112. Clearance

The removal of obstacles is a particularly dangerous undertaking since it means coming into direct contact with hazards. As a general rule it is best to avoid such impediments altogether. The only exception that I have ever made to this rule concerns the removal of trees that have ended up on the bottle site because of storm wash.

I have found that the best way to remove a tree is by piecemeal. Heavy duty cutters can be used to trim off the smaller branches, working from the outside in, which leaves a more manageable lump of wood. Offcuts can be dumped away from the site. This in itself my be sufficient to neutralise the object as a hazard, in so far as it might now be possible to dig around the remains of the tree in a safe manner. Alternatively, the tree can be removed by means of a lift bag, as long as there is enough depth to give the bag sufficient purchase. Otherwise, in shallower waters, it might be necessary to drag the tree up onto shore.

A completely separate cylinder and regulator should be used to inflate a lift bag. I do not consider it prudent to use breathing air for this task when diving solo. The common practice of using the exhaust of the primary second stage to fill the bag is totally out of the question.