Global

Underwater
Explorers

Standard Operating Procedures

Ver 1.0

R E U
Routine Emergency Updates and
Operation Procedures Proposed
Procedures Changes
Global Underwater Explorers: Standard Operating Procedures by Dan MacKay
© 2011 Global Underwater Explorers
This Global Underwater Explorers book is published by Global Underwater Explorers
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ISBN XXXXX
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Table of Contents GUE SOP | III

1 Routine Diving Operations 1

Ascent Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Bottle Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Flow Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Gas Planning – Cave 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Hypoxic Mix Protocol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Loss of Buoyancy due to Equipment Failure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Navigation/Marking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Safety or ‘S’ Drill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Safety Drill (modified) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Situational Awareness Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
SMB Deployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Switching to Back Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Switching to Deco Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Team Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Valve Drill (Doubles) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Valve Drill (Single) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

2 Emergency Procedures 7
Broken Guideline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Line Entanglement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Lost Diver Drill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Lost Line Drill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Loss Of Visibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Loss of Visibility while Sharing Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Primary Light Failure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Unconscious Diver Rescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Valve Failures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

3 Updates and Changes 11

Light Head Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Safety or ‘S’ Drill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Appendix A | 1 i
Unconscious Diver Rescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Ventilating An Unconscious Diver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Toxing Diver Rescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii
iv | Table of Contents
 SOP | 1

1 Routine Diving Operations

◊ Once this depth is reached adjust ascent rate to 1.5m/5ft

Ascent Rates per minute thereafter until intercepting the gas switch or
The following are guides for use in calculating various ascent rates decompression profile which ever occurs first
and profiles. Divers should be cautioned that the on-site environ-
ment will ultimately determine the final shape of the profile. This
is a team process that all members must participate in. When
Bottle Rotation
feasible the last stop should be conducted at 6m/20ft followed by Note that for this drill the SPG should be clipped at the top of
a slow ascent of 1m/3ft per minute to the surface. the left hip ‘D’ ring with the stages clipped off in the middle and
leash at the bottom
Recreational
R5 Calculate 50% of the average depth of the dive R5 Stabilize at chosen depth

R5 Ascend at 9m/30ft per minute to the calculated depth R5 Clip light off and park in temporary position

R5 Conduct a one minute stop for each remaining 10ft/3m R5 Unclip the tail of the bottle to be rotated back
interval R5 Unclip the leash and move forward
R5 One minute stops are executed as a 30 second stop and 30 R5 Unclip the nose of the bottle to be rotated back
seconds of movement to the next shallower interval
R5 Clip to leash
Tech 1
R5 Chose the bottle to be moved up
R5 Calculate 75% of the average depth of the dive
R5 Clip it to the left chest ‘D’ ring
R5 Ascend at 9m/30ft per minute to the calculated depth
R5 Clip the leash onto the left hip ‘D’ ring and push leashed
R5 Adjust ascent rate to 6m/20ft per minute thereafter until
bottles between your legs
intercepting the gas switch or decompression profile which
ever occurs first R5 Clip the tail of the bottle that was moved up on to the left
hip ‘D’ ring
Tech 2
R5 Less than 15 minutes bottom time: R5 Replace light in primary position
◊ Calculate 75% of the average depth of the dive
◊ Ascend at 9m/30ft per minute to the calculated depth
Flow Check
This procedure was designed as a method to quickly confirm
◊ Calculate 50% of the average depth of the dive
that all valves are in the correct position during the conduct of
◊ Adjust ascent rate to 6m/20ft per minute and ascend to a dive. This procedure is a modified valve drill that is normally
the calculated depth completed as part of the pre-dive sequence. When the diver is
carrying stages, argon bottle and/or deco bottles the Flow Check
◊ Once this depth is reached adjust ascent rate to 3m/10ft
is expanded to include these items as well.
per minute thereafter until intercepting the gas switch or
decompression profile which ever occurs first A comprehensive Flow Check is be conducted as follows:
R5 More than 15 minutes bottom time: R5 Rotate the right post valve to ensure it is fully on
◊ Calculate 75% of the average depth of the dive R5 Rotate the isolator valve to ensure it is fully on
◊ Ascend at 9m/30ft per minute to the calculated depth R5 Rotate the left post valve to ensure it is fully on
◊ Calculate 50% of the average depth of the dive R5 Keep working to the left and ensure any stages you have
clipped off are pressurized and off
◊ Adjust ascent rate to 3m/10ft per minute and ascend to
the calculated depth
2 | Global Underwater Explorers

