Search and Recovery

Especialidades Preguntas y Respuestas

1.-Describe a recreational search and recovery diver.

Recreational search and recovery divers use simple equipment to find small to medium objects within
recreational depths and environments.

2.-List the six potential hazards of search and recovery diving.

1. Sharp objects and debris

2. Entanglement
3. Low visibility
4. Currents
5. Sinking recovered objects
6. Boat traffic

3.-List the five general steps in planning a search and recovery dive.

1. Define objective
2. Collect and analyze information
3. Choose scuba or snorkel
4. Select a buddy or team
5. Briefing

4.-Briefly describe when to use an expanded square and a U search pattern.

The expanded square search pattern is well suited for finding medium-sized objects missing in rough
terrain in calm water.

The U search pattern is well suited for finding small or larger objects primarily in calm water over flat,
unobstructed bottoms.

5.-Briefly describe when to use and how to execute a circular rope search.

The circular rope search is useful for finding a small object in a small area, over a flat bottom. One buddy
stays in center, acts as pivot. Searcher has other end of rope and swims circle around pivot looking for
object.

6. Explain why you should never use your BCD for lifting objects.

Excess buoyancy could cause a runaway ascent if object is dropped or breaks free.
7. Identify the weight at which use of a lift bag becomes mandatory.

4 kilograms/10 pounds

8. List three reasons why commercially-made lift bags should be used for recovering underwater
objects.
1. Constructed from heavy-duty materials
2. Have exhaust valves
3. Have loops, slings for rigging
9. Explain the procedures for controlling, rigging, and lifting an object using a lift bag.

-Rig the bag to the object using a bowline, sheet bend or two half-hitch knots.

-Attach marker buoy.

-Use alternate air source to fill lift bag

– use just enough air to lift off bottom for neutral buoyancy. Position self away from bag

– not under it during ascent.

10. Identify which air sources you should use for filling a lift bag.

-Alternate air source

11. Describe the procedure for a jackstay search either technique.

Establish a compass heading or use a natural formation as a base line. Stretch out the search rope until it
is taut and perpendicular to the base line, then anchor it. Two divers begin the search from opposite ends
of the rope, moving toward each other. At the end of the rope, they both move and reanchor the rope
further along the base line - keeping it perpendicular and taut. They repeat these steps until the object is
found or the search ends.

12. Describe the procedure for the snorkeler led search pattern, and explain when you would use it.

Establish search area with anchored buoys or landmarks. The snorkeler swims a pattern and the divers
follow in a “V” formation with the lead diver holding onto the line from the snorkeler. This procedure is
used to guide one or more divers over a relatively large search area looking for a large object.

13. Describe the procedure for the semicircular search pattern, and explain when you would use it.

Divers 1 and 2 hold opposite ends of the search rope taut along the established baseline/heading. Diver 2
remains stationary, acting as a pivot point, while Diver 1 swims a semicircular pattern stopping on the
base line. Then Diver 1 remains stationary while Diver 2 swims a semicircular pattern back to base line.
This continues until the divers set a reciprocal course and repeat the search on the other side of the base
line. The semicircular search pattern is used to search a long narrow area while looking for a medium or
large sized object.

14. Describe the procedure for the shore walk search pattern, and explain when you would use it.

A tender holds the search line and walks along the shore while divers who are spaced evenly hold the line
taut and swim perpendicular to shore. At the end of search area, the tender takes in some line (moving
divers closer to shore) then walks back to the starting point. This procedure is repeated until the entire
search area is covered. This pattern is used to search a large area along a shoreline.

15. Explain how bottom topography and water movement can affect a search.

Bottom topography often determines which search technique can be used. Irregular bottoms limit
search technique choices. Water movement can bury objects in silt, sand or mud, making them more
difficult to find. However, it can also assist divers in carrying away the sediment they fan up while
searching the bottom. Water movement may also make it more difficult for divers to main- tain their
position in the water while following a pattern.

16. Explain how being a professional search and recovery diver differs from being a recreational
search and recovery diver.

Recreational search and recovery divers are trained to use basic techniques to recover small to
medium sized articles. As a general rule, they do not engage in search and recovery for profit or
employment. Professionals, such as law enforcement or fire-rescue divers, complete professional
training programs and maintain their expertise through seminars and practical application. They work
for profit or employment and search locations for items, such as automobiles, boats, weapons or missing
persons, which are beyond a recreational divers training. In addition, they may use much more
sophisticated equipment such as sonar, acoustic beacon and dredges.

17. Describe the procedure for pinpointing a fix on a submerged object while at the surface over it,
and describe how to relocate the object later using the fix.

