UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010

Chap 3

CHAPTER 3

DIVER EMERGENCY
3-1. During any diving activity such as Exit and Re-Entry (ER&E) or Multi Swimmer Release (MSR) there exists the possibility that a diver may sustain a diver related illness or experience equipment failure. 3-2. The details describe the necessary actions to be taken in the event of the following diver emergencies: a. b. c. d. e. Table 31 Surface for Diver Emergency; Table 32 Diving Apparatus Failure; Table 33 Unconscious Diver Within Conning Tower (CT); Table 34 Unconscious Diver Within Fin; and Table 35 Unconscious Diver External to the Fin.

Diver Treatment Options 3-3. In all scenarios relating to diver related illness in the CT or any other diver related illness, the first person to assess the diver casualty will be the Diver medic. On completion of assessment the following options will be considered for ensuring ongoing treatment or observation of the casualty: a. b. c. Option One Diver will remain in the Conning Tower or location being administered Oxygen if required. Option Two Diver has to be evacuated from the CT, Fin or Casing into the Wardroom. Option Three Diver has to be evacuated from the submarine to support vessel.

Diver Casualty Evacuation Procedure 1. Under circumstances where the submarine can surface, the procedure for removing an injured or unconscious diver from the Conning Tower (CT) or Fin area will require the use of the Rescue Master and either the Recovery Strop or Paraguard.

UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

Chap 3

ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010 2. 3. 4. Under circumstances where the submarine is unable to surface, the absence of suitable lifting points inside the CT requires the use of Rescue Master, the Recovery Strop and the Upper CT hatch balance arm to belay the casualty from the CT to the Upper Accommodation Space (UAS). There may be situations where the CT lower hatch will be unable to be opened due to the inability to manoeuvre the casualty within the CT. This will require the submarine to surface, a diver to open the Fin Door and extraction of the diver through the CT Upper Hatch. To ensure that the diver casualty suffers no interruption to oxygen administration during evacuation procedures, the submarine is to ensure that the oxy-viva utilised by the DRT is fitted with the extended oxygen supply line. Table 31 Surface for Diver Emergency
TASK Divers indicate emergency by continuous tapping on pressure hull (8 taps or more) or by underwater communications. Inform CR DIVER EMERGENCY, DIVER EMERGENCY. Pipe on Main IC STANDBY TO SURFACE FOR DIVER EMERGENCY, DIVER RESPONSE TEAM, BOAT TRANSFER PARTY MUSTER IN THE UPPER ACCOMMODATION SPACE.
1. 2.

NO 1 2 3 4

ORDER BY

ACTION BY Divers

DSO-S

XO SCOOW

DSO-S

Divers

Communicate with divers DIVER EMERGENCY, DIVER EMERGENCY,CEASE ALL OPERATIONS, ALL DIVERS MOVE TO LURKING AREAS. Divers external to the CT are to cease operations and move to loiter positions. When all divers are in position communicate with DSO-S DIVERS READY. (Communicated using taps or by underwater communications)

5 6

XO SOLO

Inform CR DIVERS READY. Establish communications with Intermediate Safety Craft (ISC). Advise incident and submarine will be surfacing.

UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010

Chap 3

Table 31
NO ORDER BY ACTION BY

Surface for Diver Emergency (Cont.)

TASK

NOTE It is important to ascertain if the diver emergency is due to either physical or physiological injury. If the diver emergency is related to a physiological injury such as Decompression Illness, consideration should be given to conducting any decreases in depth as slowly as possible to minimise any further injury to the diver. This involves the submarine conducting the modified surfacing procedure to ensure the ascent rate of the divers does not exceed 18 metres/min. DSO-S is to inform the CO immediately if the submarine is required to conduct any additional requirements prior to surfacing. 7 CO SCOOW When SOLO has informed the CO of any special surfacing requirements and the submarine is ready, submarine is to conduct modified surfacing procedure in accordance with Chap 6 Table 61. NOTE Steps 7 to 8 is only to be conducted during E& RE operations 8 CTO
1. 2. 3.

Secures CT in accordance with CT manned or unmanned procedure Drains down CT. On completion, report on Main IC "CONNING TOWER SECURED, CONNING TOWER DRAINED DOWN."

DRT

DRT to muster in the UAS with medical bag and Oxy Viva.

UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

Chap 3

ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010

Table 31
NO ORDER BY ACTION BY

Surface for Diver Emergency (Cont.)

TASK

NOTE XO is to receive a brief from the DSO-S of nature of diver emergency. There may be a requirement for casing party to close-up at short notice to assist with the incident. To assist in rapid establishment of communications with Surfacing OOW consideration should be given to either use a Motorola or Tactical long lead comms when manning the bridge initially. 10 11 12 13 14 CO/WL CO Divers Surfacing OOW Surfacing OOW DRT DRT Divers located in Fin/Casing remove gear and assist When satisfied with state of submarine buoyancy CO orders ON THE SURFACE OPEN UP, OOW TO THE BRIDGE. Proceeds to the bridge, establishes communications and reports when on the bridge and happy. Proceeds to the fin directly behind the OOW and waits in the fin MAN THE CASING. DRT proceeds onto the casing and reports "DIVER RESPONSE TEAM ON THE CASING. Team responds to diver emergency. 15 16 17 WL CO MCC Surfacing OOW Surfacing OOW MANNING THE CASING. MCC places casing work tally on the tally board. Brief and handover to Surfacing OOW (COs discretion). Assume control of submarine from bridge and report I HAVE THE SUBMARINE.

UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010

Chap 3

Table 32
NO 1 2 3 4 ORDER BY ACTION BY Diver Diver DSO-S XO

Diving Apparatus Failure

TASK

Diver indicates to DSO-S via underwater communications or CCTV of equipment failure. Moves to alternate breathing apparatus immediately. Once diver has reported breathing correctly on alternate supply immediately brief XO of incident and implications Immediately brief CO, SOLO and WL of incident

NOTE SOLO is to consult with CO on intentions for continuation of current operation or to conduct diver recall.

UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

Chap 3

ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010 Table 33

NO 1 2 3 4 5 DSO-S ORDER BY ACTION BY Divers DSO-S CTO/XO SCOOW Divers

Unconscious Diver Within Conning Tower

TASK

Diver indicates unconscious diver in the CT or diver is viewed through CCTV. Communicate with XO/CTO DIVER EMERGENCY, DIVER EMERGENCY, UNCONSCIOUS DIVER IN THE CONNING TOWER. Pipe on Main IC DIVER EMERGENCY, DIVER EMERGENCY, UNCONSCIOUS DIVER IN THE CONNING TOWER. Sound <GENERAL ALARM> and pipe on Main BC CASUALTY, CASUALTY, DIVER CASUALTY " Communicate with divers DIVER EMERGENCY, DIVER EMERGENCY,CEASE ALL OPERATIONS, ALL DIVERS MOVE TO LURKING AREAS. Divers external to the CT are to cease operations and move to lurking areas.
1. 2.

CTO

Secures CT. Drains down the CT. On completion report on Main IC CONNING TOWER SECURED, CONNING TOWER DRAINED DOWN, PERMISSION TO OPEN THE CONNING TOWER LOWER HATCH. Diver Response Team (DRT) to proceed to the UAS with medical bag, Oxy Viva.

7 8 CO

DRT CTO

1.

Order on Main IC OPEN CONNING TOWER LOWER HATCH.

UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010 Table 33

NO 9 ORDER BY ACTION BY CTO/DRT
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Chap 3

Unconscious Diver Within Conning Tower (Cont.)

TASK

CTO opens CT lower hatch and reports. Diver medic proceeds into CT to conduct initial assessment of casualty. DRT and Diver medic to decide on appropriate diver evacuation procedure. If method requires the submarine to surface DRT IC to brief CO immediately of this requirement. Injured diver is extracted from CT, moved to the WR and treated by Diver medic.

NOTE SOLO is to consult with CO on completion of removing injured diver from CT on intentions for continuation of current operation.

UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

Chap 3

ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010 Table 34

NO 1 2 3 4 CO ORDER BY ACTION BY Divers DSO-S CTO/XO SCOOW

Unconscious Diver Within Fin

TASK

Diver indicates unconscious diver in the fin by continuous tapping on pressure hull (8 taps or more) or diver is viewed through CCTV. Communicate with CTO/XO DIVER EMERGENCY, DIVER EMERGENCY, UNCONSCIOUS DIVER IN THE FIN. Pipe on Main IC DIVER EMERGENCY, DIVER EMERGENCY, UNCONSCIOUS DIVER IN THE FIN. Sound <GENERAL ALARM> and pipe on Main BC CASUALTY, CASUALTY, DIVER CASUALTY.

