Public safety divers are individuals who work in law enforcement or in search and rescue operations. There are a few things that distinguish public safety divers from recreational divers: their training, dive locations and dates as well as their special equipment. Public safety divers are responsible for protecting the environment and the lives of others on the surface. 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
Public safety divers require a variety of training requirements. The first stage of the course includes knowledge development in classroom settings. Students will learn how to resolve and conduct searches. They will also learn the requirements for various equipment. The second phase includes multiple dives, where students practice their recovery and search 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 is approved by NFPA (STATE) and OSHA. Next is the ERDI Level II course. This course covers advanced techniques in emergency response diving including dry suits and full-face masks. After completion of the training, the ERDI card is issued. ERDI instructors will be able certification you.
Public safety divers are an integral part of law enforcement
Public safety divers are an important part of law enforcement. Many of them work undercover, and they may come across criminals as well as suspects in the sea. They are professionals, but they do not diminish the important role of investigators or police officers. Law enforcement operations can only succeed if both divers and investigators play a critical role.
Some LEOs will use dive teams to combat crimes in the water. However, many times they will respond to incidents on the ground as well. 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. When underwater, these codes are defeated. So, divers are likely to learn American Sign Language (ASL) in order communicate with investigators.
Gear required
Public safety divers can choose from a range of safety equipment. Some gear can be provided by the agency and others must purchase 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 several dive specialties. These could include advanced dives or rescue dives. Technical skills and nitrox may also be taught to divers in order to aid in salvage 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 might be called upon to assist in rescue and search operations in circumstances that would normally be avoided by a diver.