Search and rescue for submersibles - What's new?

The author reviews the development of submersibles and past efforts to provide for their location and recovery when entrapped. Both equipment and organizational systems are discussed. The roles of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard are covered. A survey of existing and planned recovery devices is presented. A comparison of manned submersibles, divers, and remote systems is made for various rescue scenarios. The author presents his views on the optimum approach for a future underwater SAR regime, outlining the roles of the individual operator and government.