jackstay search

English

Jackstay search pattern

Noun

jackstay search (plural jackstay searches)

1. (search and rescue) An underwater search conducted by divers who follow a guide rope, each time they reach an end of the rope moving that end in a set direction; the divers may start together or from opposite ends of the rope.
   • 1998, British Sub-aqua Club, Sport diving: the British Sub-Aqua Club diving manual:

     To some extent the grid search has superseded the jackstay search in open water, since the latter requires many more ropes to be laid on the seabed. For a detailed search of a small area, however, the jackstay search has much to commend it.