o

INTERNATIONAL
SCRANTON. PENNSYLVANIA. U.S.A.

PDle INTERNATIONAL USA

ADV ANCED DIVING TECHNIQUES

FOR

SCUBA RESCUE AND RECOVERY

P.O. BOX 3633 • SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA 18505 USA· (570) 342-9434· FAX (570) 342-1276· EMAIL: pdic-intl.com e
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
1. General Operating Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . page 1 to 7
Request for assistance
Emergency assistance
Getting to the scene
On the scene
The search
General search procedures
Recovery of drowning victim
Handling the victim
Weapon recovery
2. Underwater Signals . . •......• . . . .. . . . .. page 7 to 10
Line signals
Authorized line signals
The line tender
Audible signals
Visual Signals
3. Search Patterns & Illustrations . . . . . . . . . . page 11 to 20
"V" patterns
Tow bar pattern
Cross river pattern #1
Cross river pattern #2
Single line stream pattern
Circular pattern #1
Circular pattern #2
Circular pattern #3
Single arc pattern
4. Special Considerations for Cold Water Diving . . . page 21 to 22
Frostbite procedures
Symptoms
Treatment
Special cautions
5. Special Precautions for Ice Diving and
Illustrations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 23 to 25
Procedures for lost diver under ice
Search pattern for lost diver under ice
Access hole cut in the ice
6. Additional Recommended Standard Operating
Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25 to 26
Recommended diving equipment
Team member equipment
Team equipment
7. Various Types of Navigation . . . .Page 28 to 29
Dead reckoning

Pilotage

Celestial

Electronic

- 1 ­
 INTRODUCTION

The primary difference between just a certified SCUBA diver and

a member of a SCUBA Rescue and Recovery team is one of advanced
training in the special techniques of rescue procedures and
patterns of search and recovery. Uniformity of methods and patterns
leads to a better understanding of SCUBA rescue and recovery
techniques. It also takes a loose group of qualified SCUBA divers
and helps mold them into a closely knit working unit of divers,
each aware of the other abilities and capabilities, in the service
of their community.
The Underwater Rescue and Recovery Team is, therefore, a
volunteer unit of selected and highly trained skin and SCUBA divers
available for emergency rescue and recovery service, on request by
law enforcement, fire and civil defence units.

The various methods and techniques outlined in this book have

been used successfully for several years and are a compilation of
the most effective and safe procedures available to SCUBA rescue
and recovery units.

GENERAL OPERATING PROCEDURES

REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE
Any request for assistance received by a Team member should be
referred promptly to the Team Captain or his assistant. It is the
responsibility of the Team Captain or his assistant to confirm the
request and if it is a legitimate request then to contact as many
or all of the Team members as will be required to handle the
request. A complete up-to-date Team directory should be maintained
by each Team member.
The following information should be obtained from any person
requesting assistance:
1. Name and address of person calling (or agency he
represents.)
2. Telephone number of person calling.
3. Accurate location of the site where service is required.
4. Reason why service is required and circumstances involved,
i.e. drowning, weapon recovery, sunken boat, approximately how far
from shore, lake quarry, river, etc.
5. Name of person in charge on-the-scene and the agency he
represents.

- 2 ­
 A request for routine (non-emergency) assistance should be
handled at the convenience of the team and not as an emergency.
A request for emergency assistance should be handled at once.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
The primary emergency mission is to save life. There are many
instances in the mass of floods, stranding, submerged vehicles and
other instances where prompt arrival and efficient action will save
lives. The secondary emergency mission includes: (1) Recovery of
drowning or accident victim, and (2) Assistance to law and safety
enforcement agencies. All other requests for assistance generally
fall into the category of routine operations.

GETTING TO THE SCENE

When the recovery team diver is contacted and requested to
assist at an emergency there are certain considerations he must
give to getting to the scene of operations.
First it is possible that such a call may arrive during
working hours at his place of employment. It is a rare employer
who will not graciously give consideration to an employee engaged
in a community assistance pursuit of this nature. However, the
Team member can avoid inefficiency and wasted time as well as
possible misunderstanding by informing his employer immediately
upon qualification as a Team member of the situation and his
obligation to the team. Permission to participate in an emergency
will normally be granted. Good public relations and other
considerations often are the result of the employer having his
organization represented in this manner.
If however, such permission is not forthcoming, the team
member is responsible for informing the Team Captain in order that
he may be dropped from the list of available divers during his
particular working hours. Accordingly, similar notification is
necessary if the member's status should change.
Secondly, in proceeding to the scene of operations or to a
specific assignment, the important consideration is to arrive in
condition to perform the required duties. A traffic accident or a
needed item of equipment forgotten in the rush may negate the
entire operation.

