cave diving and the nss - bei Swiss-Cave-Diving

52 CAVE DIVING COMMUNICATIONS
REELS AND LINE MARKERS 53
When tying onto the new line, wrap the jump reel twice around the
new line, then clip the reel onto the new line in the direction of
travel. Again, this makes it easier to retrieve the temporary line
and will let other teams know your plan.
Conclusion
The preceding presentation on the use of reels and line
markers will, we believe, help to establish a consistent method of
deploying this apparatus and make available to the cave-diving
community a consistent means of communication. With these
standardizations established, variations can be more readily identified
and interpreted by cave divers in the field.
Clothespin added to a temporary-line connection
Many cave divers like to add a clothespin to the outbound
side of any temporary line connection. This added clip provides
an additional directional confirmation to the tie-off point. Should the
divers be forced to return through this connection in low visibility
and abandon the temporary reel for later pick up, no second
guessing will be required at the intersection. Other teams prefer
that each team member mark the intersection with his own clip.
Tying into the middle of a
permanent line with a temporary line
When tying into a permanent line with any kind of temporary line,
it is recommended that the tie-in point avoid nearby placements,
wraps, or tie-offs of the permanent line. Tying in a few inches to
the right or left of placements, wraps, or tie-offs—depending on the
intended direction of travel—provides for clean line-to-line contact.
Having one or more lines use the same tie-off fixture could cause
unnecessary delay during a low-visibility exit.
Jumping from the middle of one line to another
The procedure here is the same as with the gap reel except that
a directional decision must be reinforced before the jump. A
clothespin or arrow should be installed on the outbound side of
the jump. When the jump is made in a reasonably large, clean
tunnel, a clothespin is sufficient. If low visibility is expected on the
return trip, an arrow is preferable. If in doubt, install an arrow.