Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department
Dive Team 8
Operating Procedures and Regulations Manual
1. CHAIN OF COMMAND
1.1 Dive Team 8 shall fall under the Marine Division of the Tenth District V.F.D. The Marine Division Chief shall have command of the team and its members.
1.2 The highest level diver on the scene will have command of the Dive Team 8 operations at an incident or drill in the absence of the Deputy Chief.
2. TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS
2.1 Dive Team Tryouts
Any member who would like to try out for the Dive Team will have to satisfactorily complete one year of service in the department. If a member already has an open water certification they will need to complete the same series of swimming skills tests. The testing will be held in a controlled environment under the supervision of the Marine Division Chief or their designee. Upon completion of the skills, the member will be enrolled in a Open Water dive class. The tests will consist of the following:
2.2 Swimming Skills
1) Swim 1000 feet non-stop without any swim aids. Any strokes or combination of strokes are allowable.
2) Swim underwater without swim aids a distance of 150', surfacing no more than four times taking only a single breath each time.
3) Swim underwater without swim aids a distance of 75' without surfacing.
4) Without swim aids, tread water for 10 minutes or 2 minutes with hands on top of head.
5) Without swim aids, tow a victim of equal size a distance of 75'.
2.3 Basic Scuba Skills
Annually, each diver will be required to complete a set of basic scuba skills. The skills test will consist of the following:
1) Remove and clear facemask
2) Full SCUBA gear entries to include the giant stride entry and the back roll entry.
3) Swim underwater with air 2 regulator a distance of 75'.
4) Buddy breathing as both the donor and recipient. Recipient with and without a facemask. Each diver shall take 2 breaths per cycle. Donor shall always maintain control of the air 2 as its passed. The swim shall be 75 feet in length.
5) Transport a passive diver a distance of 75' underwater.
6) Must be able to free themselves from an entanglement.
2.4 Rescue Diver
All divers must successfully complete the minimum standards set forth by the team to become a qualified team diver. The minimum standards are as follows:
2.4.1 Level 1 - Rescue Diver
In-land, shore based operations not exceeding a depth of 20' .
Minimum Standards:
1) Member must have an open water certification from an accredited agency.
2) Member must accumulate a total of 60 minutes bottom time in their first three (3) months.
3) Member must demonstrate a working knowledge and be proficient using the following search patterns:
A) Sweep pattern
B) Parallel pattern
4) Member shall demonstrate a proficiency in filling out all dive forms and a working knowledge of all dive team equipment (pelican floats, strobe lights, etc.)
2.4.2 Level II - Rescue Diver
In-land and river operations not to exceed a depth of 30'.
Minimum Standards:
1) Must have been a Level 1 diver for at least three (3) months.
2) Must accumulate a minimum of 80 minutes bottom time of Level II dives annually, 20 minutes must be of night time dives.
3) Must demonstrate a working knowledge and be proficient in setting up and diving the following patterns.
In-land and river operations.
a) Jack Stay
b) Boat based patterns (sweep and parallel)
4) Must demonstrate proficiency in the operation of the underwater wireless communications system.
2.4.3 Level III - Rescue Diver
In-land and river operations not to exceed a depth of 50'.
Minimum Standards:
1) Must have been a Level II diver for a minimum of six (6) months.
2) Must accumulate a minimum of 100 minutes of bottom time annually, 20 minutes at night.
3) Must complete certification of Public Safety Diver or its equivalent from a accredited agency.
4) Must complete an advanced open water dive course or its equivalent from an accredited agency.
5) Must show proficiency in running a dive incident from start to finish.
2.4.4 Level IV - Rescue Diver
Ice diving, Deep water, Confined space diving, etc.
1) Member will have been a Level III diver for at least one (1) year.
2) Member will have completed one or all of the advanced dive training courses listed above.
3) Member will have completed the M.F.R.I. Rescue Tech. class or its equivalent.
2.5 Tenders
1) Show proficiency in completing all dive team operation forms.
2) Demonstrate a working knowledge of line tending signals.
3) Demonstrate a working knowledge of all dive team equipment. This will include in assisting the diver donning and duffing dive gear. Also included will be the assembly and disassembly of dive gear.
4) Must complete a written and practical skills test at the end of their evaluation period.
5) Must maintain a minimum of 40 minutes tending time semi-annually, 15 of such should be at night time.
