Individuals who are involved in law enforcement and search and rescue are called public safety divers. 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 will also be well-equipped to deal with the unique demands of law enforcement work and the numerous tasks it involves.
Training requirements
Divers in public safety have to complete several training requirements. 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. Students will also learn about various equipment required for such missions. The second phase consists of multiple dives in which students will practice their recovery and searching skills in controlled environments. Public safety divers that want to work in dangerous or contaminated waters will benefit from these courses.
The ERDI course, which is the most basic program in public safety diver training, is approved by NFPA, STATE and OSHA. It has been approved by NFPA and STATE as well as OSHA. The next course is ERDI Level II, which covers advanced techniques of emergency response diving. It also includes the use full face masks and dry suits. The ERDI certification card is issued to those who complete the training. ERDI instructors will be able certification you.
Role of public safety divers in 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. While these professionals play a vital role, they should not belittle the police officers and investigators. Both of these roles are quite different. The success of law enforcement operations depends on the contributions of both investigators and divers.
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 arrive at the water's edges in patrol vehicles or small boat and will then change into scuba gear. LEOs, investigators and police radio operators communicate using spoken codes during land-based investigations. These codes cannot be broken underwater. Divers will learn American Sign Language to communicate with investigators.
Gear needed
Divers using public safety gear have access to many different types of safety gear. Some safety gear is provided by the agency, while others are purchased from their suppliers. All divers should be properly equipped so that zero visibility environments are easier to manage. A full face mask is essential gear. Public safety divers don't dive in contaminated water. Either way, the gear's quality is important.
PSD courses combine elements from several 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 may need to be certified in other types or in a specific environment if they are required by a larger department. These divers could be called upon to perform rescue or search missions in conditions not available to a sport diver.