PADI: Search and Recovery knowledge
review Questions And Correct Answers.
Describe a recreational search and recovery diver. - Answer A recreational diver who uses
simple equipment to find small to medium objects with relatively little value within recreational
depths and environments.
List the six potential hazards of search and recovery diving: - Answer 1) Sharp objects and
debris. 2) Entanglement. 3) Low visibility. 4) Currents. 5) Sinking recovered objects. 6) Boat
traffic.
List the five general steps in planning a search and recovery dive: - Answer 1) Define the
objective: What are you looking for and what you're trying to accomplish. Be realistic; plan
within capabilities and equipment. 2) Collect and analyze information: Interview witnesses;
determine size and weight of object; learn environment. 3) Choose scuba or snorkel: large
object in clear water? 4) Select buddy or team with appropriate skills who can be guided by
leader. 5) Briefing: To avoid confusion and gaps, a briefing is crucial; divers should have and
know specific responsibilities; select divemaster to coordinate and control the search.
Briefly describe when to use an expanding square and a U search pattern. - Answer Expanding
Square: When looking for medium-sized objects in rough terrain in reasonably calm water,
especially useful if area isn't large.
U search pattern: Suitable for finding small or large object in large area in calm water on flat,
unobstructed bottoms.
Briefly describe when to use and how to execute a circular rope search. - Answer When: For
finding a small object in a large area on relatively flat and unobstructed bottom; good for
currents.
How: One buddy acts as pivot, other takes end of line and swims in complete circle. If not
found, pivot buddy lets out some line and searcher repeats in bigger circle. Repeat until object
found or dive limit reached.
Explain why you shouldn't use your BCD as a lifting device. - Answer If the object broke free,
you'd be overly buoyant and could face a runaway ascent with risk of decompression illness.
Identify the weight at which use of a lift bag becomes mandatory. - Answer More than 10 lbs.
(4kg)
review Questions And Correct Answers.
Describe a recreational search and recovery diver. - Answer A recreational diver who uses
simple equipment to find small to medium objects with relatively little value within recreational
depths and environments.
List the six potential hazards of search and recovery diving: - Answer 1) Sharp objects and
debris. 2) Entanglement. 3) Low visibility. 4) Currents. 5) Sinking recovered objects. 6) Boat
traffic.
List the five general steps in planning a search and recovery dive: - Answer 1) Define the
objective: What are you looking for and what you're trying to accomplish. Be realistic; plan
within capabilities and equipment. 2) Collect and analyze information: Interview witnesses;
determine size and weight of object; learn environment. 3) Choose scuba or snorkel: large
object in clear water? 4) Select buddy or team with appropriate skills who can be guided by
leader. 5) Briefing: To avoid confusion and gaps, a briefing is crucial; divers should have and
know specific responsibilities; select divemaster to coordinate and control the search.
Briefly describe when to use an expanding square and a U search pattern. - Answer Expanding
Square: When looking for medium-sized objects in rough terrain in reasonably calm water,
especially useful if area isn't large.
U search pattern: Suitable for finding small or large object in large area in calm water on flat,
unobstructed bottoms.
Briefly describe when to use and how to execute a circular rope search. - Answer When: For
finding a small object in a large area on relatively flat and unobstructed bottom; good for
currents.
How: One buddy acts as pivot, other takes end of line and swims in complete circle. If not
found, pivot buddy lets out some line and searcher repeats in bigger circle. Repeat until object
found or dive limit reached.
Explain why you shouldn't use your BCD as a lifting device. - Answer If the object broke free,
you'd be overly buoyant and could face a runaway ascent with risk of decompression illness.
Identify the weight at which use of a lift bag becomes mandatory. - Answer More than 10 lbs.
(4kg)
