In what situations might it be necessary to secure a temporary guideline to an arrow on the permanent line?

Securing a temporary guideline to an arrow on the permanent line is particularly important when searching for a lost team member or exploring new passages. In these situations, visibility may be limited, and the risk of getting lost increases significantly. By using a temporary guideline, divers can establish a reference point that helps ensure they can navigate effectively and safely return to the established route. This practice enhances situational awareness, aids in orientation, and provides a means of retracing steps if necessary.

While training purposes and lengthy dives may involve guidelines, the specific need for a temporary line is most critical in dynamic scenarios like retrieving a lost diver or venturing into uncharted areas of the cave. Entering the cave usually occurs along predefined paths where the established guidelines already provide sufficient orientation.