Jerry G,
Hey mate if I could have a quid for each time I've been wrong I would be a rich man! However, I did state that the RN had free divers because of their different requirements. In my time of SAR involvement (crab and cg) I am not aware of any "form R" or rescue report where a life has been lost because our winchman were still attached. (the amarican airman in the Wash was already dead). Certainly in our North Sea Ops it has not been necessary. THerefore, why train for it when that training can be better spent? (There is always a financial budget be it the defense or coastguard).
I appreciate that aircraft falling off a deck has a specialist need for crew recovery which would be similar to the sinking civvy fixed wing you mentioned. I also admit I know nothing about "free diver" techniques. (Would love to be educated on this forum). It may well be that Jigsaw, being so "up close and personal" during deck transfers, could require the diver technique. If that is the case why did BP not require it in the trial. I await your response.