- 3 ­
 It is advisable that a team member keep his personal equipment
available and ready. Certain members will have the mission of
reporting directly to the scene for immediate operations, others
may be assigned to some other area in support of the operation. No
matter what the assignment is, the team members should proceed to
carry out their mission immediately, without delay.
All team members responding to an emergency will exercise
extreme caution and OBSERVE TRAFFIC LAWS AND SPEED LIMITS. Members
driving private automobiles should proceed with headlights on.
ON THE SCENE
In addition to training and other factors that contribute to
safety, there are equally important but no-so-obvious reasons for
safe diving operations. One needs only witness the well-meaning
but totally disorganized efforts of an unrelated group of divers
engaged in a search and recovery. To attempt to realize what this
not-so-obvious safety factor is - a safety factor that is a
CARDINAL RULE governing all SCUBA Rescue diving operations routine.
That is: ONE MAN AND ONE MAN ONLY is in charge of and bears the
responsibility for any diving operation conducted by the Underwater
Rescue Team. This individual and this individual only is
responsible for the success or failure of an operation, for the
efficient or inefficient conduct of an operation, and most
important of all for the safety of every member engaged in the
operation.
This responsibility is given to the Team Captain. It will be
delegated by the Team Captain in his absence to the Senior-Member­
Present, or when all members are present may be considered senior,
to the individual chosen by consent to be in charge of the
operation.
The individual having responsibility for the Rescue Team will
report to the senior law enforcement officer on-the-scene,
identifying himself and determine what can be done to effectively
assist in the operation. If dragging operations are in progress in
the area or near the area where diving operations are to be
undertaken, a request should be made that dragging operations cease
to insure the water is not unnecessarily clouded; and more
important as a safety measure for the divers. As other members
arrive, they will be assigned specific duties by the Team Captain
and should immediately proceed to fulfill such assignments.
All equipment should be retained in a restricted area and a
guard placed to prevent loss and theft.

- 4 ­
 Operations may begin as soon as three team members are present
on-the-scene; one team diving while the third member acts as a
surface support. In extreme emergencies when life is at stake or
in an unusual situation requiring such action, the first and second
arrival may take such action as they deem necessary in their good
judgement to fulfill the responsibility of team membership. Such
situations and the zealousness with which they are met should
always be tempered with the exercise of good judgement as regards
to water and diving safety.
On all search and recovery dives, divers must wear the
following safety equipment:
Inflatable Safety Vest, Underwater Tank Pressure Gauge, Knife,
Underwater Watch, Compass, and a Marker Buoy and Line.
Surface support members must wear an Inflatable Safety Vest or Life
Vest.
THE SEARCH
Enter the search with an affirmative attitude. Before diving,
take time to confirm the method of marking the object when it is
found. Objects and victims of drowning have been found by divers
only to be lost again when the diver had to leave the object in
order to get assistance
When involved in a boat tow search, the diver location marked
by his bubbles in relatively calm water may also mark the location
of an object. The diver locating the object drops from the tow
line. When no lone or marker buoy is available and water
conditions are favorable, the diver himself can serve to mark the
location.
As soon as the object or drowning victim is recovered it
should immediately be placed under the responsibility of the senior
law enforcement officer on the scene. Divers should immediately
clear the area, taking care to discuss the operation with no one
but authorized individuals, assembling at their own boats pr
equipment area, unless requested to render further assistance.
Allow others to accomplish their part of the job without
interference.
Remember, it is not wise to commit all available divers to the
water unless the operation is of a life-saving nature. A
continuous search utilizing relief teams is better. In poor
weather conditions, steps should be taken as early as possible to
provide a sheltered drying area for the divers; and extra surface
members should obtain hot drinks and food for the Team.

- 5 ­
GENERAL SEARCH PROCEDURES

There are a number of different search patterns. Some are

applicable to different conditions. Others are best for specific
circumstances. The Team Captain or person in charge will decide on
the initial action to be taken on the scene.
In the case of boats to tow or transport divers it is
advisable to have a qualified team member as a boat operator. This
insures capable operation of the craft. If this is not possible,
a mature individual with a good boating experience who has been
briefed on the problem involved and made subject to the authority
of a team member should be selected.
Beat boat speeds for towing divers is 1-2 mph and should never
exceed 3 mph. Tow lines should never be less than 50 feet iIi
length. In water over 20 feet deep the line should be lengthened
until the angle from the bottom to the boat is about 30 degrees.
The line tender should always be a qualified team member.
Always begin the search operation in the case of drowning
victims where the victim was last seen to submerge or, in the case
of most objects, where they were dropped or lost overboard. This
rule applies in most operations: water currents, bottom conditions,
and other factors notwithstanding. Start the search at the last
known position of the victim or the object. There are no normal
exceptions to this general rule.
RECOVERY OF DROWNING VICTIM
An unpleasant, but necessary operation is the search and
recovery of drowning victims. There are some general rules of
procedure to be followed in such operations.
Dragging operations in the area of underwater operations
should be prevented until such time as the divers have exhausted
all possible means of recovery. Water visibility f if any f is
unnecessarily reduced by such activities. It is a basic rule, of
course, that dragging operations are never allowed even in the
vicinity of diving operations for the safety of the divers.
Another consideration is that the bereaved family will always
appreciate recovery accomplished by divers rather then the hooks of
dragging apparatus. There are additional practical considerations
for limiting dragging to individual situations: tree stumps and
other bottom obstacles, currents, wave action, and other factors
make recovery by dragging difficult, if not impossible; dragging
often serves only to move the body, thereby prolonging its
recovery.

