Public safety divers are individuals who work in law enforcement or in search and rescue operations. Divers who are public safety divers have a few key differences from recreational divers. These include their dive locations, training and equipment. As a public safety diver, you will be responsible for protecting the environment, the lives of those on the surface, and the property of those in your care. Public safety divers are also well-equipped to tackle the unique challenges that law enforcement brings and the many tasks they require.
Training requirements
Public safety divers must complete several training courses. The first stage of the course includes knowledge development in classroom settings. Students will learn about different techniques for conducting searches and resolving missions. They will also learn the requirements for various equipment. The second phase is comprised of multiple dives. This allows students to practice their search, recovery, and search skills in controlled settings. These courses are for public safety divers, who may wish to dive in hazardous or contaminated areas.
The ERDI course is one of the most basic public safety diver training programs. It is approved by NFPA (STATE) and OSHA. The ERDI Level II is the next course. This covers advanced techniques for emergency diving, such as the use of dry suits or full-face masks. After completion of the training, the ERDI card is issued. ERDI instructors will be able certification you.
Public safety divers are an integral part of law enforcement
It is important to recognize the importance of public safety divers for law enforcement. They are often working undercover and might encounter criminals and suspects in open ocean. These professionals are not to belittle police officers or investigators. However, both these roles are important. Effective law enforcement operations are dependent on both the divers and the investigators.
While LEOs may use dive teams in some cases to respond to water-related crimes, in most cases they can also respond to land-related incidents. The divers will arrive at the water's edges in patrol vehicles or small boat and will then change into scuba gear. LEOs (low-level officers) and investigators communicate over radio frequencies using spoken codes. These codes can't be used underwater. Divers will learn American Sign Language to communicate with investigators.
Gear required
Divers using public safety gear have access to many different types of safety gear. Some of the gear is provided by agencies while others have to provide their own. All divers should be properly equipped so that zero visibility environments are easier to manage. A full-face mask is a must-have piece of gear. Public safety divers do not dive in contaminated water, or around vehicles or bodies that are submerged. It is equally important to have high-quality gear.
PSD courses combine several dive specialties. These may include advanced dives, rescue dives, and master divers. Divers can also learn technical skills, nitrox and how to help in recovery and salvage operations. PSD divers might also need to be trained for other types of diving in a more specialized environment. These divers could be called upon to perform rescue or search missions in conditions not available to a sport diver.