Clarity in signaling is one of those things that quietly holds the day together. And when a crew moves as one because everyone knows what the signals mean, you’ve created something real: a safer work environment, a faster workflow, and a small but meaningful edge that teams rely on—every shift, in all conditions.