2.6 Training
The monthly dive drills will be held on the third Saturday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Divers will be required to attend a minimum of eight (8) drills annually to remain in an active status with the team. All tenders will be required to attain their minimum tending time requirements. All divers will only dive at their level of training, Level I divers can dive on Level I training dives, etc. All divers will complete the basic dive skills evolutions annually. Night time drills will be held on scheduled Monday night company drills.
2.6.1 Specialty Training
Any diver or tender wishing to attend any type of specialty dive classes or seminars will contact the Deputy Chief and make their request to attend. The Deputy Chief will make the determination on whether or not the member will be afforded the opportunity to have the department send them to the class.
3. EQUIPMENT STANDARDS
3.1 Minimum equipment for divers
Each diver will be equipped with the following equipment that will be department issued:
1) Drysuit or Wetsuit
2) Gloves
3) Hood
4) Weight belt
5) BCD
6) 1 Knife and 1 Trauma shear on BCD
7) Tank
8) Submersible Pressure Gauge
9) Depth Gauge
10) Full Face Mask with regulator and Octopus Reg.
11) 1 Ice Diving Harness
12) 1 Gear Bag
The safety divers will be equipped with a safety lanyard and pony bottle with regulator.
Each diver will be responsible for their own fins, booties, mask, snorkel, etc.
3.2 Equipment for Tenders
1) P.F.D. or Exposure Suit
2) Watch
3) Reports
4) Tag Line Bag
5) Flash Light (if necessary)
3.3 Equipment Maintenance
3.3.1 In Station
All departmental gear will be kept ready for immediate service. Any gear that is placed out of service will be tagged and placed in the gear room and logged in the Dive equipment maintenance log.
3.3.2 Cleaning of Gear
All Department gear and equipment will be throughly washed after each incident or drill upon returning to the station. Drysuits will have zippers waxed and cuffs powered. All gear and equipment will then be properly dried and put away as soon as possible ready for immediate service.
3.3.3 Annual Maintenance
Any equipment needing annual preventive maintenance, V.I.P. or hydro’s will be scheduled with a factory authorized shop. Only two sets of regulators will be sent at a time to the shop.
3.3.4 Loan Out of Gear
Any diver may borrow a set of gear for their personnel use. The member will first contact the Deputy Chief to obtain permission. The member will enter in the Fire Department journal which gear they are borrowing and when it is returned. The member will be responsible for cleaning and returning the gear for immediate service. Only TWO SETS of gear will be loaned out at the same time.
4. OPERATIONS
4.1 Response
All divers and tenders will report to the station upon receipt of response for Dive Team 8. Once at the station the apparatus response will be as follows:
1) Any response in a river, creek, or other navigational waterway
First Due: M.S.U. 8 and Boat-8, Amb 89, Rescue-8, Eng. 8-3 or Utility 8.
Mutual Aid: M.S.U. 8 and Boat-8, Rescue 8 OR Engine 8-3.
* Exception to the above. If there is a vehicle reported in the water, Rescue-8
may respond before M.S.U. 8 and Boat 8.
2) Any response to a pond, pool, or other non-navigational waterways.
First Due: Rescue-8, M.S.U.-8 with inflatable, Amb 8-9, Eng. 8-3, Utility 8.
Mutual Aid: Rescue-8 ,M.S.U.-8 with inflatable.
3) Service Calls : O.I.C.s discretion
NOTE:
4.2 Manning
4.2.1 Minimum Crew
No diving operation will start unless there are a minimum of three personnel consisting of a primary diver, a safety diver and a tender. A Dive Team 8 diver may start an operation if there are additional personnel from Charles County Dive Rescue on the scene.
4.2.2 Crew Personnel
Divers will have priority over all other members of the department on any dive team response. Tenders will have the next priority over the other department members. The O.I.C. may designate the crew if necessary.
5. DIVE OPERATIONS
5.1 Dive O.I.C.
The Dive O.I.C. will make the determinations:
1. Assign an interviewer to interview the witnesses.
2. Determine whether it is a RESCUE or RECOVERY operation.
3. Determine whether to dive or not to dive.
4. Assign a records keeper.
5. Assign the primary, back-up divers and tenders.
6. Determine which pattern will be used.
7. Liaison with incident commander.
8. Determine if any additional equipment or resources will be needed.
9. Have E.M.S. equipment readily available.
10. Determine if a rehab sector will be needed.
5.2 Divers
5.3. Tenders
5.4 Line Tending Signals
The following line tending signals will be used by Dive Team 8. Any time a signal is "sent" it should be a quick sharp tug on the line for each signal. The tender shall maintain a taught line at all times and know where the diver is at all times. All tending lines will be a minimum of 3/8" polypropylene line. All lines will be marked in 5 foot increments.
