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

See that the diver is properly dressed and that the pipe is correctly joined up, the oil cocks on top of the cylinders closed (if the double-acting type of pump is used), and the pump securely lashed in the boat. Explain to the diver exactly what has to be done, and see that he understands the routine to be followed in coming up, especially that to be followed in deep diving. The depth must always be taken by lead line. All times must be kept by WATCH AND NOTED WHEN DIVER IS WORKING IN DEEP WATER. Working on a Ship’s Bottom.—When work is to be done about a ship’s bottom, propellers, etc., the rigging of stages, bottom lines, or ladders that may be required for the work should be carefully supervised to ensure security. The engine- room officers should also be warned whenever a diver is going down to the neighbour- hood of the propellers, valves, or submerged torpedo tubes. During such work every possible precaution should be taken to prevent the diver from falling-. The boat must be kept abreast of him, and the air pipe and breast rope carefully attended. On no account must the diver be allowed to go under the keel of the ship and upon the oppo- site side of her to that alongside which the diving boat is lying. Working about Wrecks.—In working about wrecks or in places where there is risk of the diver getting jammed or fouled, a second diver should be dressed and ready to go to his assistance if required. The second diver need not be kept in the boat, but may be also under water and at work. When a man is sent down to examine damage to a ship, it is generally a good plan to send him a slate, and let him make a rou^h sketch of the outlines of the injury and the lines of plating- round it with the positions of any valves or outlets in the neighbourhood, and, whenever possible, actual measurements should be taken. Such a sketch, however rough, will greatly enhance the value of the diver’s report, and may be of the utmost assistance to the responsible authorities who have to decide on the steps to be taken. Searching for Lost Articles.—Spots that have already been searched should be marked off by buoys or bearing's, and the boat worked so as not to cover the same ground twice over. Where the object sought is a cable or anything which can best be found by moving in a straight line, the diving boat may be kept under oars with the shot rope hauled up so that the shot is a few feet off the ground ; the diver, holding the distance-line, allows himself to be towed slowly along the bottom, while the boat covers the ground systematically. Where the water is very clear and not very deep, an iron grating may be slung under the boat and kept close to the bottom. The diver lies on this, and 44