- 6 ­
 If a victim struggled strongly prior to drowning, it is likely
that all lung air was exhausted, the body will tend to settle to
the bottom. If the victim was not struggling and succumbed due to
exhaustion, heart attack, or similar reason, air may remain in the
lungs in sufficient amount to cause the body to float suspended off
the bottom. The circumstances of the accident must always be taken
into serious consideration. The type of clothes worn by the
victim, the physical characteristics of the victim, and even the
contents of the stomach may have bearing on how quickly the victim
settles to the bottom.
It is important to determine as much as possible from the
officials on the scene about the manner in which the tragedy
occurred, being very critical, however, of the testimony offered by
self-appointed assistants and experts.
Considering all of the above, the general rule regarding
initial search activity for a drowning victim is to begin search
operations in the area where the victim was last seen as far as
factual information can determine. Guesswork, speculation,
elaborate logic, or other methods of rationalization should be
avoided! Begin the search where the victim was last seen!
HANDLING THE VICTIM
It is necessary to state here that the victim should be
handled, transported, and treated with the utmost respect and
concern accurate all times. Once recovered, the victim is never
left alone until responsibility for his care has been passed on to
another agency.
Upon finding the victim, a marker buoy will be attached to the
victim to mark the position of the body and alert surface support
to the fact that the body has been found. The person in charge
will then send out relief divers with a body bag and stakes basket.
The body will be placed in the bag and into the stretcher under
water to avoid unnecessary curiosity from the general public. The
stakes basket will then be brought out in an isolated area.
In some instances, in the absence of proper equipment, it may
be necessary or advisable to float the victim into shore, keeping
the victim in the water until action can be taken regarding further
removal of the victim.

- 7 ­
WEAPONS RECOVERY
Because of the legal technicalities and procedures used in
handling weapons, for their possible use as admissible evidence in
the courtroom, it is absolutely necessary that the following
procedures be adhered to by the recovering diver
1. When found, the weapon must only be handled by the butt,
stock or handle.
2. Never place any handling device down the gun barrel, as it
may damage the lands or grooves for ballistics purposes.
If a salvage bag is available, place the weapon into the
bag when found.
3. Do not pass the weapon to anyone else. Return to the boat
or to the shore and personally turn the weapon over to the
law enforcement officer in charge.
UNDERWATER SIGNALS
LINE SIGNALS
An organized, coordinated, readily understood and properly
implemented set of line signals facilitates underwater operations,
especially with poor visibility. For safety, they are a necessity.
The signals should be well understood and memorized. Whenever
a signal is given it should be given with each tug on the line
spaced at sufficient intervals so the signal may readily be
understood' at the opposite end. The longer the line, the more
easily a signal may be misunderstood. The natural flexibility of
the line, the damping action of the water, and other factors will
tend to garble the signals into an unintelligible jerking.
At all times, under all circumstances, the diver or line
tender will indicate that a signal has been received and is
understood by repeating the exact same signal. If a signal is
given and no answering signal is received, try again. If no
answering signal is received the second time, investigate. The
diver may be in trouble.
Although it is recognized there may be times, conditions,
special situations, and other circumstances requiring modification
of the existing authorized signals, such modifications should be a
rare exception. If, however, such modification is required, notify
the individual in charge of the operation and then make sure that
your buddy, line tender and others directly involved understand the
signals completely. There can be no room for confusion or doubt!

- 8 ­
AUTHORIZED LINE SIGNALS
There are times when the ability to communicate with a buddy
diver or a line tender by use of line signals transmitted over a
safety or buddy line can contribute immeasurably to maintaining a
pattern of safety. In certain diving operations, it would be
foolhardy to function without them. Certainly, the minimum
contribution of a well understood set of signals would be
eliminating an unnecessary ascent, time spent in discussion, and
then another descent.
The only presently authorized set of line signals are:
1. PULL - STOP! or FOUND OBJECT!
2. PULLS - O.K. PROCEED WITH SEARCH
3. PULLS OR MORE - EMERGENCY/ NEED ASSISTANCE
With all of these signals the number of audible taps will
correspond to the number of pulls on a line. These signals may be
used with Buddy Lines, Safety Lines or Anchor Lines providing
communication with another diver or with the surface.
,
Slack should always be removed from the line. Line should
always be taut, but not tight. Care should be taken not to pull
too hard or the diver may be pulled away from his work or into a
hazardous situation.
LINE DEFINITIONS
BUDDY LINE:
A line between two or more divers that prevents them from
being separated. It is rarely over ten feet long. It should be
attached to the diver's wrist.
SEARCH LINE:
That line which is used by the diver or divers as an
attachment to the anchor line, boat, dock, shore, pivot point of
the search or line tender. It is used as a guide to insure that he
is searching the area intended to be searched. It may sometimes
also be the Safety Line. When used strictly as a search line it is
often used to secure a recovered object with the diver returning
along the search line to the anchor line. A reel system should be
used if possible.
SAFETY LINE:
Is a line intended for the exact purpose that the name
implies. It is tied securely to the wrist of the diver or to the
arm just above the elbow and then brought down through the "V"
formed by the thumb and forefinger.

