Public safety divers work in law enforcement or search and rescue. Divers who are public safety divers have a few key differences from recreational divers. These include their dive locations, training and equipment. Public safety divers will protect the environment, people 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 course's first phase involves knowledge acquisition in a classroom setting. Students will be taught about the different methods of conducting searches and solving missions. They will also become familiar with the various equipments 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. These courses are beneficial for public safety divers who want to work in hazardous or contaminated waters.
The ERDI is the most basic course in the public safety diver training program. 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.
Public safety divers are an integral part of law enforcement
It is important to recognize the importance of public safety divers for law enforcement. They are often working undercover and might encounter criminals and suspects in open ocean. Although these professionals have a unique role, it is important to not minimize the importance of investigators and police officers. Both investigators and divers are crucial to law enforcement operations' success.
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 be in patrol boats or small boats and then transform into scuba gear as soon as they reach the water's edge. 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 required
Divers can use a variety of safety gear. Some are provided by the government, others must supply 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. It is equally important to have high-quality gear.
PSD courses combine parts from multiple diving specialties. These courses can be advanced, rescue, or master dives. 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 may be called on to perform rescue and search missions in conditions that a sport diver would not encounter.