Gas Planning – Cave 1 reserving additional gas (roughly 70bar/1,000psi) in each mem-
bers decompression cylinder. During such dives it is advisable
Gas planning for cave diving presents some unique gas man- that support divers are used in order to manage the possibility of
agement issues. In general experienced divers, such as Cave 2/3 unconsciousness due to lack of oxygen.
divers, employ the rule of thirds that they will modify to be as The complete hypoxic mix protocol is as follows:
conservative as the environmental conditions demand. During
Cave 1 dives however, it is believed that additional gas is needed R5 The team will descent through the hypoxic zone using deep-
while divers build their skills and awareness. est deco gas available
While the rule of thirds is adequate for divers with more expe- R5 Stabilize the team at 9 meters
rience this volume may not be sufficient for novice divers that R5 Park the primary light in the temporary position
encounter a problem. In order to ensure that adequate reserves
are maintained all Cave 1 dive gas volumes will be calculated us- R5 Switch to back-gas and stow travel gas
ing the following formula: R5 Pre-dive checks (situational dependent)
R5 Dives must start with a minimum volume of 100 cu ft/2800L ◊ Modified valve drill
R5 The diver will reserve 1/3 of this total gas as Minimum Gas ◊ Modified ‘S’ drill
(MG)
◊ Bubble check including hip D-ring check for any poten-
R5 The diver will subtract the MG from the total available gas tial cross linking of stage double enders
R5 Using the remaining volume from the preceding calculation R5 Switch to Bottom Stage (or back gas)
1/3 of this may be used for the penetration phase of the dive.
R5 Light back to primary position
R5 Of course normal gas matching rules still apply for similar/
dissimilar tank configurations. When ascending the team will travel through the hypoxic zone
utilizing oxygen.

Hypoxic Mix Protocol.

This protocol refers to hypoxic mixes, which can create a risk for
Loss of Buoyancy due to Equipment Failure
the diver who may lose consciousness when breathed on or near R5 Signal the team
the surface with an excessively low PO2. R5 Detect the source of the auto-inflation
Definition: The hypoxic zone is defined as the area between the R5 If the power inflator is stuck on, dump gas from the cor-
surface and 6m/20ft with any hypoxic gas from the GUE Stan- rugated hose while disconnecting the Low Pressure(LP)
dard Gas table. inflator hose
When such a mix is used for a dive, the team must address the R5 If this isn’t possible, shut the right valve down while dump-
risk by defining the hypoxic zone while managing the risk with ing gas from the corrugated hose or the rear dump valve and
appropriate measures for both the descent and the ascent por- switch to the necklace
tion of the dive.
R5 If your dry suit is self-inflating, disconnect the LP inflator
The hypoxic zone is calculated based on a PO2 threshold of 0.15. hose while venting excess gas
Calculation is done based on the diver with the lowest oxygen
content in the team. R5 Re-establish position & control
Example for a 10% oxygen mix, the hypoxic zone will be from 6 R5 Fix the problem or call the dive
meters to the surface.
Divers must recognize that a PO2 of 0.15 can produce hypoxic Navigation/Marking
symptoms if breathed under exertion and/or for prolonged pe-
R5 A guideline should always be traveled and referenced
riods of time. During these conditions a more conservative ap-
completely
proach should be applied.
R5 It is the teams’ responsibility to always ensure that it is fol-
In such cases a mixture with a higher PO2 will have to be used
lowing a continuous guideline
within the hypoxic zone. Such a mixture will usually be the deep-
est decompression gas carried for the dive. It is also important R5 Typically divers should never be further than arm reach from
to ensure that the team accounts for additional gas reserves to the guideline
ensure that any loss of decompression gas will not prevent a safe
R5 Jumps, T’s and change of directional markers are reinforced
ascent with a proper gas mixture. This is usually accomplished by
by all team members placing non-directional markers
 SOP | 3

