For the Sydney Project (
http://www.sydneyproject.com) we have our own procedures for what we call support divers. The guys usually are on single tank OC. That obviously limits their depth and runtime to NDL. A dive supervisor (with copies of everyone's dive plan) sends the support team into the water at certain pre-arranged times in order to
- check on the returning team: team complete, gear OK, any problems?, any needs?
- take used tanks and other gear
- run messages
- supply gas, food, drink where necessary
- provide entertainment (I'm serious here)
In case of trouble, the expedition diver sends up a slate to alert the surface crew. We use our own deco station for maximum comfort and safety, and can deploy extra shotlines and gas for divers who got separated from the group.
Check out this story at
http://www.sydneyproject.com/stories/story.asp?sid=23&pp=1
which gives a good example why we operate like this. During a recent 120m dive to survey a new wreck (SS Wear, to be confirmed) the ocean turned from millpond to 3.5m waves! The three of us on board had a tough job getting everyone back into the boat in one piece and without losing any gear. Could not have been done without support divers and a surface support crew!
Our procedures are available on the Internet under
http://www.sydneyproject.com/pdfs/Sy..._Procedure.pdf
Definitely one of the least glamorous jobs, but one of the most important ones for the guys in the water!!
Trust this helps. Any questions welcome.