Public safety divers are people who work in law enforcement, search and rescue, or both. In a few ways, public safety divers are different than recreational divers. Public safety divers have to be responsible for protecting the natural environment, human lives, and property. A public safety diver will also be well-equipped for the unique challenges of law enforcement work and the many tasks it entails.
Training requirements
There are many training requirements for public safety divers. The first part of the course focuses on knowledge development in a classroom environment. The students will learn different techniques to solve missions and conduct searches. Students will also learn about the different equipment required to conduct 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 is the most basic course in the public safety diver training program. It has been approved for training by OSHA, STATE, NFPA. The ERDI Level II Course is the next. It covers advanced techniques such as emergency response diving using dry suits and full faces masks. After the training, you will receive your ERDI certification card. An ERDI instructor certified in your area of expertise will be able certify you.
Role of public safety divers in law enforcement
It is vital to not underestimate the role of public safety diver in law enforcement. Many of them work undercover, and they may come across criminals as well as suspects in the sea. The role of these professionals is not to belittle the role of police officers and investigators, although both of these roles are very different. Both investigators and divers are crucial to law enforcement operations' success.
Although LEOs sometimes use dive teams for responding to crimes in the sea, there are many instances where they will also respond on land to such incidents. The divers will arrive at the water's edges in patrol vehicles or small boat and will then change into scuba gear. LEOs (low-level officers) and investigators communicate over radio frequencies using spoken codes. These codes can't be used underwater. Divers will learn American Sign Language to communicate with investigators.
Gear required
Divers using public safety gear have access to many different types of safety gear. Some are provided by the agency while others must provide their own. As a rule, divers should all be equipped in the same manner. This makes it easier to manage zero visibility areas and simplifies maintenance. A full face mask is essential gear. Public safety divers don't dive in contaminated water. The quality of the gear is equally important.
PSD courses combine several dive specialties. These may include advanced dives, rescue 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.