Safe Diving Practices S
| Separated divers |
| Sharing (see Assisted ascents) |
| Signals |
| Skills practice |
| Solo diving |
| Stand-by divers |
| Surface detection aids |
Separated divers
If divers become separated underwater, a brief attempt (approx. 30 seconds) to re-locate should be made, after which the divers should surface. If the dive is subsequently re-commenced appropriate decompression planning must first be carried out.
Sharing
See Assisted ascents.
Signals
Divers should be completely familiar with the standard code of visual signals and should give them accurately and clearly. All signals should be acknowledged. The 'Come and get me' signal by a diver at the surface is to be used only for distress, and not as a 'Pick me up' signal.
Skills practice
The essence of safe diving lays in the skill and competence of the diver; the more complex a dive the more important this is. A good level of skills can only be maintained and improved with constant practice.
Solo diving
There are occasions, e.g. in nil visibility or when working underwater, when the 'buddy' system is ineffective. On these occasions a solo dive may be required, with the diver being securely roped and in constant rope communication with a surface 'tender', who should be a diver themselves.
The rope must be securely fastened to a suitable object on the surface. Communicating signals must be fully understood and a fully kitted, roped, 'stand-by' diver must be immediately available to dive in the event of an emergency.
Stand-by divers
On the majority of dives your stand-by diver is your buddy. A stand-by diver is usually only required when a solo dive, using a rope tender, is in operation.
Surface detection aids
Surface marker buoys (SMBs) should be used in significantly moving water, when operating well off shore, in areas with heavy surface traffic and where local regulations require it. There may be times, other than these stated, when their use might be deemed prudent by the Dive Manager. It is essential that correct training is given to new members in their use, as for any unfamiliar equipment. In some situations e.g. wreck sites with slack water, they are unnecessary and can actually be a hazard to the diver.
It is also recommended that divers carry at least one additional surface detection aid. This could be a signalling flag, stainless steel signalling mirror, personal flares, surface dye, torch, strobe, emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), whistle or audible signalling device.
Page last modified: 11th Dec 2006 - 14:58:44