Divemaster Control Techniques

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

FloatsSurface 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

Floats cont.

Rescue floats• Much faster through kelp

– Hard boards are faster• Provide safety for rescuer• Provide security for distressed diver

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

Flags

• "Diver-Down"• International "Alpha"• Recall

– Local practices– Laws and regulations

Pre-Dive Briefing• The pre-dive briefing is covered as a

separate component of this course.• It is a vital aspect of group control

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

Communications cont.

• Audible signals• Touch / Line signals• Light signals

• What if a diver is accustomed to different signals?

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

NuisancesPhysical Concerns• Health problems

– Common Cold• Sinus or ear problems• Respiratory conditions• Seasickness• Inadequate nutrition• Fatigue• Hypothermia• Sunburn / Hyperthermia

Nuisances cont.

Physical concerns continued• Alcohol or drugs• Pregnancy • Physical fitness

– Poor physical conditioning– Energy level for this dive– Fatigue

Nuisances cont.

Actions to Ensure Fitness• Regular physical examinations• Regular workout / exercise

– Strength– Cardio

• Good diet• Good rest

Nuisances cont.

Emotional fitness• Undue stress

– About this dive– External issues (family, job, etc.)

• Ego motivation• Peer pressure

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

Nuisances cont.

Minor injuries• Minor sunburn• Urchin spines• Stings• Scrapes

Nuisances cont.

Miscellaneous • Lack of communication• Equipment problems• Not being prepared on time

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

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

Public Relations cont.

• I image• R repetition• A association

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

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

• 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.