NAUI Master Scuba Diver 218 Search and Light Salvage LEARNING GOALS In this chapter, you will: 1. Be introduced to the search and salvage terms that appear in bold letters. 2. Read about five items of special equipment recommended for search and light salvage. 3. Learn potential risk factors associated with search and light salvage. 4. Learn general steps to be followed when searching for an item underwater. 5. Read about underwater search patterns and the circumstances under which each should be used. 6. Learn safety rules for diving salvage. 7. Learn the procedures for salvaging an object using a lift bag. ORGANIZATION People who haven’t tried it might think that finding something under water is not difficult. Search conditions under water are often equivalent to parachuting into a dense fog on a vast desert! Many factors affect the outcome of an under water search, including: visibility, depth, bottom contour and composition, vegetation, accessibility, water movement, information provided to the searchers, and searcher organization. Of all these, only the organization of those who will be searching can be controlled. Organization is, therefore, very important. The basic rules for organizing an underwater search are: 1. Personnel safety is a priority. 2. Define the area to be searched. 3. Assemble the required equipment. 4. Identify any hazards associated with the search. 5. Select and conduct a search pattern best suited to the area. 6. Keep track of the areas searched. Personnel Recreational divers can benefit from knowing underwater search and salvage methods. Careless divers and boaters frequently lose items such as masks, fins, weight belts, wallets, keys, glasses, and fishing gear. If a dive team can locate the lost object using systematic search techniques and if the conditions permit, it may be recovered. Recreational divers must remember that their knowledge and ability are limited by their training, equipment, and experience. Searches should be limited in both area and depth and must exclude adverse conditions such as zero visibility, polluted water, heavy current, proximity of dams, or an overhead environment. If several divers are to participate in a search, each should understand exactly what the other divers will do. With this information, a minimum of communication will be required underwater. A dry run practice of the chosen search pattern or procedure on land prior to attempting it underwater can save a great deal of time and confusion when actual diving begins. Defining the Search Area If the person losing an object has deployed a marker float, the area to be searched is well defined. When defining the area to be searched, consider dividing a large area into smaller ones. To keep track of areas that have been searched, consider the ways in which this can be accomplished. A number of surface markers or marker buoys will probably be required. It is important to gather as many facts as possible. Your chances of success are much better if the search area and the lost object are well defined. Find out exactly what was lost, how it was lost, where and when it was lost, what the water conditions are like, and what the bottom topography and composition are like. Special Equipment for Search and Light Salvage Besides your basic diving gear, special equipment may be needed for search and light salvage operations. Some of that equipment may include: • Surface floats/marker buoys
20047TC
To see the actual publication please follow the link above