CHAPTER 6 — Operational Planning
Change A 6-53
4.
If sounds are heard and the diver does not respond to signals, assume the diver
is in trouble.
5.
Have divers already on the bottom investigate, or send down the standby diver
to do so.
6-12.5.4
Lost Diver. In planning for an operation using scuba, lost diver procedures shall
be included in the dive plan and dive brief. Losing contact with a scuba diver can
be the first sign of a serious problem. If contact between divers is lost, each diver
shall surface. If the diver is not located quickly, or not found at the surface
following correct lost communications procedure, the Diving Supervisor shall
initiate search procedures immediately. At the same time, medical personnel
should be notified and the recompression chamber team alerted.
A lost diver is often disoriented and confused and may have left the operating area.
Nitrogen narcosis or other complications involving the breathing mixture, which
can result in confusion, dizziness, anxiety, or panic, are common in recovered lost
divers. The diver may harm the rescuers unknowingly. When the diver is located,
the rescuer should approach with caution to prevent being harmed and briefly
analyze the stricken diver’s condition.
If the diver is found unconscious, attempts should be made to resupply breathing
gas and restore consciousness. If this cannot be accomplished, the diver shall be
brought to the surface immediately. Gas Embolism may occur during ascent and
significant decompression may be missed and immediate recompression may be
required. If it is possible to provide the diver with an air supply such as a single-
hose demand scuba, the rescuer should do so during the ascent.
6-12.5.5
Debriefing the Diving Team. After the day’s diving has been completed (or after
a shift has finished work if the operation is being carried on around the clock), all
members of the diving team should be brought together for a short debriefing of
the day’s activities. This offers all personnel a chance to provide feedback to the
Diving Supervisor and other members of the team. This group interaction can help
clarify any confusion that may have arisen because of faulty communications, lack
of dive site information, or misunderstandings from the initial briefing.
6-13
AIR DIVING EQUIPMENT REFERENCE DATA
There are several diving methods which are characterized by the diving equipment
used. The following descriptions outline capabilities and logistical requirements
for various air diving systems.
