Public safety divers are people who work in law enforcement, search and rescue, or both. The training and dive locations of public safety divers are different from recreational divers. They also have special equipment and specific dates. 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
There are many training requirements for public safety divers. The first phase of the course involves knowledge development in a classroom environment. Students will learn about different techniques for conducting searches and resolving missions. Students will also be familiarized with the equipment needed 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. Next is the ERDI Level II course. This course covers advanced techniques in emergency response diving including dry suits and full-face masks. The ERDI certification card is issued to those who complete the training. An ERDI instructor certified in your area of expertise will be able certify you.
Public safety divers play an important role in law enforcement
Public safety divers play a vital role in law enforcement. They often work undercover and may encounter suspects, as well as criminals, in the ocean. The role of these professionals is not to belittle the role of police officers and investigators, although both of these roles are very different. Effective law enforcement operations are dependent on both the divers and the investigators.
In some cases, LEOs use dive teams to respond to crimes in water, but in many cases, they will also respond to incidents on land. Divers will normally be deployed in patrol cars or small boats. Once they reach the water’s edge, they will change into scuba equipment. LEOs and investigators communicate with each other using spoken codes via police radio frequencies when conducting land-based investigations. When underwater, these codes are defeated. To communicate with investigators, divers typically learn American Sign Language.
Gear required
Divers can use a variety of safety gear. Some gear can be provided by the agency and others must purchase their own. As a rule, divers should all be equipped in the same manner. This makes it easier to manage zero visibility areas and simplifies maintenance. A full-face mask is a must-have piece of gear. Public safety divers are not permitted to dive in contaminated waters or near vehicles or submerged bodies. It is equally important to have high-quality gear.
PSD courses combine parts from multiple diving 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 may need to be certified in other types or in a specific environment if they are required by a larger department. These divers might be called upon to assist in rescue and search operations in circumstances that would normally be avoided by a diver.