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#60
SSI Divers - Course question
mdc531 - 8/28/2007 12:43 PM
Category: Training
Replies: 14

My local dive shop offers SSI public safety courses 1 & 2. They seem to cover a lot of information or at least touch on other course material such as night/low viz, ice diving, search and recovery. I would like to know if anyone has any experience in the public saftey courses and if they would be in lieu of or in compliment to the other indv. courses.
#3442
Dorkfish - 8/28/2007 4:12 PM
I don`t have any information on these, but any information you do get on them I would be interested in knowing the source. I have yet to see anything official from SSI, PADI, or any other agency outlining official doctrine of a "public safety diver" course.

Genrerally from what I`ve seen there is no "true" public safety diver course. They seem to be a compilation of coursework/specialties that fit the needs of the specific department. Unless I am incorrect, the public safety classification comes with the emergency services description in most cases.
#60
Subscribed
mdc531 - 8/28/2007 6:23 PM
I`m not sure what you mean exactly. Are you saying these seem to be tailored for let`s say a fire dept. and not for the general public like you (I am assuming) or I? Because...if you are...I think you are right and that may be what this is.
#51828
Greg - 8/29/2007 8:58 AM
Add DPV to that training and the FBI will be watching you. There were a couple posts about that before. Instructors should report anyone that wants training on low viz diving, dpv and navigation to the FBI. What was your social security number again? :)
#3972
DiveRex - 8/29/2007 2:53 PM
So I guess I should stop inquiring about U/W demolition? No wonder that black suburban keeps following me!
#3442
Dorkfish - 8/29/2007 4:19 PM
Yes sir...they do appear to be tailored courses, partly because different locations have different needs so it is not feasible to have a general "public safety diver" course. If you get the opportunity to take part in that type of program though, I would do so. It may be a unique opportunity to add to the Been There/Done That folder.
#60
Subscribed
mdc531 - 8/29/2007 6:49 PM
DPV? Anyway, I just want to want to be able to counter terrorisim with my super scuba skills...Geez.
#51828
Greg - 8/29/2007 7:45 PM
DPV = Diver Propulsion Vehicle.
#1904
JollyRoger - 8/29/2007 8:40 PM
Have terrorists gotten so lazy that they have to use a DPV to partake in their evil and devious plans?
#60
Subscribed
mdc531 - 8/30/2007 2:43 PM
DiveRex, My wife is from Redford Michigan...Is that anywhere near you?
#3972
DiveRex - 8/31/2007 5:36 PM
I can not disclose that information. Al Quida has been looking for me ever since I left Guantanamo Bay Cuba. Seems the detainees have a grudge against me.....
#2288
vablackwater - 9/04/2007 3:55 PM
No offense to SSI, but there are a few agencies that meet NFPA and OSHA in terms of PSD diving. The main agencies I am most familiarwith are LGS, DRI and ERDi. PSD is not in the realm of normal recreational/ technical diving, and I believe it is most effectively taught by active PSD`s (LGS, DRI, ERDi). This does not mean that rec/ tech divers cannot transition to PSD, as long as they can recognize PSD is a whole other animal unto intself. The classes taught by recreational are just that in terms of Search and Recovery and Rescue... Recreational courses. PSD diving also is based in a team environment including backup and standby divers as well as tenders. Since it is a team environment, why take a course independent of others (just you)? Most of the agencies I am familiar with require you to be associated to a Police, Fire or Rescue Dive team in order to take the courses.
#2288
vablackwater - 9/04/2007 3:55 PM
Good link: http://www.tdisdi.com/index.php?did=16&site=4 The actual courses are adaptable in terms of environment but start with a core foundation. A big aspect of PSD is alsoin terms of evidence recovery, chain of custody of the evidence and providing court testimony. (another great link via one of the members of the VA State Police Dive Team http://www.ucidiver.com/ ) Different teams have different goals, resources, conditions, skill sets to deal with depending on what best serves the public. There is no short answer to your question, but feel free to send me a message if I can provide additional information for you.
#245
ff1diver - 9/12/2007 10:44 AM
Try Rescue Diver International out of Colorado. This agency is for fire, law, ems professionals. They offer Rescue Diver I and II all the way up to public safety diver instructor. Hope this helps. Good luck and dive safe.
#2288
vablackwater - 9/18/2007 7:52 AM
Dive Rescue International, or DRI, is out of Colorado. http://www.diverescueintl.com/