DIVER TO TENDER
TUGS MEANING
1 OK? Direction
2 Need more line - searching area
3 Found object- send assist. non-emergency
4 Can I surface ?
7 NEED IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
TENDER TO DIVER
TUGS MEANING
1 Stop! Are you OK?
2 Search the immediate area
3 Go to the right
4 Go to the left
7 Surface
Note: Anytime a diver finds a victim or object, the tender will tie a knot in the tending line. This will help in determining the exact location where the victim or object was located for investigative purposes.
5.5 Hand Signals
A series of hand signals will be used during all operations. These signals will determine which direction the diver will start and also how much air they have left in their cylinder.
A) Before a diver descends the tender shall direct which way the diver shall start by extending the appropriate hand and pointing in that direction. Example, if the tender wanted the diver to go left, the tender would extend their left arm fully pointing to the left and vice-versa.
B) The diver shall take their hand and touch the top of their head to signal they are O.K.
C) Once a diver surfaces, they will signal the tender with how much air they have remaining in their cylinder. These signals will consist of holding up their hand and flashing their fingers. Each finger will represent 100 P.S.I. they have remaining in their cylinder.
5.6 Patterns
A) Sweep or Half Moon pattern:
This pattern allows for a quick and thorough search of a large area for a somewhat large item. It also allows more than one diver to search a given area. The tender shall pick out two reference points in order to determine the outer perimeter for the search. The diver shall start approximately 20 percent out farther than the last seen point. The diver should go out from the platform as far as necessary but not to exceed 150 feet. Once extended out to the desired distance the diver shall start their search back and forth towards the tender. At the end of each pass the tender shall take in 3 feet of line pulling the diver closer towards the tender. The tender and diver shall maintain tension on the search line at all times to maintain constant communications with each other.
B) Parallel or Pier Walk pattern:
A shore based pattern, used on piers and shorelines. Use the 150 ft. tag lines. This pattern allows for the diver and the tender to move at right angles to each other. The pier walk pattern allows the diver to begin close to shore or the dock and is faster than the half moon pattern. You can start the pattern outward or inward motion depending on the situation. At the end of each sweep, the tender will take in or let out 3 feet of line.
C) Running Jack-Stay:
Can be used inland with 30 lb. anchors or off shore 80 lb. anchors.
50 ft.,100 ft. or 150 ft. lines can be used. Useful for body and/or evidence recovery. The two divers will determine who will be the primary diver and who will be the secondary diver. The primary will be responsible to move the anchors in the right direction, the anchors should not be moved no more than three (3) feet. The secondary diver will be responsible for pulling the anchor lines back. Both divers will hold their hands together on the searchline and use "thumb signals" to communicate with each other. Both divers will predetermine how many passes that will complete before they surface for an air check.
D) Snag pattern:
This pattern can be used when recovering large objects. Use the 150 ft. tag lines. The diver shall be extended out the full length of the tagline and start a sweep in one direction. Once the tagline snags the object, the diver will be drawn back towards the object.
5.7 Communications System
The OTS wireless or hardwire communications system will be utilized on all dive operations when possible. The system will be placed in service at the start of an operation and remain in service until the termination of the operation. If the Dive O.I.C. determines that the communications system is not necessary then they can disregard the systems’ usage. The Dive O.I.C. will determine which member will be the operator of the communication headset and transmitter on shore. This member will be responsible for all communications to and from the diver and the O.I.C. After each use the system will be recharged and properly put away in its carrying case.
5.8 Night Time Operations
Whenever divers are to be deployed at night time the following procedures shall be used:
1. All divers shall wear strobes or glow sticks attached to the B.C.
2. If operating on land the dive O.I.C. shall have the area illuminated as best as possible with Rescue 8 or another unit.
5.9 Vehicle in Water
If the response is for a vehicle in the water, the following procedures should be used.
1. Size up the situation. Start a witness interview and determine what type of vehicle is in the water, was it occupied, was it involved in a M.V.A.