R5 Non-directional markers do not need to be numbered R5 Fully deploy long hose over the right shoulder
R5 Visual jumps, blind circuit/traverse and “trust me” dives are R5 Make a team decision on the action to be taken or direction
not acceptable to travel.
R5 Assume an appropriate team formation, routing the hose in
Safety or ‘S’ Drill the manner discussed above
Both divers will face each other (or triangle up in a team of three) Once the drill has been terminated both divers will face each oth-
and establish a neutral base. It is important that all team mem- er (or triangle up in a team of three) and establish a neutral base.
bers be included in any team decisions and team reformations. If
there is a third team member involved in this drill then it is his/ OOG Diver Action
her responsibility to monitor the situation, including depth/time R5 Locate, unclip and purge the primary with the right hand.
and environmental conditions, as well as be prepared to render R5 Remove the donated regulator with the left hand and replace
appropriate assistance during a OOG scenario. When initiated, with own
the drill is executed as follows:
R5 Retain possession of the donated regulator until donor cleans
Out Of Gas (OOG) Diver Action up
R5 Signal distress with light (Optional if no primary light R5 Donor Action
available)
R5 Recapture the long hose under the light canister
R5 Indicate OOG by slashing the right hand across the throat
R5 Reroute the light cord around the long hose using a clock-
R5 Identify and move towards the Donor wise motion
R5 Do not remove the primary regulator from the mouth until R5 Obtain the your primary regulator from the OOG diver
Donor’s regulator is available for exchange.
R5 Purge and replace
Donor Action
R5 With the right hand, locate and grasp the primary regulator, R5 Check light cord is routed over the long hose.
hose, taking care not to cover the faceplate (purge button)
of the regulator Safety Drill (modified)
R5 With smooth action, yet decisive action, remove the primary While this drill is incorporated into the GUE pre-dive sequence
regulator from the mouth, duck the head and deploy the is a stand-alone exercise that should be conducted any time a
long hose over the head. Present it mouthpiece down to the dive has adjusted his main equipment configuration. It should
OOG diver. be conducted on the surface but may, depending on the environ-
R5 With the left hand locate the alternate regulator, taking care ment, be done at a shallow depth. It is used to ensure that in the
not to capture the long hose with the left arm, purge and event of an OOG situation that the donors’ long hose is readily
place in mouth deployable. Prior to conducting this drill it is preferable that all
regulators have been breathed and tested wet in order to identify
R5 Be attentive to the (potentially) stressed OOG diver and a faulty membranes etc. Each diver will:
left post roll off
R5 Donate the primary
OOG Diver Action
R5 Grasp the donated regulator with the left hand R5 Switch to alternate regulator

R5 Purge R5 Grasp the regulator with the left hand

R5 Replace primary with the donor’s regulator. R5 Clear the long hose from under the light canister (or free of
the waistband if no light is being used)
R5 Clip off the removed primary
R5 Clear the long hose from behind the wing and ensure visu-
R5 Secure the regulator ally that it is positioned over the right shoulder and has an
unobstructed path to the primary regulator
Both Divers
R5 Pause while donor ensures the OOG diver is OK via ex- Once a partner has confirmed that the long hose is indeed free
change of an OK signal from the OOG diver and unobstructed, return the long hose to the stowed position.
R5 Clear the light cord from the long hose in a counter-clock-
wise manner
R5 Clear the long hose from the light canister
4 | Global Underwater Explorers

Situational Awareness Check R5 The team aligns in whatever the formation the environment
dictates
The purpose of a Situational Awareness Check(Sit Check) is to
R5 Team leader will indicate the diver that will deploy the SMB
gain a real-time snapshot of the current state of the dive. It is
encouraged that a Sit Check be conducted at the start of the dive R5 This diver will:
and approximately every five minutes thereafter. The Sit Check
◊ Stow the primary light
should only take about 15 to 20 seconds and can be conducted
‘on the fly’. A Sit Check should be conducted as follows: ◊ Locate the SMB and a spool of appropriate size (Note:
If the spool and SMB have not been pre-attached then
R5 Initiate with a flow check
he will do so now using whatever method he chooses as
R5 Track exposure by checking bottom time and average depth per training)
R5 Track gas consumption by checking the relevant SPG and ◊ Unclip the double ender and clip it to the right chest
noting the pressure ‘D’ ring
R5 Monitor your team looking for signs of stress/impairment or ◊ Undo any elastic loop or Velcro closures that may con-
equipment related concerns strain the SMB
R5 Check the environment for: ◊ Unspool enough line (12-18”/30-46cm) to ensure
smooth operation of the spool
◊ any object/condition that may aid in navigation
◊ Re-spool the slack line entirely
◊ any changes in conditions that might have potentially
impact the dive such as changes in flow ◊ Look up for any obstruction
Using the information gained during a Sit Check the diver ◊ With the left hand gather the spool and valve, remove
should be able to: the primary regulator from the mouth using the right
hand and inflate the SMB with about ½ the capacity of
R5 Ensure correct positioning of all valves
your lungs
R5 Calculate current gas consumption
◊ Replace the primary taking care not to breath as of yet
R5 Dynamically adjust dive parameters in real time based on
◊ Move spool and SMB at arm’s length from the body re-
actual gas consumption as compared to pre-dive calculations,
lease the SMB and breath. Take care that the spool runs
estimate average depth hence decompression obligation and
smoothly between the thumb and forefinger of your left
ascent profile
hand held over the center hole of the spool
R5 Ascertain navigational accuracy
R5 When the SMB reaches the surface, re-spool any slack line,
R5 Adjust the dive parameters based on the state of the unclip the double ender and clip it to the spool in such a
environment manner that it captures the up-line and a hole in the spool.
In this light this procedure is one of the most valuable tools in a R5 Secure the up-line using a locked OK.
divers toolbox during the in-water portion of a dive. Frequent use
R5 As the team rises through the water column the diver in
of the Sit Check in the manner described above allows the diver
charge of the SMB will unclip and take in line on the ascent
to quickly gauge consumption, comfort and planning accuracy as
to match the rate of ascent as appropriate. The spool line
well as improve situational awareness.
must not be allowed to go slack during the ascent and the
Note: If using an RB80 the diver should also check the switch spool should be locked at every stop.
block to ensure that all valves are in the correct position and the
The above procedure describes the use of a closed circuit SMB.
proper gas is plugged in.
If the team is using an open circuit bag then the procedure is
identical except for the method used to inflate the SMB. In this
SMB Deployment case air is introduced into the SMB from the exhaust bubbles of
the primary regulator. The utmost care must be taken in order to
An SMB is primarily used as a signaling device so the surface control the line so that no entanglement occurs.
support personnel can locate and recover a dive team. It can as
well be used as a communication tool to indicate simply “we are
OK” if team recovery is not the primary goal. The nature of the Switching to Back Gas
dive will determine when and how the SMB is deployed. It is
conducted as follows: Divers’ Actions
 SOP | 5

