Rope Pulls | ucidiver

Rope Pull Signals

WARNING - What you are about to read DOES NOT take the place of qualified training!!

Rope pull signals are used whenever a diver is on a search pattern that requires communication with a tender, such as during the arc or circle search. The tender holds one end of the rope while the searcher, who holds the other, moves along following a specific search pattern. But more on these two patterns later.

Understand that there are a number of so-called 'developed' rope-pull signals used throughout the country. However, I have found the best signals are the easiest signals to remember. You're familiar with KISS - "keep it simple, stupid." Whatever signals your team finds easiest to remember, use.

A good habit to get into is to give a thorough briefing on what each signal means before anyone enters the water. This will include making sure all your divers and surface support personnel understand the signals. You'll find that the more you practice this procedure, the easier the signals will be to commit to memory.

The following are the signals I have come to use over the years. They were developed by diving on search patterns, using signals that just made sense, and in the order of the dive. They are easy to remember and are based on realistic underwater search communication needs while online. You'll notice I've tried to use signals that match the number of syllables in the words they stand for, an easy way for me to relate the signals to the meanings.

Example:

OK - is a two-syllable word, which requires two squeezes or two pulls on the rope. Stop - is a one-syllable word that requires one squeeze or one pull. You'll find that these two messages are the ones most frequently sent, so keeping the signals to convey them simply will keep you in communication.

TENDER TO DIVER

One pull - Stop
Two pulls - OK
Three pulls - Keep the line tight
Four pulls - Special
Five or more pulls - Come to the surface (recall)

Notice that I have reserved four pulls from the tender to the diver for special signals. It's not uncommon to start a dive when you and your team are the only ones on site. While the divers are underwater, you become bombarded with family members of the victim, the media, and/or your department's supervisors. Because of this, it's important to have special signals designed to let your divers know what's happening on the surface so they don't surface with something you don't want others to hear or that might embarrass your team. Special signals are also appropriate for special needs, like when you want your partner to go get the body bag or PVC pipe evidence container. Special signals are needed not only for rope-pull signals but also for hand-squeeze communication, which is coming up shortly.

DIVER TO TENDER

One pull - Stop
Two pulls - OK
Three pulls - Give me more line
Four pulls - I have found it
Five or more pulls - Emergency

Special note: Not returning a signal is considered an emergency.

Remember that in using rope pull signals, the pull must be firm but not strong enough to jerk the rope out of your partner's hand. The pulls must also be slow enough for the person you are communicating with to count them. It takes a little practice to know how much pull is needed and how much time to wait between pulls for effective, clear communication.

Both the tender and the diver need to develop a "feel" for the other. This enables each to tell by the feel of the rope whether or not they have a direct link with the other or if the rope has become snagged or entangled on a stump, rock, or other obstruction.

If you are the tender and you find the rope has gone slack, remain still. It probably means the diver lost the rope or is off his pattern. So let him find it. If you are the searcher and the rope has been pulled out of your hand, stop immediately and search for the rope in the direction you last "felt" the tender. Hopefully, the tender has not pulled it away from you.

Just like with any diving situation, anytime an OK is signaled to the other, it should be returned immediately. This is especially important in public safety diving, where water conditions and environments are rarely ideal.