2. Determine the entrance location.
3. Determine which pattern will be deployed.
4. Once vehicle is located, have the back up diver bring additional line to tie off to the vehicle.
5. Deploy a pelican float.
6. Have back-up diver assist in searching the vehicle.
7. DO NOT penetrate the interior during the search.
8. Search using hand sweeps on the interior of the auto.
9. Search around the exterior of the vehicle for any victims.
10. If any victims are located during the primary search the diver shall exit the water with the victim immediatley for emergency medical care.
11. If the operation is deemed a victim recovery, the victim may be left in the vehicle. Coordinate this with the law enforcement agency on the scene.
12. Once the primary search is completed the divers can exit the water and have additional divers hook the vehicle up with a winch recovery cable.
13. Once the vehicle is secured with the winch recovery cable, all divers will exit the water and all personnel will relocate to a safe area away from the danger zone.
5.10 Persons in a Well or Confined Space
Anytime Dive Team 8 is dispatched for a Confined Space operation the following procedures will be followed.
1. Any diver to enter the confined space area will be trained in confined space operations.
2. Divers will use a life harness that is suitable for the task.
3. Divers will be permitted to use a horse collar type B.C. if necessary.
4. No smaller than ˝ in. kermantle lifeline will be used in the rigging of the retreival system. (excluding prussiks or utility ropes)
5. The tripod will be utilized at all times possible.
6. The confined space area will be ventilated as best as possible.
7. The in-line SCUBA or SCBA off of Rescue 8 can be utilized.
8. If the victim is in a vertical shaft, the diver will make the determination on which extrication method will be used. (leather wristlets, half back board,etc.)
9. Atmosphere contaminant or explosive measurment should be taken before entry is made into the confined space.
5.11 Ice Diving Operations
If Dive team 8 responds to an ice rescue diving incident the following procedures should be employed.
1. All personnel shall be wearing either a drysuit or a cold water immersion suit while around the ice.
2. Only the minimum personnel shall be on the ice.
3. If personnel is on the ice they shall be tethered with a minimum ˝" kernmantle lifeline to the shore.
4. The Dive O.I.C. shall determine whether or not they will need Fire Boat 8, for its ice breaking capabilities.
5. If there is a last seen point such as a hole in the ice, another hole should be cut in the ice near the last seen point hole.
6. A crew of no more than two rescuers will scout the L.S.P. and determine the ice thickness and hole site.
7. The hole should be at least 6 feet by 6 feet square. Once the hole is cut the crew should try and remove the slab of ice or slide under the ice away from the L.S.P. hole.
8. The crew can than take a 14 ft. roofing ladder and place near the entrance hole. This can also be used for an anchor point for lines. It will also spread out the weight of the crew.
9. All divers will carry a pony bottle.
10. All divers will use the communication system.
11. A strobe light will be lowered into the hole to be used as a reference point for the diver.
12. All divers will use a ice diving harness.
13. The half moon pattern should be the pattern of choice.
14. When the diver has completed their operation, they shall ascend to the ice surface and swim inverted back to the hole. Once at the hole’s edge the diver shall use their hands to find the edge of the hole to come out.
15. Once the team has completed their pattern, the diver and tender shall both return to shore for rehab. Rescue 8 should be utilized as the on shore rehab. unit and either boat as an off shore rehab unit.
5.11.1 Emergency Procedures for Ice Diving
1. Anytime a back up diver is deployed they WILL BE TETHERED also.
2. If the diver comes off their tether line at anytime, they will use the following procedures for emergencies:
A) Inflate B/C for a controlled ascend.
B) Ascend to the surface under and assume a vertical position under the ice.
C) Fix the point of their knife into the ice to hold their position.
D) Attempt to locate the back up divers tether line and oncesnagged by the line, give 7 tugs on the line and wait to be pulled in.
3. Once the tender realizes that they lost the diver they shall note the following:
A) The bearing to the point of last contact with the dive.
B) The distant out.
C) The back up diver should be deployed approximatly 30 degrees behind the last known position of the diver. The back up diver should go out approximatly 30 feet farther than the lost diver and then start a large circular pattern. At the completion of each circle, the tender should allow 15 more feet of tending line out. If 2 more passes turns up no diver, the back up diver shall be recalled and another diver shall start a bottom search pattern.
4. In the event of a regulator freeze up and it starts to free flow, the dive will be aborted immediately. The following procedures shall be used to minimize the possibility of a regulator freeze up:
A) Keep regulators warm and dry as much as possible.