- 9 ­
Its primary purpose is to provide a means of retrieving the diver.
It is always used in strong currents, under ice operations, and
other hazardous or potentially hazardous situations. It may also
be used as a Buddy Line or Search Line and as means of transmitting
line signals.
ANCHOR LINE:
A line secured to an anchor on the bottom and to a float,
boat, buoy, or to shore. It is used as a pivot for search
patterns.

It is difficult to set a hard and fast rule regarding the size

of lines required since this is based upon the needs of each
individual operation. However, the purpose for which the line is
to be used should always be kept ·inmind. Search Lines and Buddy
Lines generally should be light and pliable. When selecting Safety
Lines, tensile strength becomes all important and in many instances
actual size of the line may have little effect on increasing the
relative breaking point of a line. It should also be remembered
that the line has to be secured to a diver in all types of weather
and, therefore, should be capable of easy handling in cold weather.
It should also be easy to cut if necessary.
THE LINE TENDER
This man is as important to the safety of any operation as any
man on the Team. His attention while serving as Line Tender must
never wander from his primary responsibility - the safety of the
diver at the other end of the line he is tending. Nothing else
should occupy his senses except his concern for the man in the
water. And the Line Tender should allow no one to interfere in any
way with the performance of his duty.
The Line Tender, although he may be assisted at times by those
who are not Team Members, must be always a qualified diving member
of the Team. He must understand the problems and possible
situations facing the diver who is down. He should be aware of
what the underwater situation is and what his diver is trying to
accomplish. He should be fully informed about the details of that
particular phase of the operation.
The Line Tender should always be sure the safety line is
secured to a strong object, a stanchion on a boat, a stake driven
into the ice, or a tree ashore. In the event the line is torn from
the tender's grasp or dropped, it should not be lost.

- 10 ­
 Be alert! The Line Tender is the only link between the diver
and the surface object and ultimate safety. Full attention must be
devoted to the job at hand. He should be alert to possible
hazardous conditions that might arise and keep track of the diver
by following his bubbles.
The Line Tender should also be alert to conditions on the
surface; Boat traffic, wind and weather conditions, and any other
factors that may affect the safety of the diver. He should be
ready to receive any signals and reply instantly and be ready to
instantaneously take the right action at the right time if the need
should arise.
AUDIBLE SIGNALS
. Tapping: Tapping a solid object produces far-reaching sounds
underwater. The cornmon practice is to tap the tank with
butt of the diver's knife. To avoid confusion, the same
signals and procedures used with the line signals apply.
VISUAL SIGNALS
The standard visual signals are used whenever visibility
permits and on the surface as appropriate.

- 11 ­
 SEARCH PATTERNS

The next portion of this booklet deals with the commonly

used underwater search patterns. It is to be remembered
that in many cases other means may have to be used.
Combinations of the patterns may have to be utilized. The
principle to remember is to conduct the search under
controlled, organized conditions, with safety as the first
requirement.

- 12 ­
Mi:.:::~~'£~~i:':::E::···[~·#fI~~~·:ti. 'i~~ae;~::·::gBf!~B%.~~[~::
Top man guides the team from the surface, using only mask,
fins and snorkel. Center bottom man holds the line. All other
divers line up on each side of the center man, grasping the harness
of the man next to him. It is important to hold this arm stiff and
on a 45 degree angle in order to create the "vn pattern. A set of
predetermined signals should be prepared between the top man and
the bottom man
When the divers line up on the surface and are ready to dive,
they raise their free hand to signify to the top man that they are
ready. The top man then gives command "DIVERS DOWN". The top man
leads the team, he does not tow them. All divers surface dive
maintaining the line in ltV" using the free hand to sweep the
bottom.
When a bottom man has to leave the line he reaches over, takes
the hand of the man who is holding his harness and places it on the
harness of the diver he is holding. He can then surface without
breaking the pattern. THIS IS IMPERATIVE.
Be sure that all the divers wear at least two or more pounds
of extra weight when on search and recovery. Most searching is
done in comparatively shallow water and they will find it extremely
difficult to stay comfortable on the bottom without additional
weight.

Safety Men in Boat TOp l'Ian:

Mask,Fins,Snorkel,Inflatanle
Life Vest

LlUe.
-- ,

r
.I
~ Divers Free Hand
Sweeps Bottom

BOTTOM KEN:
'I
FULL DIVING EQUIPMENT

"V" PATTERN

- 13 ­
THE TOW BAR PATTERN

The Tow Bar, which is commonly referred to as the "Boob Tube" ,

is used in conjunction with a small boat. The divers line up on
the Tow Bar and sweep the search area with a free hand.
This technique has become very popular because of its
effectiveness in covering vast areas, in a minimum amount of time,
conserving both the divers energy and the air supply.
Although this in an effective pattern to use under appropriate
circumstances, conditions in the immediate area must determine its
use. Its use should be visibility of 5-6 feet or more for safety
reasons. It is quite effective in lakes, canals, slow rivers and
streams where a boat is usable.
The diver, when locating the object, signals and drops off the
bar, the other divers surface and stand by. The boat stands off
until the search diver has marked the object and has surfaced.

