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. You will be responsible to protect the environment, lives and property of all those you care for. Public safety divers are also well-equipped to tackle the unique challenges that law enforcement brings and the many tasks they require.
Training requirements
There are several training requirements for public safety divers. The first phase of the course involves knowledge development in a classroom environment. The students will learn different techniques to solve missions and conduct searches. They will also become familiar with the various equipments required for such missions. The second phase consists of multiple dives in which students will practice their recovery and searching skills in controlled environments. This course is for public safety divers who wish to work in dangerous or contaminated water.
The ERDI course, which is the most basic program in public safety diver training, is approved by NFPA, STATE and OSHA. It is approved by NFPA, STATE, and OSHA. The ERDI Level II Course is the next. It covers advanced techniques such as emergency response diving using dry suits and full faces masks. After completing the training, an ERDI certificate card will be issued. ERDI instructors will be able certification you.
Public safety divers are an integral part of law enforcement
It is vital to not underestimate the role of public safety diver in law enforcement. They are often undercover officers and may encounter suspects or criminals in the ocean. They are professionals, but they do not diminish the important role of investigators or police officers. Both investigators and divers are crucial to law enforcement operations' success.
Some LEOs will use dive teams to combat crimes in the water. However, many times they will respond to incidents on the ground as well. The divers will typically be deployed in patrol vehicles or small boats, and change into scuba gear once they arrive on the water's edge. LEOs, investigators and police radio operators communicate using spoken codes during land-based investigations. When underwater, these codes are defeated. For communication with investigators, divers will often learn American Sign Language.
Gear required
Divers using public safety gear have access to many different types of safety gear. Some gear can be provided by the agency and others must purchase their own. In order to make zero visibility environments more manageable and easier to maintain, it is ideal that all divers are properly equipped. A full-face mask should be a standard piece of gear. Public safety divers generally dive in contaminated water or around submerged bodies or vehicles. Quality of the gear is also important.
PSD courses combine different diving specialties. These may include advanced dives, rescue dives, and master divers. Divers might also be trained in technical skills and nitrox for rescue and recovery. PSD divers might also need to be trained for other types of diving in a more specialized environment. These divers might be called upon to assist in rescue and search operations in circumstances that would normally be avoided by a diver.