Public safety divers can be individuals working in law enforcement. 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. You will be responsible to protect the environment, lives and property of all those you care for. 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 first phase of this course is knowledge development in the classroom. The students will learn different techniques to solve missions and conduct searches. They will also become familiar with the various equipments required for such missions. The second phase consists of multiple dives in which students will practice their recovery and searching skills in controlled environments. These courses are for public safety divers, who may wish to dive in hazardous or contaminated areas.
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. 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 completing the training, an ERDI certificate card will be issued. A certified ERDI instructor will be able to certify you.
Public safety divers play an essential role 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. They are professionals, but they do not diminish the important role of investigators or police officers. Effective law enforcement operations are dependent on both the divers and the investigators.
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 usually be transported in small boats or patrol vehicles and then change to scuba gear when they reach the water's edge. LEOs and investigators communicate with each other using spoken codes via police radio frequencies when conducting land-based investigations. These codes can be defeated underwater. So, divers are likely to learn American Sign Language (ASL) in order communicate with investigators.
Gear is 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. 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 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 elements from several diving specialties. These may include advanced dives, rescue dives, and master divers. To aid in rescue and recovery operations, divers may be required to learn technical skills and use nitrox. A larger department may also require PSD divers to be trained in other types of diving or in a specialized environment. These divers may be called on to perform rescue and search missions in conditions that a sport diver would not encounter.