TOW BAR PATTERN

In using this technique it is essential that the rope line,to

the Tow Bar be hand held by the line man on the boat and not t~ed
to a cleat. The line man must be able to feel any and all hand
signals and be able to respond immediately.
The line should be 20 to 50 feet long depending on the depth
to the bottom, maintaining approximately a 30 degree angle from
surface to bottom. The line is attached to the steel cable by
means of a large swivel.
The steel cable is to be attached to both ends of the Tow Bar
by means of anchor bolts which are doubled locked. The Tow Bar
should be approximately 12 feet long (two 6 foot sections joined in
the center by a pipe coupling) made from 1 1/2 inch steel pipe or
conduit.
An inner tube should be attached to each end of the Tow Bar to
float the Tow Bar to the point of submersion; at which t~me the
inner tubes are released.
RIVER CROSS PATTERN NO. 1

The lead man holds a weighted line while the other divers hold
the harness of the man next to him and sweeps the bottom with his
free hand. Always move the line of the next sweep downstream. and
if current is strong, place a safety man downstream. The man
leaving the line uses the same method as described in Pattern No.
1.

It is recommended to secure the line to trees or stationary

objects on the shoreline.

safety Man

l,Ieighted Line

~
c:.u R: s:z e.u,..

LineOllln
Down Streall
Safety Han

RIVER CROSS PATTERN #1

- 15 ­
RIVER CROSS PATTERN NO. 2

For use in relatively narrow streams with particularly fast

currents. Pattern requires line tenders on either bank, the actual
number required on each bank being determined by the current,
number of search divers and the diver's size.
Search divers secure effective hand holds in search line
facing current. The search divers hold the line and the line is
moved across the stream by the line tenders on each bank.
After each sweep, divers surface while tenders move line
downstream several feet - the actual distance being determined by
the size of the object. Divers submerge and tenders on opposite
bank pull divers across the stream. Divers may use legs in
sweeping motion as well as hand during the search for objects of
larger or unique size or shape.

lUJE Tl!tJDEE:S

\
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lUJE. TlHJDe~S
PULL truE.

RIVER CROSS PATTERN #Z

May not be effective in areas of depth (over t:n feet) or

areas particularly high or steep banks. PatterIl; ~s. som~what
lacking because of bow or curve in search line that w~ll ~~var~ab~y
be present. However, if curve in search line is kept cons~stent ~t
will not reduce effectiveness of pattern.
Line Tenders must mark the beginning point at each end. of
search line to insure same length of line is used to keep the l~ne
bows consistent

- 16 ­
SINGLE LINE STREAM PATTERN

Line secured on each side. Useful in fast or slow streams

when visib~lity is poor. Especially effective in small, cluttered
streams wh~ch prelude the use of normally more effective circular
or straight line patterns.
Requires Line Tenders on both banks.
Subsequent sweeps are made downstream insuring that each
successive sweep overlaps the previous one.

Uu~ !;.lCurt!.D ClJ ~II!'.

IN ITH UUE TB..... "ER: j

Prior Search Patterns

Line Secured On Shore

with Line Tender

DownstreaM safety ~an

SINGLE LINE STREAM PATTERN

Line should be weighted at each end where line submerges next

to the bank to keep it on bottom. Divers swim the line. Upon
completion of each sweep, tenders move line downstream, and the
search divers repeat the sweep.
Divers should remember, as in all patterns, the search line is
a guide and divers should swim the line holding it loosely with the
hand, not pulling themselves along the line. Exceptions occur only
when the search line serves also as a safety line.
 ".
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CIRCULAR PATTERN #1

Wr:th:::~arichor "'line' ""from' ·f16at:····'or.·:;·:':·boat~·:w:·::':::::F.or.::)nliie:.:"':urider

conditions of poor. visibility" 'with lilnited: amount.o:Ea:tvers:·~.:·;·;··'···;;w;v"
- ......" ••.••••,." ....."<',.. .', ••• , • .. ,',. ,'",'.' ••••-. • . . . .'. .- •••• • ,', •• " .... " ... .. .', ,",'..'. :-•. " • - ••••', .-;~'.'.'.' .; , ' ,',,,, ........' ••':'. ,.:.;,.';, ~';';':-:'." " .. " ,', .'. ;'•••, ••••~.".;.., •••••••••.:.;.;,...;~;.:.;.;.:.;.;•••;.:.:.... ,........;.••;.; :.;.

Using 50 to 75 feet maximum search line, the search man begins

swimming in circles at the anchor. Depending upon visibility and
the type of object which is to be located, he may increase the
circle diameter a few feet each sweep until the maximum radius is
reached. As he completes each circle, the anchor man feeds him
~dditional line for the next sweep. The anchor man kneels, lies on
his stomach, or sits if desirable, with the reel in his hands. As
the search diver makes his sweep, the anchor man passes the search
line around the anchor line from one hand to the other hand behind
his back. As the search diver reaches the beginning point of the
last sweep, the anchor man signals accordingly and provides
additional line from the reel.