R5 Clip light off and park in temporary position (If the switch R5 The primary light can be temporary clipped while taking
to back-gas has been forced by a stage failure, clipping the measurements
light at this point might not be desirable and can be per-
R5 The team can assist with lighting
formed at a later stage of this sequence)
R5 Basic measurements includes:
R5 Grasp the Deco Regulator with left hand
◊ Depth
R5 Locate, unclip and purge the Primary Regulator with the
right hand ◊ Distance; and
R5 In one smooth movement remove and replace regulators ◊ Azimuth
R5 Fully close the decompression bottle valve R5 Maintain a good pace and control
R5 Stow the decompression regulator R5 The survey site should reflect capabilities of the dive team

Buddy’s Responsibility
R5 Watch buddy Team Positioning
R5 Monitor depth While the environment in which a particular dive is being con-
ducted in will largely dictate dive characteristics such as team for-
mation, separation distance and distance from a point of reference
Switching to Deco Gas when failures or emergencies arise teams that are arranged in a
Divers’ Actions single file (cave environment) or Wing Position (OW environ-
R5 Level off at switch Depth ment) can use these “fixed” buddy configurations to greatly reduce
confusion thus reducing overall team stress. Using these two close
R5 Clip light off and park in temporary position quarters formations can for example:
R5 ID correct bottle (MOD and Content Label) R5 When experiencing failures in a cave environment reorder
R5 Pressurize regulator but leave valve in the closed position the team in the manner that best supports the diver with a
problem
R5 Deploy second stage
R5 Where the team members have lights of variable intensity
R5 Trace the second stage back to the first stage the team can adjust to keep the brightest light in back. For
R5 Pressure interruption to confirm regulator selection and open example this diver would be placed in the third position on
valve fully the way out an also take this position on the way back.

R5 Present MOD markings and ask for confirmation from In practice it is very rare for a team to experience more than one
buddy major failure. Generally speaking it usually simple to reorganize
the team in a manner that provides the maximum support for
R5 After confirmation confirm depth and switch to deco gas the stressed diver. The following guidelines should be considered
R5 Clip off primary when a situation forces a team to reorganize:

R5 Replace light in primary position R5 The diver in the greatest difficulty is generally placed in the
middle position
Buddy’s Responsibility R5 Gas problems are assigned the highest priority
R5 Watch buddy
R5 Equipment issues can usually be readily dealt with, however,
R5 When asked to confirm deco gas selection: they must not be treated lightly and the team should reorga-
R5 Did the diver open the valve after the pressure interruption nize to reflect a failure no matter how trivial
check R5 No matter what the issue, the stressed diver is placed in pro-
R5 Trace second stage back to first stage tective custody until the dive is over or a higher priority
situation arises.
R5 Check that depth matches MOD
Given the clearly impossible task of attempting to document and
R5 Signal the buddy to switch articulate all possible emergency scenarios, both single and mul-
tiple, it is of paramount importance that a great degree of flex-
Survey ibility be exercised by all team members as situations deteriorate.
It is with this in mind that teams may be forced into using a great
R5 Typically conducted on the penetration portion of the dive degree of creative thought based on the principles listed above
6 | Global Underwater Explorers

