Public safety divers are people who work in law enforcement, search and rescue, or both. Public safety divers differ from recreational divers in a few key ways, including their training, dive locations, and dates, and their special equipment. Public safety divers are responsible for protecting the environment and the lives of others on the surface. Public safety divers are also well-equipped to tackle the unique challenges that law enforcement brings and the many tasks they require.
Training requirements
There are several training requirements for public safety divers. The first part of the course focuses on knowledge development in a classroom environment. Students will learn about different techniques for conducting searches and resolving missions. Students will also learn about various equipment required for such missions. The second phase is comprised of multiple dives. This allows students to practice their search, recovery, and search skills in controlled settings. Public safety divers that want to work in dangerous or contaminated waters will benefit from these courses.
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 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. ERDI instructors can certify you.
Public safety divers play an essential role in law enforcement
It is important to recognize the importance of public safety divers for law enforcement. Many of them work undercover, and they may come across criminals as well as suspects in the sea. 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.
In some cases, LEOs use dive teams to respond to crimes in water, but in many cases, they will also respond to incidents on 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. LEOs (low-level officers) and investigators communicate over radio frequencies using spoken codes. These codes can be defeated underwater. Divers will learn American Sign Language to communicate with investigators.
Gear required
There is a wide range of safety gear used by public safety divers. Some gear can be provided by the agency and others must purchase their own. 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 are not permitted to dive in contaminated waters or near vehicles or submerged bodies. Quality of the gear is also 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 may be called on to perform rescue and search missions in conditions that a sport diver would not encounter.