Individuals who are involved in law enforcement and search and rescue are called public safety divers. Public safety divers differ from recreational divers in a few key ways, including their training, dive locations, and dates, and their special equipment. You will be responsible to protect the environment, lives and property of all those you care for. Public safety divers are also well-equipped to tackle the unique challenges that law enforcement brings and the many tasks they require.
Training requirements
Divers in public safety have to complete several training requirements. The first stage of the course includes knowledge development in classroom settings. Students will learn how to resolve and conduct searches. Students will also learn about various equipment required for such missions. Students will then practice their search and rescue skills in controlled conditions. These courses are useful for public safety divers looking to work with hazardous or contaminated water.
The ERDI course is the most basic of the public safety diver training programs. It has been approved for training by OSHA, STATE, NFPA. 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. After completion of the training, the ERDI card is issued. An ERDI instructor certified in your area of expertise will be able certify you.
Role of public safety divers in law enforcement
The role of public safety divers in law enforcement is not to be underestimated. They are often undercover officers and may encounter suspects or criminals in the ocean. These professionals are not to belittle police officers or investigators. However, both these roles are important. Effective law enforcement operations are dependent on both the divers and the investigators.
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. When underwater, these codes are defeated. So, divers are likely to learn American Sign Language (ASL) in order communicate with investigators.
Gear required
Divers in public safety have access to a wide variety of safety gear. Some are provided by the government, others must supply their own. 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 is a must-have piece of gear. Public safety divers often dive in contaminated waters, around submerged vehicles, and around bodies of water. It is equally important to have high-quality gear.
PSD courses combine parts from multiple diving specialties. These can include rescue dives, advanced 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 required to rescue or search in situations that are not possible for a sport diver.