Public safety divers can be individuals working in law enforcement. In a few ways, public safety divers are different than recreational divers. 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 several 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 involves multiple dives where students can practice their search and recovery skills in controlled environments. These courses are for public safety divers, who may wish to dive in hazardous or contaminated areas.
The ERDI is the most basic course in the public safety diver training program. It is approved by NFPA, STATE, and 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. After completion of the training, the ERDI card is issued. An ERDI instructor certified in your area of expertise will be able certify you.
Role of public safety divers within law enforcement
Public safety divers are an important part of law enforcement. They often work undercover and may encounter suspects, as well as criminals, in the ocean. The role of these professionals is not to belittle the role of police officers and investigators, although both of these roles are very different. In fact, the roles of both divers and investigators are critical to the success of law enforcement operations.
Sometimes, LEOs deploy dive teams to assist with crimes in water. But in many cases, they also respond to incidents that occur on the land. The divers will arrive at the water's edges in patrol vehicles or small boat and will then change into scuba gear. LEOs and investigators communicate with each other using spoken codes via police radio frequencies when conducting land-based investigations. These codes are not effective underwater. For communication with investigators, divers will often learn American Sign Language.
Gear is required
Public safety divers can choose from a range of safety equipment. 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 must be part of your gear. Public safety divers generally dive in contaminated water or around submerged bodies or vehicles. It is equally important to have high-quality gear.
PSD courses combine elements from several 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 might be asked to perform rescue and search missions under conditions not experienced by a professional diver.