Light Salvage

Objectives

• Identify the maximum weight for light salvage.• State three areas of salvage organization and describe

techniques for each.• Describe proper techniques for use of a lift bag.• Describe proper techniques for lifting an imbedded

object.• State the primary requirement for any knot, and

identify three common knots and their uses.• Discuss hazards which might be encountered during

salvage operations.

Main Points

• Maximum weight for light salvage

• Salvage equipment

• Search patterns

• Preparing to search

• Rigging

• Hazards

• Emergency Procedures

Maximum Weight

• Weight for light Salvage– 100lbs

Salvage Equipment

• Float Marker

• Compass Board

• Distance Measuring Devices

• Air Supply

• Lift Bag

Lift Bags

• Types– Commercial– B.C.D.– Plastic garbage bag inside a mesh goody bag.

• Selection Criteria– Capacity should be approx. the same as weight of the

object.– Dump mechanism– Ease of use– Availability

Lift Bags cont.

• Techniques– Use a separate air source not your reg.– Fill slowly and test frequently.

• Add just enough air to be neutral or slightly negative

– Release an out of control object.– Diver position

• Avoid directly above or below bag/object

Search Patterns

• Selection Criteria– Size of object – Size of area to be searched– Environmental conditions

• Depth• Wind• Current• Topography• Marine Life

– Equipment– Personnel

Search Patterns cont.

• Types of Patterns– Expanding circles

– Expanding Squares

– Grid

Search Patterns cont.

• Preparing to search– Buddy Discussion– Dry Practice– Constant Visualization ( Diagram on a slate)

Search Techniques cont.

• Running the pattern– Each leg overlaps previous leg in terms of

visibility– Run each leg in both directions as required

by terrain– One buddy watches compass while other

buddy searches– Start deep and work shallow

Rigging

• Embedded object– Tidal winch– Surge winch

• Knots– Primary requirement– Types

• Bowline• Sheet bend• Square knot / reef knot

Hazards• Object itself• Tools/equipment• Depth

– Narcosis– DCI– Air consumption

• Environment– Marine Life– Hypothermia– Water Movement– Limited Visibility

Hazards cont.

• Using your own BC as a lift bag– Ideally, never use your BC as a lift. – Should it be necessary,

• Do so only as a last resort• Use the minimum air necessary• Be prepared to dump air immediately

• USE EXTREME CARE WHEN USING YOUR BC AS A LIFT BAG!

Emergency Procedures

• Establish beforehand

Have We Covered

• Maximum weight for light salvage

• Salvage equipment

• Search patterns

• Preparing to search

• Rigging

• Hazards

• Emergency Procedures

Are You Able to

• Identify the maximum weight for light salvage.• State three areas of salvage organization and describe

techniques for each.• Describe proper techniques for use of a lift bag.• Describe proper techniques for lifting an imbedded

object.• State the primary requirement for any knot, and

identify three common knots and their uses.• Discuss hazards which might be encountered during

salvage operations.

Conclusion

• Preparation, practice and team work are the keys to successful search and salvage missions.