- 18 ­
 If the search is not successful, the diver surfaces, moves the
anchor 90 feet in the direction he wishes to search, leaving the
original pivot marked by a buoy. If tne search diver find the
object, he secures the search line to it and follows the search
line back to the anchor man. When searching for a large object,
such as an auto, the search diver may immediately go out the full
length and swim a circle on the bottom. The search line should
catch on the abject if it is within the 100 feet diameter of the
circle. Remember: The search diver may be required to run a tight
pattern if looking for a small object, searching only a three-foot
wide area on each sweep. It is imperative that the search diver
search each square inch when looking for a weapon or small item.

CIRCULAR PATTERN NO.2

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USING A LARGER NUMBER OF DIVERS TO SEARCH.
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CIRCULAR PATTERN #2.

CIRCULAR PATTERN NO. 2

Same basic procedure as Circular Pattern No.1; except more
divers are used thus giving faster coverage of the area.

_ 10 _
CIRCULAR PATTERN NO. 3

Secure anchor line tp shore.

Same basic procedure fer Circular Pattern No. 1.

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CIRCULAR PATTERN #3

Varies from Circular Pattern No.1; from anchor in the area to

be searched includes a complete circular area. This pattern gives
better control of areas searched.
Circular pattern especially effective in area where bottom is
free of obstacles such as stumps, large rocks, etc.
Search diver should remember that the search line should be
kept taut to insure effective pattern but not tight eno~gh to pull
anchor man. The diameter of each sweep will depend upon the object
to be recovered. In the case of a car, for example, the first
sweep may be at the full length of the search line; with the diver
off the bottom - the line approximately eighteen inches from the
bottom in order that it will snag on the car and bring the diver
around and into the object.

- 20 ­
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~8~EUT ~El.R'H RllT!!Rt..I SINGLE ARC PATTERN

SINGLE ARC PATTERN

Similar to Circular Pattern No. 1 and No.3; except this
pattern is used when a circular search is not feasible.
May be used to search a confined area or the area definitely
identified as the place where the object submerged.
Same basic principles apply to this pattern that apply to
Circular Pattern No.1 and No.3. Line should be kept taut but no
stress should be put on the line by search diver to keep from
pulling another diver around and thereby disturbing the overall
pattern.
Particularly helpful in locating auto or similar large
objects. This pattern is useful when a general direction and area
of the object is known but distance from the shore is unknown.

- 21 ­
 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR COLD WATER DIVING

One of the most important considerations in cold water diving

is the problem of exposure, not only to those engaged in actual
diving, but to those supporting the underwater operations topside.
The rule governing exposure have already been covered
thoroughly in the basic course. The special considerations here
are provided by way of a reminder:
1. Parts of the body exposed to the cold water get cold quickly.
Hands, the face, lips may become numb after prolonged exposure
to waters of cold temperatures. Remember, cold can create
insensitivity to pain. You may cut hands or other parts of the
body without realizing it. Be alert to the symptoms and
terminate your dive when numbness occurs.
2. Extending a dive beyond the normal limit of endurance or
toleration of cold succeeds only in furthering the lowering of
body temperature with the result that usefulness for future
dives is curtailed. Symptoms of body temperature lower than
normal include: uncontrolled shivering, blueness around finger­
nails and lips, seeming lack of muscular coordination and
others. TERMINATE THE DIVE.

3. The only really effective way of quickly and efficiently

restoring normal body temperatures is a hot bath or shower,
if a bath is not available, plenty of warm clothes and
blankets, and hot, nourishing food - in that order. Liquor
serves little purpose, if any. Hot coffee and the like is
mainly psychological in effect but because of it, is better
than nothing.
4. Remember to clear regulators immediately when leaving the water
to prevent it from freezing. Replace the cap on the high
pressure seat immediately. Any water that enters may freeze the
regulator.
5. Get out of your wet suit as soon as possible and into warm

clothing.

Efforts should be made to provide a warm-up van if at all

possible. Personnel working topside should be rotated frequently
to allow for a period to restore body heat.

FROSTBITE PROCEDURE
One of the main problems all recovery personnel will face on
a cold water or ice dive recovery is the possibility of frostbite.
Without going into medical treatment more than superficially, the
following are the symptoms and the emergency treatment.
SYMPTOMS
1. The exposed skin turns pinkish just before frostbite

develops.

2. The skin turns to a white or grayish yellow as frostbite

progresses.
3. There is some inital pain but it quickly subsides.
4. The frostbite victim feels quite cold and numb but is
usually not aware that it is frostbite.
TREATMENT
1. Cover the frostbitten area with a warm hand or blanket.
If the hands or fingers are frostbitten, have the victim
hold his hands in his armpits next to his body.
2. Move the victim to inside shelter, tent, car or emergency
van as quickly as possible.
3. Place frostbitten parts of the body other than the face in
warm (approximately 108 degrees F.)
4. Gently wrap the area in blankets if warm water is not
available or impractical to use.
5. Let the circulation re-establish itself naturally.
6. When the affected area is warmed encourage the victim to
exercise the fingers and/or toes.
7. Give the victim a warm non-alcoholic drink if possible.
SPECIAL CAUTIONS
1. Do not rub affected area with snow or ice. Rubbing frost­
bitten tissues increases the risk of gangrene.
2. Do not use hot water, how water bottles, or heat lamps over
or near the frostbitten areas.
The frostbite victim should have professional medical treatment as
soon as possible.

