Getting Found - Drift or Stay Put

[Web Monkey]

There have been a number of threads recently about getting separated from the boat (no boat when you surface, current, etc.).

Assuming you've been a good diver and surfaced with enough gas (1/3 tank or better), and SMB (or two) and a reel, is it better to:

1. Deploy an SMB and drift with it
2. Drop back down to the bottom, tie off on a wreck, rock or other structure, then surface, deploy the SMB, hang on to the reel and remain stationary

Would a search operation generally start looking where the current would have taken you, given its speed and how long you've been missing or do they start looking at the point you should have surfaced?

Terry

 

[erparamedic]

Very good question! I'm curious about the answers that you'll get.

 

[Blackwood]

I'd say stay put. A rescue operation is going to attempt to cover an area where they expect to find you, and if you are moving, there's a greater chance (it seems to me, anyway) that they'd keep missing you.

 

[crpntr133]

Only stands to reason that a moving target is harder to find than a stationary one. I would say tie off.

 

[String]

If the area is prone to strong currents you may well get dragged under if you attach yourself to the wreck.

Don't forget SAR services computer software for missing person takes into account tides, wind, currents etc to create a search datum so just because you're drifting it doesn't always mean they dont know where to look.

 

[The Kraken]

An excellent question!!!

Perhaps a Coast Guard member will jump in with some input.

Perhaps the combination of the two is best.

Initially, tie off to the wreck or bottom, if possible. And then, if one finds the current is too strong to remain on the surface, go with the flow.

the K

 

[Web Monkey]

If the area is prone to strong currents you may well get dragged under if you attach yourself to the wreck.

I carry a 330' reel and never dive below 130', so getting dragged under probably isn't much of a problem.

Don't forget SAR services computer software for missing person takes into account tides, wind, currents etc to create a search datum so just because you're drifting it doesn't always mean they dont know where to look.

That's really the question. Would they be looking where I should be, assuming I'm drifting, or would they always check where I started, too?

Terry

 

[The Chairman]

I would just call them on my shell phone.

The depth/current and other factors would cause me to make my decision in situ.

 

[String]

I carry a 330' reel and never dive below 130', so getting dragged under probably isn't much of a problem.

Depends on the current strength and duration.

If you dived at say slack water spring tide and then had to put up with the 3-4 hours of 3-5kt currents after it no matter how long your reel is when you reach the end of it the strain can drag you under.

<deleted>

I bet the above diagram doesnt work due to font selections though.

Edit:- Correct it doesn't. The forum cuts out whitespace.

 

[engdiver]

There was a TV show on about this last week called 'I Should'nt be Alive' on the Discover Channel. It was about two divers left after a dive in the Solomon's. They were drifting and after 4 hours of staying put they decided to swim for the Island. The rescuers were looking for them and did not see them until the next day. After almost 24 hours they were found within 100 yards of the shoreline severly dehydrated and full of jellyfish stings.
In this case swimming for it probably saved there lives.