Valve Drill (Doubles) R5 Reach up with the left hand and fully rotate the alternate
(left) valve to the closed position
This is used to ensure the correct positioning of all valves, con-
R5 Fully purge the alternate regulator
firming the diver´s capacity for operating the valves and the
proper operation of the primary and secondary regulators. To R5 Reach back with the left hand, rotate the alternate valve to
master the valve drill a diver must first develop solid situational the fully on position
awareness accompanied with robust fundamental diving skills
R5 Purge the alternate to ensure that it is functioning
such as buoyancy control, trim and maneuvering techniques.
R5 Move primary light back to normal position
The team assumes a formation as dictated by the environment.
The diver who is currently conducting the valve drill will signal R5 Final flow check including any additional tanks such as
to one of his partners to watch him while he executes the drill. stages/deco/dry suit bottles/RB80 switch block
The partner will assume a ready state (be prepared to donate)
and indicate OK.
Valve Drill (Single)
The diver executing the drill will:
This is drill is used to confirm that the single tank diver has the
R5 Purge the alternate regulator to ensure viable gas source dexterity to manipulate the on/off valve in the situation of in-
advertent closure. As the single tank diver only has one possible
R5 Reach up with the right hand and close the primary valve
air source it is absolutely critical that at no time does the diver
while signalling for attention with primary light!
completely close the valve. This drill is used to confirm valve posi-
R5 Breath the long hose dry tion as well as exercise the ability to accurately locate and rotate
the valve to the on position.
R5 Remove the primary from the mouth with right hand
The drill is conducted as follows:
R5 Place the alternate in mouth with the left hand
R5 The team assumes a formation as dictated by the environment
R5 Clip off the primary to the right chest ‘D’ ring
R5 The diver who is currently conducting the valve drill will
R5 Pause
signal to one of his partners to watch him while he executes
R5 Reach back with the right hand, rotate the primary valve to the drill
the fully on position
R5 The partner will assume a ready state (be prepared to donate)
R5 Locate the primary, unclip, purge, remove the alternate and and indicate OK
replace it with the primary regulator
R5 The working diver will:
R5 Pause
◊ Reach up with his right hand and locate the valve
R5 Signal for attention with primary light!
◊ Demonstrate the ability to manipulate the valve (flow
R5 Reach back with the right hand and rotate the isolator to check the valve, do not close)
the fully closed position and then rotate the it to the fully
◊ Conduct a flow check
on position
R5 The team will rotate responsibilities so that all divers on the
R5 Pause
team have an opportunity to conduct the drill
R5 Move primary light to a temporary hold in the right hand
and signal for attention with primary light!
 SOP | 7

2 Emergency Procedures

Broken Guideline ◊ Search off line if given probable cause

◊ Place arrow on line
R5 Stop and stabilize your position
◊ Utilize safety spool for search
R5 Signal the team
If the buddy is not found leave all spools and penetration reel
R5 Establish a line-to-line connection between loose end of
in place. As well add a back up light on and attached to the
the broken line and safety line
line. Place several line arrows as you are exiting.
R5 Search for the other side of the line with the help of the
team
Lost Line Drill
R5 The guideline is likely to be near the bottom
Stop and stabilize position
R5 Fix the line permanently if time and conditions permit, if
R5 Search for team member’s light, silt and bubbles
not secure both ends of the line and warn others entering
the cave/wreck R5 Maintain position search for guideline
R5 Securely attach safety spool to fixed point
Line Entanglement R5 Conduct one of the following search patterns:
R5 Stop and stabilize position
◊ Circular
R5 Signal team members
◊ Wall-to-wall
R5 Make one attempt to free yourself
◊ Shotgun
R5 Signal team members for assistance
When line is found secure spool and place cookie on side to
R5 If guideline needs to be cut: travel
◊ Position team on exit side of cut
◊ Secure the line
Loss Of Visibility
R5 Stop, stabilize and reference the guideline
◊ Cut line and the free the diver
R5 With one hand secure the guideline with a locked OK
R5 Repair line if possible
R5 All team members must have the same hand securing the
If it is not possible to effect a repair, notify other divers entering
line(all must use their right hands or all must use their left
cave/wreck
hand on the line) while the other hand is holding a team
mate’s arm or leg in touch contact communication
Lost Diver Drill R5 Maintain good control(buoyancy and trim) as not to make
Stop and stabilize position a bad situation worse.
R5 Locate the line and reference the exit R5 Exit the cave in an expeditious manner
R5 Search for team member’s light, silt and bubbles
R5 Determine team member is truly lost
Loss of Visibility while Sharing Gas
R5 Stop, stabilize position and reference guideline
R5 Calculate available gas (1/3’s) for search
R5 With one hand secure the guideline with a locked OK
R5 Conduct the search as follows:
◊ Search on the line
 8 | Global Underwater Explorers

