Swim Lines
A surface swimline in action (Video by Program in Maritime Studies, ECU).

Swimlines are a cheap and easy search method. On the surface, or under the water, divers arrange themselves along a line at equal distances apart. Divers determine the distance by the visibility; divers should be able to see the people on either side of them. One diver acts as the leader and sets the pace for the group, matching speed with the slowest swimmer. When a member of the swimline notices something they dive down to look. If significant, the rest of the swimline will stop and examine the feature as well. It is easy to reassemble the swimline search and continue searching.



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