Public safety divers work in law enforcement or search and rescue. The training and dive locations of public safety divers are different from recreational divers. They also have special equipment and specific dates. Public safety divers are responsible for protecting the environment and the lives of others on the surface. Public safety divers will be equipped to handle the unique challenges and many tasks of law enforcement.
Training requirements
Public safety divers must complete several training courses. The first phase of the course involves knowledge development in a classroom environment. Students will be taught about the different methods of conducting searches and solving missions. Students will also learn about the different equipment required to conduct such missions. Students will then practice their search and rescue skills in controlled conditions. These courses are beneficial for public safety divers who want to work in hazardous or contaminated waters.
ERDI is the simplest of all public safety diver training programs. It is approved and recognized by OSHA, STATE, NFPA. The next course is the ERDI Level II course, which covers advanced techniques for emergency response diving, including the use of dry suits and full face masks. After completion of the training, the ERDI card is issued. ERDI instructors can certify you.
Role of public safety divers in law enforcement
Public safety divers play a vital role 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. 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't be used underwater. Divers will learn American Sign Language to communicate with investigators.
Gear needed
Divers using public safety gear have access to many different types of safety gear. Some are provided by the government, others must supply 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. The quality of the gear is equally important.
PSD courses combine different diving 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. A larger department may also require PSD divers to be trained in other types of diving or in a specialized environment. These divers could be called upon to perform rescue or search missions in conditions not available to a sport diver.