En route To The Location
While proceeding to the location every member of the team should be analyzing the nature of the call, water, weather conditions, and what will be done once on location. The first thing anyone notes is the time of day, and weather. Will the weather impede water rescue operations? Heavy rains can slow drive time to the scene and once there, hinder water work.
When boat operation are necessary the team needs to keep in mind any storms that may develop, or rough water. Sea sickness can hit even the most veteran sailor. Do not cripple an operation by not preparing for it. Have sea sick pills accessible to everyone. Boat operations in rough water also dictate that precautions be made, when using equipment. Extra equipment, and tanks need to be secured so that they do not move about the boat. Extra pieces of rope, and elastic cords, which can quickly be used, should be carried in an extra equipment bag.
The total time divers actually spend in the water searching varies from dive to dive. While En route to the location, a reasonable first team quick attack time can be determined. The colder the water temperature, the shorter the dive time should be. Areas that have tides necessitate the need for knowing when the tide changes occur. Finding out when they occur is not a mystery, recalling when maybe. The Team Leader should write down the tides everyday, and place them with the Team’s information sheets.
A problem that arises from tides is location of the command post. If it is set up at low tide, and the tide comes in, then equipment can be lost, or it may need to be relocated half way through an operation. Recognizing where high tide marks are for your area should be part of your preplanning. Use caution when setting up in tide zones and consult tide tables.
While traveling to the scene, you should be pulling all information you have on the location, and getting your plan ready.