NOTE Divers will normally conduct companion diver drill with the unconscious diver and exit the submarine. Proceed to Table 35 and conduct procedure from step 4. If unable to conduct this drill SOLO is to inform the CO immediately and proceed with following procedure. 5 6 DSO-S SCOOW Divers Pipe on Main IC STANDBY TO SURFACE FOR DIVER CASUALTY, DIVER RESPONSE TEAM, BOAT TRANSFER PARTY MUSTER IN THE UAS.
1. 2. 3.

Communicate with divers DIVER EMERGENCY, DIVER EMERGENCY,CEASE ALL OPERATIONS, ALL DIVERS MOVER TO LURKING AREAS. Divers external to the Conning Tower are to cease operations and move to lurking area as directed by DSO-S. Divers in immediate area are to take hold of injured diver. When all divers are in position communicate with DSO-S DIVERS READY

7 8 CO

DSO-S SCOOW

Inform CR DIVERS IN POSITION. When ready, submarine is to surface using modified surfacing procedure in accordance with Chap 6 Table 61.

UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010

Chap 3

Table 34
NO 9 ORDER BY ACTION BY CTO
1. 2.

Unconscious Diver Within Fin (Cont.)

TASK

Secures conning tower. Drains down the CT. On completion report on Main IC CONNING TOWER SECURED, CONNING TOWER DRAINED DOWN.

10 11 12 CO

DRT BTP DRT

DRT to muster in the UAS with medical bag and Oxy Viva. BTP to muster in UAS and standby to assist as directed by DRT IC When satisfied with state of submarine buoyancy CO to direct DRT and Diver medic to the fin to treat the casualty.

UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

Chap 3

ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010

Table 35
NO 1 ORDER BY ACTION BY Divers

Unconscious Diver External to the Fin

TASK

Diver indicates unconscious diver external to the Fin by: a. b. c. Continuous tapping on pressure hull (8 taps or more). Through water communications. Viewed through the periscope.

2 3 4 5 6 7

DSO-S CTO/XO DSO-S SCOOW DSO-S Divers

Inform XO/CTO DIVER EMERGENCY, DIVER EMERGENCY, UNCONSCIOUS DIVER EXTERNAL TO FIN. Pipe on Main IC DIVER EMERGENCY, DIVER EMERGENCY, UNCONSCIOUS DIVER EXTERNAL TO FIN. Inform CR DIVER EMERGENCY, DIVER EMERGENCY, UNCONSCIOUS DIVER EXTERNAL TO FIN. Sound <GENERAL ALARM> and pipe on Main BC CASUALTY, CASUALTY, DIVER CASUALTY. Communicate with divers DIVER EMERGENCY, DIVER EMERGENCY,CEASE ALL OPERATIONS, ALL DIVERS MOVE TO LURKING AREAS.
1. 2. 3.

Divers external to the Conning Tower are to cease operations and move to lurking area as directed by DSO-S and commence breathing on alternative air supplies. Divers in immediate area of affected diver are to take hold of unconscious diver, communicate with DSO-S, detach from submarine and conduct companion diver drill. Remaining divers when in position communicate with DSO-S DIVERS READY.

10

UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010

Chap 3

Table 35
NO 8 ORDER BY OOW ACTION BY Crew
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Unconscious Diver External to the Fin (Cont.)

TASK

Drop a datum in the CS; Record position by all means; Raise both periscopes; Both periscopes are to watch for the surfacing diver; Visual bearings of the diver are to be passed to the command plot every 30 seconds and plotted; Sonar/Track Manager monitor 30 second bearings of acoustic pinger; and Commence recording and brief Big Brother.

9 10

CTO DSO-S

Secures Conning Tower on completion reports CONNING TOWER SECURED. Account for divers and report their status and location to the CR.

NOTE Surface vessel is to be utilised for recovery of injured divers if available. In the event this vessel is not available submarine is to make arrangements to recover surfaced divers. SOLO to co-ordinate with CO of intended actions for recovery.

11

UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED

Chap 3

ABR 6009 Vol 2 Original, June 2010

BLANK PAGE

12