Submarine Appliances And Their Uses
Deep Sea Diving, &c., &c.

Sending down a Rope or Slate.—The procedure in sending down a slate to a diver is as follows : On receiving- two pulls on the breast rope from the diver, the attendant attaches a slate, with pencil attached, to the breast rope ; he then gives one pull on the breast rope. The attendant will pay out the breast rope, and the diver will steadily gather down the slack until he gets the slate. The diver gives one pull on the breast rope when he wants the attendant to take up the slack of the breast rope again. The same routine is adopted in sending down a rope. After attaching- this rope to the breast rope, the former is taken well forward or aft to prevent turns getting round the latter when the diver gets the rope. He must be careful not to dip it between his air pipe and breast rope. Four pulls on the air pipe are an emergency signal, and the diver must never use it unless something serious has happened. There must be no delay in obeying- it. DUTIES OF THOSE IN CHARGE OF DIVING OPERATIONS. The following gear should go in the diving- boat. Where equipment is pro- vided for two divers, the second dress, helmet, etc., complete, must be taken away as well, provided there is another diver to use them, in case of need. GEAR TO BE USED. Air pump with handles, wheels, etc., complete dress, helmet and corselet. Boots. Weights. Suit of flannels. Shoulder pad. Breast rope and telephone box. Sufficient air pipe. Diver’s knife and belt. Rubber wrist bands. Tool box, with air pipe spanners, butterfly nuts, etc Spare leather washers for air pipe. Fitted shot rope. Diving" ladder. Slate with lanyard and pencil attached. Lead line. Boat’s anchor and cable. A watch for timing the diver. Sufficient men are to be taken away to manage the boat, turn the pumps, and attend the divers. See that the air pump is properly lubricated before use and the water jackets filled. The water in these must be changed, frequently, so that it does not get warm. Each cylinder and all the pipe must be tested by stopping the end of the pipe with a screw blank cap, and heaving round the pump till the pressure on the gauge considerably exceeds that corresponding to the depth to which the diver is to go down. 43