- 23 ­
 SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR ICE DIVING

1. Never dive near or under ice without a safety line.

2. Inspect all safety lines prior to diving.
3. Safety line should be attached to each diver
4. Review special ice signals with line tender and all others
involved in dive.
5. Safety line must be securely anchored in ice, to a tree or a
vehicle.
Line tenders and all other individuals in the immediate diving
operations area are required to wear inflatable safety vests.
Other lifesaving devices, as required, will be kept on the ice at
all times. A sturdy plank long enough to extend well past the
edges of the access hole will be placed across the access hole.
Those without work or safety assignments requiring their presence
will remain well away from the immediate diving area.
All tanks will be filled to maximum capacity and no diver will
be allowed to use a partially filled tank. Underwater pressure
gauge is required for constant monitoring of remaining air supply.
Duration of dives should be limited to a minimum of fifteen minutes
or 6000 psi residual air pressure.
At all times when diving operations are in progress, a fully
rigged safety diver must be on standby.
Additional procedures will be adopted to meet the demands of
individual diving situations.
A reminder again that ice and cold water diving is extremely
demanding on the diver. A diver should always ne aware of the
effects of exposure and limit his time under water accordingly.
Repeated dives should not be made unless and until the diver has
completely regained normal body temperatures and had an opportunity
for adequate rest. In ice diving, as in all diving, the exercise
of good judgement by the individual member as well as those charged
with operational responsibility is the most important factor in
maintaining a pattern of safety in any diving operation.
PROCEDURES FOR LOST DIVER UNDER ICE
If a diver should lose his safety line, the diver should
immediately surface to the ice in a vertical position with hand
over head. Keep Regulator under water! If ice is thin enough,
break through and call for help - do not attempt to climb outl If
there is an air pocket, use the snorkel to conserve the air supply
in the tank.

- 24

 uue:rellCEIi!'.'
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:!IoAf"ETY UUe. ~eeUlI:eD TCI.
'5:T".oU:E ' ! ! : - ..

LOST ICE DIVER PATTERN

2. Don't waste air uselessly trying to break through several inches

of ice. DON'T MOVEl Don't try to find the hole unless you can
actually see it! Don't panic! Wait for search line to cross your
legs or body, reach down and wrap securely around your wrist two or
three times and Signal 3. Tender will pull you and search diver
in. Use knife handle to bang on your tank periodically.
3. Line tender should immediately send safety diver out on
emergency search line (30-50 feet longer than original safety line)
about 20 degrees to the left of position or direction where lost
diver was last located. Search diver swims as far as his safety
and search line will allow, then moves to his right just under the
surface of the ice and begins arc search.
4. Unassigned personnel should move out on the ice with inflatable
life vests in an attempt to make visual or audio contact.
5. If the lost diver is not found on the first sweep, the tender
should pull the search diver in about five (5) feet and continue
the sweeps.
6. Additional safety divers are to be immediately selected and
completely rigged to replace the original safety diver with minimum
delay.
7. The Team Captain should be notified immediately and additional
procedures should be taken as the situation demands. These rescue
procedures, however, are automatic and should be instituted
immediately by the personnel on the scene without delaying to
notify others.

- 25 ­
Any additional action is to be taken after initial recovery
attempts are underway.
8. When it is necessary to cut or enlarge an access hole in the
ice, the most effective and rapid method is to use a gas powered
chain saw. First, shovel out a pattern outlining the area to be
cut. After the square has been cut it should be cut again in half,
before being pushed down and under the supporting ice. This
procedure prevents the block or square from drifting back into the
hole and sealing the opening.
9. It is essential that the hole be cut large enough to supply easy
entry and exit for each and every diver at the same time. No diver
should have to wait for someone else to clear the hole, while he is
waiting under the ice to exit. This procedure is a mandatory
safety technique for ice diving.

HOLE IU lee. t
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- 26 ­
 RECOMMENDED DIVING EQUIPMENT FOR

EACH SCUBA RESCUE AND RECOVERY TEAM

* * * *

MASK
SNORKEL
POWER FINS
CYLINDER
PRIMARY REGULATOR
ADDITIONAL SECOND STAGE
AIR MONITORING SYSTEM WITH DIGITAL DEPTH
GAUGE & DECOMPRESSION COMPUTER, COMPASS
STABILIZER JACKET WITH AUTO. INFLATOR
1/4 THERMAL CONTROL WET SUIT
1/4 THERMAL CONTROL HOOD
1/4 THERMAL CONTROL BOOTS & GLOVES
WEIGHT BELT SYSTEM & WEIGHTS FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL
DRY SUIT
UNDERWATER
WEIGHT SYSTEM & COMMERCIAL WEIGHTS, FOR EACH
INDIVIDUAL
DIVE ALERT NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
DIVERS KNIFE AND SHEATH
SAFETY FLOAT MARKER BUOY
DIVING EQUIPMENT BAG
1 - 50 FOOT NYLON ROPE
SMOKE FLARES WITH WHISTLE
CYLUMNE LIGHT STICKS
LIFT BAGS
SURFACE SAFETY RESCUE BAG