B) Allow as little water as possible to enter the second stage.
C) Avoid pressing the purge button.
D) Control your breathing so as to not unnecessarily increase the volume of air passing through the regulator.
5.12 General Operating Procedures
1. Dives shall be limited to 20 minutes.
2. No diver will be permitted to dive with less than 500 p.s.i.
3. Divers can elect not to dive if they are not up to it.
4. Back up diver shall be fully dressed and be deployed to assist in 90 seconds or less.
5. Only ˝" kernmantle lifeline will be used in ice diving operations.
6. Strobe lights will be used on night operations.
7. An EMS sector will be available anytime a dive operation is underway.
8. All full cylinders will be layed down pointed towards the water.
9. All empty cylinders will be pointed away from the water.
10. The wireless communications shall be used at all times possible and the hand tug signals will still be utilized in conjunction.
11. The back up diver will be equipped with a safety lanyard.
12. A rescue swimmer with P.F.D. will be ready anytime there is a dive operation in moving water.
13. No diver will be deployed in any waters with a current greater than 2 knots.
14. Anytime the back up diver is deployed, a third diver will fully dress and fill-in as the back up diver immediately. A second back up air supply (B/C) and rescue swimmer will be available for immediate service.
15. Anytime during a recovery mode or evidence search, if the victim or object is found, a pelican will be deployed to mark the exact location.
16. There will be NO-DECOM DIVES.
5.13 Emergency Medical Care for the Injured Diver
Anytime a diver is injured or becomes ill the following procedures should be followed:
1. Minor medical emergencies are to include, but not limited to minor lacerations with light blood loss, small contusions, minor sprains or strains, can be treated on the scene with little or no follow up care. Each injury will be documented on the proper forms and in the departmental journal. Hospital examination and treatment will be the option of the injured person.
2. Major medical emergencies are to include but not limited to lacerations with moderate to heavy blood loss or uncontrolled bleeding, contusions with heavy swelling fractures, mild hypothermia. Treatment by qualified personnel with immediate follow up examination and treatment by a medical facility is mandatory. Proper documentation on the proper forms and entry in the departmental journal will be made.
3. Major diving emergencies will have a Medic unit dispatched to the scene for A.L.S. care of the diver. These emergencies are to include but limited to gas embolis, decompression sickness, oxygen toxicity, bad quality air situations, open and closed head injuries unexplained periods of syncope after diving and chest pains. Treatment for A.G.E. or BENDS will be evaluated by MICU personnel and SYSCOM for possible MEDEVAC to the MIEMS Hyperbaric chamber. If the diver is transported to the hyperbaric chamber, a member from Dive Team 8 will go with the diver to relay all the necessary information to the hospital personnel. All other major medical emergencies will be evaluated and the proper emergency medical treatment will be administered. The diver will then be transported to the appropriate medical facility. Proper documentation on the proper forms entry in the departmental journal will be made.
5.14 Termination of Operations
1. The O.I.C from Dive Team 8 will conduct the following:
A. Debrief all team members that were present.
B. Critique the operation.
C. Make sure ALL REPORTS are completely filled out and are correct.
D. Make sure all equipment and gear is placed back in service and ready for next response.
E. Take a survey of all personnel to determine their well being.
6.0 RECORDKEEPING
6.1 Dive Team 8 will maintain written verification of all diving operations, surface rescue operations, and physical object recovery operations. This log shall include, but is not limited to the following information:
A. Divers Name
B. Safety Divers Name
C. Names of all Tenders
D. Date, time and location of any operation.
E. Nature of operation
F. Any witness information
G. Short narrative of the operation
Anytime a dive operation has taken place, whether a drill or an incident, the diving log sheets will be filled out. An ample amount of operational dive log sheets will be kept on the following units:
A. Fire Boat 8
B. Dive Boat 8
C. Rescue 8
D. Marine support 8
E. At the station
The following is a list of the Dive Log sheets:
A. O.I.C. Determining sheet
B. Interviewer sheet
C. Pre-dive check-off sheet
D. Jack-Stay sheet
E. Half Moon sheet
F. Pier Walk Sheet
G. Monthly Drill Log
6.2. Personnal dive logs will be maintained by each diver. Each member shall be responsible to keep their dive log accurate as possible and up to date.
6.3. Each diver will have on file all of their formal training and certifications. This information will be kept in their personnel file and dive files at the station.