• Immediately determine where the diver was last seen from the buddy and/or others.
• Assign spotters to watch the last known location of the victim.
• Send out Snorkelers to the area the diver was last seen.
• Assign a team of divers to define the search area and begin the initial search.
• Determine if the diver left the area without notifying anyone.
• Prepare another team, or more, of divers with proper equipment to conduct a more systematic and complete search.

The first thing to do is determine where the diver was last seen. The diver's buddy and others, both in the water and on shore, should be interviewed as to when they each saw the diver last. Questions that should be asked include:

• Where was the diver last seen?
• What was the diver doing when last seen?
• How long has it been since the diver was seen?
• Get information on the diver such as, sex, what he was wearing, experience level, and other items that may help determine what happened to the diver and help identify the missing diver when found.
• This is also a good time to gather information on the profile(s) of the dives the missing diver has done. This info will be needed if the diver is found in an emergency situation.

Once it has been determined where the diver was last seen, the next thing to do is to place at least 2 spotters, preferably with binoculars, to watch the area where the diver was last seen looking for bubbles, the missing diver, or other evidence of where the diver may be. The spotters should be widely spaced to get different angles of view. Gaining height above water level also helps in seeing the area more easily.

Spotters should be responsible individuals, but they do not need to be divers. Depending on the people available, the individuals with the lowest level of certification can be used for spotting. Divers with higher levels of training should be used for the in-water portion of the rescue.

People should also be assigned to handle crowd control and someone should be sent to watch for, and direct, professional emergency personnel if approriate.

Snorkelers should be sent to the area the diver was last seen to gain a vantage point in the water. These people may be able to see the diver, depending on visability, and the spotters may be able to direct the snorkelers to bubbles or other signs.

Snorkelers do not need to be divers, but they must be good swimmers. Additional flotation should also be taken with them so they will not tire as easily -- this flotation may also come in handy later if a rescue is needed.

A group of at least two divers should be sent to mark the search area and begin a preliminary search. These divers should take both surface and underwater markers to mark the area.

Divers with training in search and navigation should perform this duty. At least one diver with Rescue training should be on the team in case the missing diver is found in trouble during the initial search.

• "U" Pattern
• Expanding Squares
• Circular Search

• Provide a means to recall searching divers.
• Searching divers should be in teams only and not exposed to any risk.
• Searches should be initiated at the point where the diver was last seen. Searchers should sink motionless to the bottom at the location where the victim was last seen.
• If other qualified search teams are not available, the rescue coordinator may need to take another person for a buddy and conduct the search himself.
• If the victim is not recovered within 30 minutes, recall all searchers and turn over the rescue to other authorities.