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River dives are different, visibility is usually not so good and they seem colder, However there has been reports of "treasures" found, particularly under bridges and the like.
Introduction
Strictly speaking divers should notify their intentions to the Environment Agency at least a month in advance. Their rules for divers are as follows:
- Follow EA officer instructions.
- Have licensed boat cover.
- Have fully equipped shore cover all times.
- Display A-flag all times.
- Post lookout to warn approaching boats.
- No diving within 50m of lock or bridge.
- Never obstruct craft.
- Archaeological finds must be sent to EA.
- Confirm dive with EA the day before.
Fishermen should be considered. Don't dive anywhere near lines and best to chat to them first to establish rapport and ensure no potential problems. Most are friendly, but if there are any problems, back off.
Again, use SMB's, always have shore cover and take the standard safety equipment (oxygen, first aid and a mobile phone). The big difference with rivers is the poor visibility and the eddies; often the visibility is so poor buddy lines are required and don't depend on the currents giving you a sense of direction, use your compass.
If the currents are strong abort the dive, if marginal, tether the divers and get shore cover to play line out. If divers do hear boats, the best strategy is to stay close to the riverbed; there is usually sufficient clearance in most rivers. Surface cover should warn the boats to stay clear of the SMB.
The diver marshal should warn divers of the risks of Weil's disease. Any flu-like symptoms within days of dive means advise your Doctor you been river diving. Wash equipment down after the dive, just as if salt-water diving, as organic crud and micro-organisms are no good for your equipment or your health.
Divers indicating trouble
There are a number of ways that submerged divers can indicate trouble to the surface, these include:
- Give a good purge on your regulator and repeat.
- Repeated, regular strong tugs on SMB to make it bob rhythmically.
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