R5 If the guideline is on the right, the hose will feed straight possibly influence the execution of this drill, this outline is
from the regulator to the right hand, through the locked intended as a general guideline. Minor variations, such as using
OK on the line the BCD inflator mechanism to vent gas while in a more heads
up posture—as in evacuation from a cave environment—or
R5 If on the left, the procedure is reversed except the hose will
venting gas from the victim’s dry-suit, should be mentioned, as
go behind the OOG diver’s neck and feed through the
well as taught, as conditions warrant. For the majority of OW
locked OK of the left hand
training, the following method should be taught:
R5 In both cases both divers are responsible for controlling the
excess long hose Rescuer
R5 Signal Team
R5 The Out Of Gas diver will always secure the long hose
R5 Approach the Unconscious Diver (UD)
R5 Establish touch contact communication with the remain-
der of the team R5 Attempt to elicit a response with a light signal (if available)

R5 Maintain control R5 Attempt to elicit a response by physical contact

R5 Maintain good control(buoyancy and trim) as not to make R5 If the victim is unresponsive
a bad situation worse. ◊ Immediately secure the airway
Exit the cave in an expeditious manner ◊ If the diver is breathing and the regulator is in his
mouth, secure the regulator
Primary Light Failure ◊ If the regulator is not in place—do not attempt to re-
During a primary light failure the assisting diver should ensure place—continue with the drill
that the diver that has the failed light is comfortable and that R5 Stow your light if not needed. If needed it can be placed
the problem is properly managed. For example in the case of over victim’s left shoulder near the wing inflator.(be alert
the assisting diver should ensure the diver does not trap to long for entanglement hazards)
hose with the light cord. It is marginally more efficient for the
diver to avoid turning completely to face the diver; in this case R5 While keeping the airway secure
they would face the line (as in an overhead environment) or ◊ Open your dry suit dump valve fully
the current (in the case of OW). If visibility is an issue then
the team should arrange to face each other. The diver with the ◊ Open the victim’s dry suit dump valve fully
failed light will signal his team through touch contact if close ◊ Remove all gas from your BCD/dry suit. It is impor-
enough, else through effective activation of a back-up light. The tant for the rescuer to understand that the rescue will
drill at this point is conducted as follows: be conducted by using the buoyancy system of the
R5 Locate and remove a backup light from the stowed posi- victim, primarily the BCD
tion. Leave the light clipped on. R5 While holding the victim in a head-high posture, vent all
R5 Rotate the bezel to the on position the gas possible from his/her dry suit

R5 Signal the team ◊ Either reach over the victim’s right shoulder or under
the right arm to secure the airway/regulator
R5 Properly stow the primary
◊ Place your Centre of Gravity over the valves of the
R5 Unclip the backup victim
R5 The team will regroup with the failed diver in between for ◊ With the left hand, reach over/under the victim’s left
a three man team and in the lead for a two man team arm and gently inflate the BCD to the point that
At this point the team will decide on and execute the appropri- buoyancy using breath control can initiate the ascent
ate course of action as dictated by the environment. R5 The victim should be secured in a horizontal position
(where possible) with the rescuer’s left hand securing the
Unconscious Diver Rescue victim’s rear dump valve/BCD to maintain close contact
R5 Gas is dumped from the victims BCD as required to arrest
This drill is the recommended method to ascend with an un-
the ascent
conscious diver, a diver that is experiencing an oxygen toxicity
episode, or a diver that is otherwise incapacitated and unable, R5 Maintain a level of control that enables you to conduct a
themselves, to effectively complete a safe ascent for whatever safe ascent as well as stop and maneuver as required
reason. Due to the many environmental conditions that can
 SOP | 9

R5 Anticipate surface - from 10’ start to move unconscious 5. Listen for bubbles
diver into face up position adding gas during last couple
6. If there are no bubbles go to step 7
of feet to help this so when breaking the surface victim’s
mouth is highest point out of water 7. If there are bubbles isolate the manifold
The remaining team members should place themselves in a 8. Call in team mate for resolution
manner that they can assist the rescuer at any time during the
9. Afterresolution/confirmation conduct a flow check and go
ascent. This procedure should be using in conjunction with the
to step seven of Team/Team Mate Response section.
changes to this outlined in Annex A.
Team/Team Mate Response
Valve Failures 1. Position yourself properly
2. Identifywhich regulator the diver is breathing and physi-
The majority of failures occur in the first stages as opposed to
the valves themselves. The following two generic procedures are cally confirm valve positions
to be used by the affected diver as well as the team during the 3. Identify the problem
trouble-shooting phase of valve failures. Extreme care should
4. Resolve/Confirm the problem
be taken during all phases of team interaction so that when
executing this drill the regulator a teammate is breathing off 5. Communicate valve status and resolution/confirmation to
is positively identified in order to avoid inadvertently shutting the affected diver and the team
down that regulator
6. Ensure the affected diver does a flow check
Diver Response: 7. Make a decision
1. Signal Team
Complete documentation of all valve failures is detailed in the
2. Identify which side the failure is likely coming from (via document Valve Failure Identification and Resolution available on
sound or touch) and shut it down the GUE web site.
3. Breathe dry/purge affected regulator
4. Switch to appropriate second stage if needed
10 | Global Underwater Explorers
 SOP | 11