Stay over the object and select two permanent landmarks on shore that line up exactly. One object
should be as close to the water as possible while the other is directly in line and as far behind as
possible. Take a compass reading on these objects, if possible. Rotate in the water between 60 to 120
degrees and pick another set of permanent landmarks in the same way. To relocate the object, swim in
the general area until you have aligned one set of landmarks visually, or with the compass head- ing.
Stay on that line until your other fix aligns.

18. Identify the three commonly used knots for search and recovery and explain what you use each
for. Describe the recommended above-water practice technique for preparing to tie these knots while
underwater.

a) Bowline – used to attach the rigging to the lift bag and object.

b) Sheet bend – used to join line of different sizes or the same size.
 c) Two half-hitches – used to tie a line tightly around an object. This is also used for securing a lift bag
to an object you are raising. Practice tying these knots until you can do them from memory. Put on dive
gloves, tie them a few more times, and then practice tying them with your eyes closed.

WRECK
1.-List two reasons why artifact recovery is discouraged when wreck diving:

1. Wrecks that are stripped are much less interesting.

2. Historical wrecks must be left undisturbed for research purposes.

2.-Explain why divers must pay close attention to local laws before planning a wreck dive.

A permit may be required, and it may be illegal to either dive on the wreck or remove artifacts.

3.-Describe how to avoid the following potential hazards common to wrecks: Sharp objects:

Wear protective coverings and use good buoyancy control.

Entanglement: Watch where you go, avoid swimming into or under potential entanglement.

Carry a knife.

4.-List five dive planning and equipment considerations for wreck diving deeper than 18 metres/
60 feet.

1. PADI Deep Diver training

2. Extra tank at 5 metres/15 feet
3. Nitrogen narcosis
4. Short time limits
5. Become trained as a PADI Enriched Air Diver

5.-List two reasons for obtaining a local orientation to an unfamiliar wreck before diving on it.

1. Dive techniques vary on wrecks

2. Unique hazards or points of interest

6.-Explain why special training and equipment are necessary for shipwreck penetration. In your
explanation, include the five hazards of entering a wreck.

training is necessary because it is extremely hazardous. You can lose direction, there’s no direct
access to surface, restricted passages, falling objects and silt.
 7. List three aspects of a wreck that should be evaluated when diving on it.
1. Possible hazards
2. Points of interest
3. General condition
8. Describe the three methods of navigating on a shipwreck.
1. Following the wreck’s layout
2. Feature reference
3. Using a base line

9.-Describe the general techniques for wreck diving in a current.

Anchor the dive vessel by the wreck or to the mooring line, secure trail and swim line, enter water
and pull yourself along swim line, descend hand over hand down to wreck, stay close to the lee side
or bottom of wreck, and ascend up anchor/mooring line at end of dive.

10.-List three reasons for researching the history and condition of a wreck.

1. To determine the wreck’s historical significance.

2. To determine the wreck’s identity.
3. To determine points of interest and potential hazards before the dive.

11.-List two sources that provide quick, basic information about diving on a popular wreck.

1. Dive stores/boats
2. Dive magazines/guide books

12.-List two benefits of mapping a shipwreck.

1. To note points of interest and potential hazards.

2. To assist in planning penetration dives.

13.-List four pieces of equipment for wreck penetration and state what each is used for.

-Light and backup light – provides additional light as the ambient light dims when moving away
from the entry point.

-Penetration line and reel – provides a visual/tactile reference to the exit point.

- Slate – mapping the wreck, write notes on for future reference, communication.

-Pony bottle – provides an alternative air source and an extra margin of safety.

14. List the four limits for wreck penetration:

The edge of the light zone, Linear distance of 40 metres/130 feet. One-third of your air supply
,Space too narrow for two divers to pass together sharing an alternate air source.
15. Describe the proper techniques for entering, moving through and using a penetration line in
a wreck.

Tie off penetration line outside the wreck. The diver with the reel enters first, stopping,
looking up, and around for hazards before proceeding. Secure line to a second point.
Maintain neutral buoyancy with gentle kicks and/or by hold- ing on to nonsharp parts of the
wreck and pulling yourself around. Maintain light tension on the line and wrap it around
nonsharp objects as necessary to route it. Follow the line single file, keeping the line at chest
level and off to one side. Don’t use line to pull yourself along. Reel diver is last to start
exiting and removes line along the way.

16. Describe the proper responses and actions for each of the following during wreck
penetration:

Loss of visibility due to silting:

-Stop, maintain or make contact with penetration line by making a loose “O” around it with
your hand. Follow the penetration line to the exit point with- out pulling on the line.

A lost or cut penetration line:

-Stop, allow the silt to settle, cover flashlight, look for natural light. Head slowly toward the
natural light.

Light failure:

-Stop, maintain loose contact with the penetration line, turn back up light on, abort dive and
head for the exit.

Air supply loss:

-Immediately switch to pony bottle or buddy’s alternate air source, abort dive and head for
exit point. Make a normal accent, if possible.