Purpose
To outline the correct procedure when undertaking an underwater SAR.
Policy
Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) provides the following guidelines to assist personnel in effectively performing their duties.
Procedure
Underwater search and rescue activities may be conducted by lifesaving services in the initial phase of a SAR where the objective is to save a patient’s life. When a search becomes a definite ‘body recovery’ operation, lifesaving services shall not undertake underwater SAR activities.
The use of SCUBA equipment is not to be used by lifesaving personnel at any time. Lifesaving services may not tow lifesaving or emergency service personnel with SCUBA equipment.
Known and inherent risks must be carefully contemplated against a mission’s chance for success and the gains to be realised. All reasonable effort should be taken to locate those in trouble, determine their status, and affect the rescue.
The decision to prolong an operation after all probability of success has been exhausted should not be undertaken, unless at the direction of the Police.
The first consideration is the safety of the divers, the crew, and the boat. When the time has elapsed, such that the search is basically for a body, the crew should not place themselves in a situation of risk. Where there is a chance that a life may be saved, the risks must be evaluated by the divers and the skipper.
All participants must be qualified and proficient Surf Life Savers or Lifeguards. The diver on scene initially must assess the situation faced, to ensure the safety of the team and the supporting crews. The diver is expected to exercise judgement based on training and experience, in relation to the safety of the mission. If a diver considers the risk too great, other personnel must accept the diver’s decision as final.
Initial Search
Firstly, establish where and when the victim was last seen. Determine this by dissecting two sets of landmarks and marking with anchor line and marker buoy.
During underwater SAR extreme care should be taken to avoid running the diver over. Dive flags must be on or displayed at all times.
Underwater Currents
In many instances due to tide and underwater currents the body will have drifted from the position last seen. To determine the underwater current use marker dye and drop it into the sea at the position where the victim was last seen and observe the direction and rate of drift.
Search Pattern
In consultation with the diver, determine the area to be searched, the search pattern to be adopted and the width between each search run. This is determined by clarity and depth of water. Before commencing the search, the size of the initial search area should be established and co-ordinates noted from various objects on the land so the search area can be accurately determined. If the search is unsuccessful then a new area should be defined unless timeframes dictate that the likelihood of survival has been exhausted.
Recovery of Search Object
When located, the diver should attempt to recover the patient if able or maintain a visual. The diver should signal to their support boat to gain their attention.
Crew’s Duties
- Assist diver to don equipment (if necessary).
- Monitor the diver safety as they deploy and use “OK” dive signal to check their condition once they are in the water.
- Observe position of the diver at all times and report any hazards to driver/skipper.
- Assist diver back onto boat.
Driver’s Duties
For a stationary search, anchor vessel then assist crew with preparations:
- Ensure motors are in neutral when divers are entering or leaving water.
- Steer appropriate bearings as indicated by skipper/crew, as accurately as possible.
- Listen to directions from crew as dictated by messages from diver.
- At no time during towing should the vessel reverse.