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Search and Recovery Diving – Equipment, Techniques, and Our Experiences

Whether it’s lost items, anchors, or entire boats – Search and Recovery diving is an exciting specialty. At Chang Diving, we have successfully recovered objects ranging from small valuables to 5-ton boats. Learn about the equipment we use, the techniques involved, and why our Search and Recovery course is perfect for you.

Why is Search and Recovery Important?

Finding lost items underwater is essential for many reasons. For divers or boat owners, losing equipment, tools, or personal items often means high costs and inconvenience. Successful recovery saves time, money, and resources. Moreover, protecting the environment is crucial: lost gear like anchors, nets, or dive equipment can harm marine life, damage corals, and pollute the underwater world.

Search and Recovery offers an exciting challenge for divers, requiring precise navigation, planning, and teamwork. Using the right techniques and tools – from lift bags to specialized search patterns – divers can provide valuable services while protecting the ocean. Recovering large objects like a 5-ton boat demands experience, expertise, and thorough preparation, making Search and Recovery both essential and fascinating.

Equipment for Search and Recovery

Lift Bags: Available in various sizes, from 50 kg for light objects to 5,000 kg for heavy loads like boats or engines. Filled with compressed air, they lift objects safely to the surface, with overpressure valves ensuring safe ascent.
Spools and Reels: Used to mark search patterns and ensure divers can find their way back, especially in low visibility or large search areas. Reels with 30 to 100 meters of line provide ample navigation range.
Buoys and Surface Markers: Signal buoys mark divers’ positions at the surface, crucial for surface teams during search operations. Larger marker buoys are used to pinpoint the location of recovered objects.
Cutting Tools: Sharp knives or scissors free objects caught in nets, lines, or plants. Heavy-duty cutters are used for thick materials.
Carabiners and Attachments: Securely attach lift bags to objects, essential for heavy or awkward items.
Underwater Communication Devices: Allow real-time communication during complex recoveries.

Search Patterns and Techniques

U-shaped Search Pattern: Covers large areas with two divers swimming parallel in straight lines, turning 90 degrees at each end for full coverage.
Line-Handled Circular Search: Ideal for small areas and low visibility. One diver anchors at a fixed point while another searches in widening circles, guided by a line.
Compass Lines: Ensures precise navigation using a reference line to systematically search an area, vital in complex terrain or currents.

Logistics for Large Object Recovery

When recovering a 5-ton boat, we strategically placed lift bags, carefully filled them with air, and slowly raised the boat. Weather conditions play a crucial role – strong currents, high waves, or poor visibility add challenges, requiring flexible planning. Effective communication ensures safety and efficiency, with backup plans ready for changing conditions.

Our Search and Recovery Course

In the PADI/SDI Search and Recovery Course, you will learn:

Various search patterns for every situation
How to use lift bags and specialized equipment
Planning and executing a recovery dive

After this course, you’ll be ready to recover lost items and enjoy a thrilling diving experience!

What Our Guests Say About Us

At Chang Diving Center, we’re proud to have earned the trust and admiration of divers from around the world.
Their reviews highlight the passion and professionalism we bring to every dive, and we’re excited to share their thoughts with you!

Google Reviews

Guests love our professionalism, safe diving practices, and the beauty of Koh Chang’s dive sites. See why we’re a top-rated center!

Tripadvisor Reviews

On Tripadvisor, travelers highlight our friendly atmosphere, personalized diving experiences, and dedication to creating unforgettable adventures.

Facebook Reviews

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Your feedback inspires us to continue providing world-class diving experiences. Thank you for being part of our journey!

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