Adv Anced Diving Techniques

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INTERNATIONAL SCRANTON PENNSYLVANIA USA

PDle INTERNATIONAL USA

ADV ANCED DIVING TECHNIQUES

FOR

SCUBA RESCUE AND RECOVERY

PO BOX 3633 bull SCRANTON PENNSYLVANIA 18505 USAmiddot (570) 342-9434middot FAX (570) 342-1276middot EMAIL pdic-intlcom 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 bullbull page 7 to 10 Line signals Authorized line signals The line tender Audible signals Visual Signals

3 Search Patterns amp 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 Divingpage 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

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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

ie 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

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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 members 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

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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-MembershyPresent 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 - OK 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 divers 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

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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 transmittingline 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 middotinmind 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 tenders grasp or dropped it should not be lost

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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 divers 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

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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

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Mi~~pound~~iEmiddotmiddotmiddot[~middotfI~~~middotti i~~ae~middotgBf~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

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BOTTOM KEN I

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FULL DIVING EQUIPMENT

V PATTERN

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 lineto 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 12 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

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RIVER CROSS PATTERN 1

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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 divers 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

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RIVER CROSS PATTERN Z

May not be effective in areas of depth (over tn 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

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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

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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

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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

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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 NO2

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CIRCULAR PATTERN 2

CIRCULAR PATTERN NO 2

Same basic procedure as Circular Pattern No1 except more divers are used thus giving faster coverage of the area

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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 No1 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

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SINGLE ARC PATTERN

Similar to Circular Pattern No 1 and No3 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 No1 and No3 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

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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 fingershynails 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 andor 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 frostshybitten 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

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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

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LOST ICE DIVER PATTERN

2 Dont waste air uselessly trying to break through several inches of ice DONT MOVEl Dont try to find the hole unless you can actually see it Dont 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

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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

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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 amp DECOMPRESSION COMPUTER COMPASS STABILIZER JACKET WITH AUTO INFLATOR 14 THERMAL CONTROL WET SUIT 14 THERMAL CONTROL HOOD 14 THERMAL CONTROL BOOTS amp GLOVES WEIGHT BELT SYSTEM amp WEIGHTS FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL DRY SUIT UNDERWATER WEIGHT SYSTEM amp 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

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TEAM EQUIPMENT

(MINIMUM ONE (1) PER EACH TEAM)

UNDERWATER LIGHT UNDERWATER SLATE BOARD TANK PRESSURE GAUGE DE-COMPRESSION CHARTS 2 - 100 FOOT - 12 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

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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

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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 (ETA)

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 UW 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 (ETA)

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 VISIshy DIVE DIVE WATER DATE DEPTH REMARKSDIVE LOCATION DIVE BUDDY TEMP TEMP BILITY TIME TIME

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