Divemaster Control Techniques

1. Divemaster Control Techniques

2. Being able to control a group of divers: • Makes the DMs job much easier and less stressful. • Makes it much more likely the divers will have a positive experience. • Minimizes the likelihood of a diving incident.

3. Objectives • List at least five recommended methods a Divemaster may use to control diving activities. • State when and how surface floats should be used. • List at least five types of lines used by Divemasters, and briefly explain how each type of line should be rigged. • Explain when and where a dive flag should be displayed, the types of flags recommended and required for the local area, and describe local laws and practices regarding dive flags. • State three types of underwater communications used by Divemasters.

4. Objectives cont. • Demonstrate at least 10 instructional and supervisory hand signals commonly used by Divemasters. • Demonstrate three standard light signals. • Describe 5 general areas of concern for a divemaster regarding equipment. • List the minimum required and recommended personal diving equipment for open water diving in the local area. • Identify and describe the elements of a buddy check as represented by the letters BAG. • List at least five factors affecting as person's fitness to dive, and list at least five actions a person can take to ensure fitness.

5. Objectives cont. • List four minor injuries a diver may incur, explain the first aid procedures for the injuries, an explain briefly how the injuries can be prevented. • List four examples of safety rule violations by divers, and explain the recommended actions to take in the event of rule violations. • List four actions a Divemaster can take to help divers preserve the diving environment. • List four methods recommended to help remember people's names. • List four methods of assessing a person's competency to dive. • List four recommended methods a Divemaster can use to deal with problem divers.

6. General Rules It is important to get people to cooperate. • Always check in and out of water • Notify someone if you are leaving the dive site • No horseplay • set the example • don’t ruin good time • No playing in the surf • Unless that is the activity • No booze or drugs

7. General Rules cont. • Minimum equipment requirements • Understood and agree on in advance • Special areas • photo • empty tanks • full tanks • dry bodies and gear only • staff only • emergency gear only

8. Floats Surface Floats • Visibility / Identification/workstation • Use When needed or desirable • Boat traffic • Local ordinances • Local custom • Entry and exit techniques • Entry drag behind • Exit Push in front • Rigging and emplacement • Fixed = easy gathering point or navigation aid • Mobile = available for emergency response or monitoring

9. Floats cont. Rescue floats • Much faster through kelp • Hard boards are faster • Provide safety for rescuer • Provide security for distressed diver

10. Lines • Descent /Ascent lines • Group control • Easy for those with difficulty equalizing • Hang lines for safety stops • Marked lines for checking depth • Trail/Current lines • Rescue lines • Search lines • Buddy lines • Area demarcation lines

11. Flags • "Diver-Down" • International "Alpha" • Recall • Local practices • Laws and regulations

12. Pre-Dive Briefing • The pre-dive briefing is covered as a separate component of this course. • It is a vital aspect of group control

13. Communications • Common hand signals • Leadership hand signals • Get with your buddy • Follow me • ??? • Signal etiquette • get and keep attention • be firm about required response • be clear / exaggerate if necessary

14. Communications cont. • Audible signals • Touch / Line signals • Light signals • What if a diver is accustomed to different signals?

15. Equipment Problems • Be able to identify common problems • Problem recognition / prevention • Establish minimum equipment requirements based on: • Standards • Local customs • Equipment checking procedures • SEABAG • Be consistent (if you check one set of gear check them all) • Make sure divers understand they are responsible for their own gear • Handling equipment problems as a Divemaster • Stay within the limits of your experience • When in doubt, keep your hands off • If you lend personal gear • make sure it is within the service interval • Make sure diver is comfortalbe with it

16. Nuisances Physical Concerns • Health problems • Common Cold • Sinus or ear problems • Respiratory conditions • Seasickness • Inadequate nutrition • Fatigue • Hypothermia • Sunburn / Hyperthermia

17. Nuisances cont. Physical concerns continued • Alcohol or drugs • Pregnancy • Physical fitness • Poor physical conditioning • Energy level for this dive • Fatigue

18. Nuisances cont. Actions to Ensure Fitness • Regular physical examinations • Regular workout / exercise • Strength • Cardio • Good diet • Good rest

19. Nuisances cont. Emotional fitness • Undue stress • About this dive • External issues (family, job, etc.) • Ego motivation • Peer pressure

20. Nuisances cont. Safety rules violations • Lack of equipment or malfunctioning equipment • Buddy system • Maximum depth or time • Inadequate air reserve • Exceeding recreational time and/or depth • Missed safety stops • Rapid ascent

21. Nuisances cont. Minor injuries • Minor sunburn • Urchin spines • Stings • Scrapes

22. Nuisances cont. Miscellaneous • Lack of communication • Equipment problems • Not being prepared on time

23. Environmental Stewardship • Encourage conservation and game law compliance. • Emphasize buoyancy control and fin etiquette. • Encourage non-contact diving. • Set a good example • Motivate divers to help preserve

24. Public Relations Remembering names • Pay attention during introductions • Repeat name to ensure correctness • nick names? • Form a mental image and write it down. • Ask name if forgotten • Using the person’s name is important in an emergency • Cocktail party phenomenon

25. Public Relations cont. • I image • R repetition • A association

26. Public Relations cont. Diver assessment techniques • Greet the divers • Listen to the chatter • Observe equipment set up • Observe pre-dive behavior • Evaluate attentiveness during briefings • Mini-interviews • When necessary

27. Dealing with problem or uncooperative divers • Be fair, courteous, professional, consistent, objective • Open with a positive statement • State the problem ( be specific ) • Frame it so the diver will have difficulty arguing • Explain the effect of the problem • Request cooperation and give specific example • If diver refuses to cooperate, transfer all risk to the diver. • Best to have a witness

28. Keep in mind that while we are concerned with safety as much as enjoyment, most of your divers are more concerned with fun or accomplishing their objective. • The ability to exercise appropriate control techniques increases the likelihood of cooperation from your clients. • That in turn increases the likelihood that everyone will leave the dive with a positive feeling.