- 27 ­
 TEAM EQUIPMENT
(MINIMUM ONE (1) PER EACH TEAM)

UNDERWATER LIGHT
UNDERWATER SLATE BOARD
TANK PRESSURE GAUGE
DE-COMPRESSION CHARTS
2 - 100 FOOT - 1/2 INCH NYLON ROPE
ROWBOAT (10 TO 12 FEET) WITH OARS
BULLHORN
DIVERS SAFETY FLAG WITH BUOY
TOW BAR (12 FEET LONG)
TWO (2) ANCHORS (NO. 10 MUSHROOM TYPE)
WALKIE-TALKIES (1 PAIR - MINIMUM)
CELLULAR PHONES
CAMERA, HOUSING AND FLASH
AIR STATION (COMPRESSOR AND TANKS)
UNDERWATER COMMUNICATOR
EQUIPMENT AND WARM UP VAN
CHAINSAW - GAS POWERED

- 28 ­
 REV I E W

RECOMMENDED STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

1. No member of Rescue Team will participate in any diving

operation of any nature whatsoever using Team equipment or
representing the Team without the advance approval and knowledge of
the Team Captain.
2. The Team Captain or in his absence, the Senior Team Member
present will have sole responsibility for the conduct of diving
operations and his divers.
3. All members of each Rescue Unit should keep the Team Captain or
-his assistants informed of their whereabouts at all times when not
able to be reached at work or their homes. Team members will also
inform the Team Captain Officer immediately in the event
circumstances occur that might prevent their responding to a call.
4. In the event of an EMERGENCY REQUEST for assistance, members of
the Rescue Unit will report directly to the scene of the emergency
or as directed by the Team Captain. The Team Captain will report
directly to the senior law enforcement officer in charge and begin
immediate diving operations. Other Team members when notified of
the emergency will also report directly to the scene to support the
Rescue Unit on-the-scene and stand by for instructions for
activities from the Senior Team member or Team Captain on the
scene.
5. After the Team Captain has evaluated the emergency (as soon as
possible after arrival on-the-scene), he will give the appropriate
instructions to those members present.
6. In the event of a routine (non-emergency) request for
assistance, the Team Captain will be responsible for scheduling the
operation with the members of his Team as soon as possible at the
convenience of his Team.
7. Routine operations should be used to provide training in search
patterns, line signals, line tending, etc., whenever possible.
8. Members of a Rescue Unit responding to an emergency will
exercise extreme caution and observe all traffic laws and speed
limits. Members driving private automobiles to an emergency should
proceed with headlights turned on.
9. Any member who has been drinking and is under the influence of
alcoholic beverages should immediately disqualify himself as a
diver to the Team Captain. No alcoholic beverages of any type will
be brought to the dive scene.

- 29 ­
10. If the~e are no official diving operations received, the Team
Captain should be responsible for and should make every attempt to
schedule one dive per month for his Recovery Team at an appropriate
location, for the purpose of providing training, experience and
practice in all diving operations and procedures. A discussion and
critique should follow each such diving operation. Efforts should
be made to give each Rescue Unit member an opportunity to gain
experience in serving as member in charge of an operation under the
guidance of the Team Captain.
SCUBA NAVIGATION OUTLINE
1. A DEAD RECKONING
Following a compass heading in a specific direction, keeping
track of speed and time to establish position and estimated
time of arrival. (E.T.A.)
B. PILOTAGE
Establishing position in relationship to know areas plotting
a course toward a destination from the known position.
C. CELESTIAL
Estimating position by measuring relationship with heavenly
bodies, whose position is known at a certain time and
location.
D. ELECTRONIC
Plotting position by establishing directions of two or more
radio stations.
2. Of the four methods listed, only Dead Reckoning and Pilotage
have specific application to U/W Rescue and Recovery Team Work.
Dead Reckoning is by far the easiest to learn and can be used in
absolute minimum visibility by only knowing the compass heading
speed underwater and estimated time of arrival (E.T.A.)
Speed can be determined by averaging out the number of kicks
required to cover a known distance, tested out several times for
instance in a pool by each diver.
3. Reading a Compass can be rather easy if two things are kept in
mind.
a. The sighting on the compass must be across the face at eye
level NOT looking down at the face of the compass.
b. In the diving or search attitude, the compass must be held
directly in front of the diver in a straight or direct line of
motion. If not held properly, the diver will read the correct
heading but will proceed in WRONG direction.
 R E C 0 V E R Y D I V E LOG
WATER TOTAL
AIR WATER VISI­ DIVE DIVE WATER
DATE DIVE LOCATION DIVE BUDDY TEMP. TEMP. BILITY DEPTH TIME TIME REMARKS

-,

, "