Individuals who are involved in law enforcement and search and rescue are called public safety divers. 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 are responsible for protecting the environment and the lives of others on the surface. Public safety divers are also well-equipped to tackle the unique challenges that law enforcement brings and the many tasks they require.
Training requirements
Public safety divers require a variety of training requirements. The first phase of this course is knowledge development in the classroom. Students will learn how to resolve and conduct searches. 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 for public safety divers, who may wish to dive in hazardous or contaminated areas.
The ERDI course is one of the most basic 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. All who successfully complete the training will receive an ERDI certification card. ERDI instructors can certify you.
Role of public safety divers in 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. The success of law enforcement operations depends on the contributions of both investigators and divers.
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. Divers will normally be deployed in patrol cars or small boats. Once they reach the water’s edge, they will change into scuba equipment. LEOs (low-level officers) and investigators communicate over radio frequencies using spoken codes. These codes can be defeated underwater. Therefore, divers will typically learn American Sign Language in order 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. It is best for all divers to be uniformly geared up, as it makes zero visibility environments much easier to manage and allows for more efficient maintenance. A full face mask is essential gear. Public safety divers often dive in contaminated waters, around submerged vehicles, and around bodies of water. Equally important is the quality of the gear.
PSD courses combine elements from several diving specialties. These could include advanced dives or rescue 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 might be called upon to assist in rescue and search operations in circumstances that would normally be avoided by a diver.