Public safety divers can be individuals working in law enforcement. Divers who are public safety divers have a few key differences from recreational divers. These include their dive locations, training and equipment. Public safety divers have to be responsible for protecting the natural environment, human lives, and property. Public safety divers will be equipped to handle the unique challenges and many tasks of law enforcement.
Training requirements
Public safety divers must complete several training courses. The first phase of this course is knowledge development in the classroom. The students will learn different techniques to solve missions and conduct searches. They will also learn the requirements for various equipment. The second phase involves multiple dives where students can practice their search and recovery skills in controlled environments. These courses are for public safety divers, who may wish to dive in hazardous or contaminated areas.
The ERDI is the most basic course in the public safety diver training program. It has been approved for training by OSHA, STATE, NFPA. 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 completion of the training, the ERDI card is issued. A certified ERDI instructor will be able to certify you.
Public safety divers play an essential role in law enforcement
Public safety divers are an important part of law enforcement. These divers often work undercover and can encounter criminals as well. Although these professionals have a unique role, it is important to not minimize the importance of investigators and police officers. Law enforcement operations can only succeed if both divers and investigators play a critical role.
Sometimes, LEOs deploy dive teams to assist with crimes in water. But in many cases, they also respond to incidents that occur on the land. The divers will usually be transported in small boats or patrol vehicles and then change to scuba gear when they reach the water's edge. During land-based investigations, LEOs and investigators communicate using spoken codes on police radio frequencies. When underwater, these codes are defeated. For communication with investigators, divers will often learn American Sign Language.
Gear is required
Divers using public safety gear have access to many different types of safety gear. Some are provided by the agency while others must provide 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 do not dive in contaminated water, or around vehicles or bodies that are submerged. The quality of the gear is equally important.
PSD courses combine different diving specialties. These can include rescue dives, advanced 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 may be called on to perform rescue and search missions in conditions that a sport diver would not encounter.