3 Updates and Changes

In order to rationalize differences between the Cave and Tech R5 If on the left, the procedure is reversed except the hose will
curricula the following minor changes are being introduced to go behind the OOG diver’s neck and feed through the
the Safety Drill and Light Head management procedures. locked OK of the left hand.
R5 The donor in both cases is responsible for controlling ex-
Light Head Management cess long hose in the same manner as the OOG diver.
As a guideline there will be four positions for the light head: While swimming side by side in an OW environment with no
guideline, the same procedure is followed. In discussions with
R5 Normal Position - light head held in the left hand our cave-adapted brethren, the law of primacy is proving to be
R5 Temporary Position - light momentarily held in right hand problematic in regards to this drill: Apparently it is difficult to
break the habit of grasping the long hose next to the regulator.
R5 Temporarily Clipped – light clipped with double ender at-
tached to loop at the rear of the light head. Stow the light The major change in this procedure is the situation when the
cord behind the long hose and under the waist band when divers are on an ascent facing each other or line abreast. In this
practical case, the OOG diver should be encouraged to hold the hose
in a relaxed position at arms length, rather than the current
R5 Permanently Clipped - light switched off, clipped using practice of holding it with the right hand close to the regula-
permanent bolt-snap and light cord stowed behind the tor. This has the additional benefits of allowing the OOG diver
long hose and under the waistband. to reference his/her instruments and providing a more relaxed
This has the ramification that during open water ascents the position in the water column.
normal position (left hand) should be preferred rather than
temporarily clipped position. The light should be temporarily
clipped during bottle rotations, gas switches, SMB deploy-
ments, and the like, but the diver should redeploy the light to
the normal position, once the drill has been completed, in order
that its value as a communication tool is not diminished.
Remember that when a light has been clipped off or deployed,
the diver must check:
R5 When light is clipped off - long hose integrity (hand fol-
lowing long hose down under light canister)
R5 When light is deployed – light cord integrity (hand fol-
lowing the light cord down to the light canister lid)

Safety or ‘S’ Drill

A change to the Safety drill has been adopted that harmonizes
the cave and OW versions of this procedure. The cave version
will not change. The OW version will change as follows:
R5 When following a guideline, the long hose will be held in
the hand in such a manner that the lead diver will capture
both the long hose and the guideline with a locked OK.
R5 If the guideline is on the right, the long hose will feed
straight from the regulator to the right hand, through the
locked OK on the line.
12 | Global Underwater Explorers
 Appendix A | i

Unconscious Diver Rescue

Managing an unconscious diver while under water is a problematic scenario. It is clear that a range of nuances create some
doubt about the perfect management. Furthermore, different scenarios likely result in additional complexity; it is impossible
to craft a strategy that operates independently of these variables. Yet, it is nearly impossible to revive an unconscious diver
while at depth, making it likely that an efficient ascent will be the most successful strategy. Very calm and proficient rescuers
may be able to manage multiple aspects of a rescue without compromising an efficient ascent. However, most rescuers should
focus on a few important points, ensuring they do not sacrifice safety or efficiency. We would argue that three areas should be
the rescuers’ primary focus:
R5 Maintaining control
R5 Keeping an open airway
R5 Ensuring a smooth ascent
R5 Failure to properly manage any of these areas is likely to result in a failed rescue.
Upon reaching an apparently unconscious diver, the rescuer should evaluate the environment and the victim. This ensures that
the diver is, in fact, unconscious, and also provides an opportunity to evaluate any associated risks, including loss of visibility,
lost direction, current, depth, and equipment. After evaluating the victim and environment, the rescuer should prepare the
victim for ascent. It is preferred to manage the ascent using only the victim’s buoyancy compensator. This reduces the number
of variables to be considered. Both dry suit and BCD OPV valves should be identified, left open, and oriented to allow vent-
ing. The rescuer’s BCD should be empty, though in some cases the victim’s BCD might not provide sufficient lift. In this case,
some gas is left in the rescuer’s BCD. Ideally’ the rescuer will “ride” the slightly positive victim slowly to the surface; the nega-
tive ballast of the rescuer acts to trap the victim, keeping the victim roughly horizontal. In some environments (e.g., cave or
wreck), this horizontal position is very useful to facilitate an exit that is not vertical in nature. Of course, where direct ascents
are needed this aspect is less important. Yet, it is usually easier to maneuver with a victim in the recommended horizontal
position.
While managing the victim during ascent it is usually easier for the rescuer to use the right hand to keep the airway open.
The regulator is left in place (if the regulator was originally found in the mouth, then it is kept in this position; otherwise
it is left out of the mouth). The rescuer’s right arm is often able to assist in stabilizing the victim; for example, trapping the
victim’s right tank valve in the crook of the arm can do this. The rescuer’s left hand is also used for stability, usually by grasp-
ing the victim’s BCD near the OPV; this hand is also used to adjust buoyancy (adding gas or dumping from the OPV/defla-
tor). The hand positioning as indicated allows the rescuer significant latitude in managing various scenarios (overhead, slow
diagonal ascent, etc.). However, the most important factors remain the need to maintain control, keep an open airway, and
ensure a smooth ascent. If the rescuer is in doubt over a change to procedure, the maintenance of these priorities always takes
precedence. It is possible to rescue a victim with countless procedures that span the management of dozens of variables. Yet,
one must remember that an unconscious diver has precious little time and failing to bring a victim to the surface will result in
certain death. Given these options, it is incumbent upon the rescuer to be as efficient as possible with the nuances of a rescue,
but to remain aware of the main priority: bringing the victim to the surface during a controlled ascent.

