Underwater search and recovery

Underwater Search and Recovery

Underwater search and recovery is a specialized area of underwater diving that involves locating and retrieving objects or bodies from underwater environments. This activity is often conducted by professional divers, such as those in the police, fire department, or military, but can also involve civilian divers in certain situations.

Techniques

Underwater search and recovery operations employ various techniques depending on the nature of the search and the environment. Common methods include:

• Circular Search Pattern: This involves a diver using a fixed point as a center and moving in a circular pattern to cover a large area. This method is effective in clear waters with a known point of reference.

• Jackstay Search: Divers use a line or rope anchored at both ends to guide their search pattern. This technique is useful in low visibility conditions.

• Grid Search: A systematic approach where the search area is divided into a grid, and each section is searched thoroughly.

• Sonar: Devices like the AN/PQS-2A hand-held sonar are used to detect objects underwater, especially in murky conditions where visibility is limited.

Equipment

Divers involved in search and recovery operations use specialized equipment, including:

• Diving Suits: To protect against cold and hazardous environments.
• Lifting Bags: Used to raise heavy objects to the surface by providing buoyancy.
• Underwater Communication Systems: Allow divers to communicate with each other and the surface team.

Applications

Underwater search and recovery is used in various scenarios, such as:

• Accident Investigation: Retrieving evidence or bodies from underwater crash sites.
• Salvage Operations: Recovering valuable items from shipwrecks or sunken vessels.
• Public Safety: Locating missing persons or evidence in criminal investigations.

Related Pages

• Scuba diving
• Search and rescue
• Salvage diving

Gallery

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  Nesconset FD Scuba rescue team

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  Scuba team at Lake Ronkonkoma

• Team preparing for a dive

• Divers in action

• Diagram of a circular search pattern

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  Training with a hand-held sonar

• Example of a lifting bag

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  Underwater search and recovery

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  Underwater search and recovery

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  Underwater search and recovery

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  Underwater search and recovery

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  Circular search pattern

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  Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician training with hand-held sonar

• Lifting bag