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

First thoroughly examine the fouling, and see if it is possible to clear an end ; if so, and if the turns are jambed, ropes’ ends or tackles from the surface must be got down and put on to break them out. Back turns can be taken, or the propeller turned to ensure the lead of the tackle being at its best, the diver and stage being out of the way when the propeller is being turned. If no end can be ex- posed, then the hawser must be cut with a sharp chisel or saw. This, however, is a long, tedious job, with steel wire. A special wire-cutting machine, which is found to be efficient and time- saving, is illustrated on this page. Photo No. 21 The Engineers must always be informed when a diver IS WORKING AT THE PROPELLER. Valves as a rule can be easily cleared from the outside by means of a brush and a pricker to clear the holes. If barnacles have gathered inside the perforated covering, the grating must be taken off to destroy them. I he position of the grating should be marked before removal, to facilitate its replacement. In case of the removal of a valve, after the securing plate has been taken off, the hole plugged up, and the plug cut off flush with the ship’s side, the outside should be covered with wood, lined with greased fearnought, to prevent any leakage inboard. If the valve is only to be kept out a short time, this covering need not be too se- curely fastened, as the pressure of water on the outside keeps it in place.