Individuals who are involved in law enforcement and search and rescue are called public safety divers. In a few ways, public safety divers are different than recreational divers. 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 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 part of the course focuses on knowledge development in a classroom environment. The course will teach students about various techniques to conduct searches and resolve 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. This course is for public safety divers who wish to work in dangerous or contaminated water.
The ERDI is the most basic course in the public safety diver training program. 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. All who successfully complete the training will receive an ERDI certification card. An ERDI instructor certified in your area of expertise will be able certify 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 often work undercover and may encounter suspects, as well as criminals, in the ocean. They are professionals, but they do not diminish the important role of investigators or police officers. The success of law enforcement operations depends on the contributions of both investigators and divers.
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. During land-based investigations, LEOs and investigators communicate using spoken codes on police radio frequencies. These codes can be defeated underwater. For communication with investigators, divers will often learn American Sign Language.
Gear is required
Public safety divers can choose from a range of safety equipment. Some safety gear is provided by the agency, while others are purchased from their suppliers. Ideally, all divers should be geared up in the same way, which makes zero visibility environments easier to manage and streamline maintenance. A full-face mask must be part of your gear. Public safety divers often dive in contaminated waters, around submerged vehicles, and around bodies of water. Quality of the gear is also important.
PSD courses combine elements from several diving specialties. These may include advanced dives, rescue dives, and master divers. To aid in rescue and recovery operations, divers may be required to learn technical skills and use nitrox. In order to become a PSD diver in a larger department, they may need to be trained in different types of diving and in specialized environments. These divers could be called upon to perform rescue or search missions in conditions not available to a sport diver.