Individuals who are involved in law enforcement and search and rescue are called public safety divers. There are a few things that distinguish public safety divers from recreational divers: their training, dive locations and dates as well as their special equipment. You will be responsible to protect the environment, lives and property of all those you care for. Public safety divers will be equipped to handle the unique challenges and many tasks of law enforcement.
Training requirements
There are several 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. 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 beneficial for public safety divers who want to work in hazardous or contaminated waters.
The ERDI is the most basic course in the public safety diver training program. It is approved and recognized by OSHA, STATE, NFPA. 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 completing the training, an ERDI certificate card will be issued. A certified ERDI instructor will be able to certify you.
Role of public safety divers within law enforcement
Public safety divers play a vital role in law enforcement. These divers often work undercover and can encounter criminals as well. 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.
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 be in patrol boats or small boats and then transform into scuba gear as soon as they reach the water's edge. During land-based investigations, LEOs and investigators communicate using spoken codes on police radio frequencies. These codes can be defeated underwater. Therefore, divers will typically learn American Sign Language in order to communicate with investigators.
Gear needed
There is a wide range of safety gear used by public safety divers. Some are provided by the government, others must supply 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 is a must-have piece of gear. Public safety divers often dive in contaminated waters, around submerged vehicles, and around bodies of water. The quality of the gear is equally important.
PSD courses combine different diving specialties. These can include rescue dives, advanced dives and master divers. To aid in rescue and recovery operations, divers may be required to learn technical skills and use nitrox. An additional requirement for PSD divers may be to be trained in another type of diving or in a special environment. These divers might be called upon to assist in rescue and search operations in circumstances that would normally be avoided by a diver.