Ventilating An Unconscious Diver

The ventilation of an unconscious at the surface diver is usually accomplished in the same manner as for most non-breathing
victims. The preferred method is mouth-to-mouth breathing. It is possible to ventilate a victim using a scuba regulator;
however, this is not preferred, unless the environmental conditions make it difficult to ventilate without getting water in the
victim’s mouth. Regulator ventilation is not preferred as it creates several problems, including:
R5 Difficulty in creating a proper seal between the regulator and the mouth
R5 Difficulty in preventing gas from venting out the exhaust diaphragm (instead of entering the lungs)
R5 The likelihood of sending gas into the stomach (again instead of into the lungs)
R5 Finally the potential problem of over-inflating the lungs
However, regulator ventilation is a consideration where conditions might make mouth to mouth impractical such as from
heavy surf conditions.
ii | Global Underwater Explorers

It is also possible to use a regulator for under-water ventilation, though this is generally not recommended. There are few
situations in which this might be useful; moreover, few rescuers are likely to be successful in managing the added complexity
of under-water ventilation. However, rescuers trying to remove a victim where the ascent is likely to be notably delayed (such
as while removing an unconscious diver from a cave) might consider the use of a regulator for under water ventilation. In this
and similar situations the severity of the situation, as well as the low probability of victim survival, justify consideration of this
procedure. Ventilation of the victim is least dangerous while traveling at a relatively constant depth; very experienced divers on
a protracted ascent are the only individuals that should consider this technique. Of course the biggest problem with ventila-
tion while underwater is the risk of over-inflating the lungs. Embolism of an unconscious diver would negatively impact the
likelihood of survival.

Toxing Diver Rescue

The management of an oxygen toxicity incident while under water is very similar to the management of an unconscious diver,
as discussed above. The primary peculiarity relevant for a toxing diver is the potential increased risk of embolism, due to oxy-
gen toxicity seizures (during the toxic phase). In this case, it is recommended that the rescuer allow the seizure to cease prior
to surfacing with the victim. It is hoped that this seizure will last less than one minute, though some complications may be
present1. Should the seizure continue, or the conditions degrade, the rescuer is obliged to take the risk of a controlled ascent to
the surface. The risk of death is certain while under water, making a controlled ascent, followed by surface management of the
victim, a high priority.

1 Some issue could be made regarding complexities associated with oxygen toxicity; namely, that this reaction can be considered in two parts:
tonic (rigid phase while glottis is obstructed) and clonic (jerking phase where glottis may or may not open spontaneously). As the seizure continues,
excess oxygen is metabolized; over time (perhaps 1 - 3 minutes), these seizures will cease. It is conceivable that a victim might still be in the tonic phase;
yet, this may be difficult to identify due to stress, dive gear, etc. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a victim with significant O2 and/or CO2 accumulation
might continue to experience ongoing symptoms. This seems unlikely in most diving scenarios, and, in any case, is not something with a practical solu-
tion while diving. In the end, the rescuer will have to judge a time of least risk, ascending slowly, and hoping to do no greater harm. Continued in-water
immersion is tantamount to certain death when not breathing, while embolism may or may not be present.
Global
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