Public Safety Scuba Instructor
OBJECTIVE
Successful completion of the Public Safety Scuba Instructor (PSSI) program provides the instructor with the skills required to certify their members as Public Safety Divers (PSDs). This course is specifically designed to help dive teams develop a cost-effective way to certify non-divers and open-water divers as PSDs. A PSD certification combines the fundamentals taught in an open-water class with an emphasis on the exacting skills required to successfully dive in a rescue/recovery operation. The PSSI program is the most physically demanding and intensive study program. Attendees must be proficient in all the course subjects but also need to successfully complete the following: a final exam, delivery of a lecture on an assigned topic, and demonstrate proficiency in pool and open water diving skills.
PREREQUISITES
- Sponsorship by a Public Safety Agency
- At least 21 years old
- Current Dive Rescue 1 certification
- Completion of Med Dive [must be 2 day (20 hour) course]
- A minimum of 100 logged dives (at least 50% must be training/operational dives while remaining 50% can be recreational dives with only 2
- pool dives/year acceptable)
- Current First Aid, EMT or Paramedic certification
- Current CPR certification
BRING TO CLASS
All students will need:
- U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
- A knife
- A whistle
- Adequate clothing for working outside
- Pen and paper for taking notes and sketching
Diving students must provide their own equipment: Wetsuit or dry suit, scuba regulator: recently serviced + environmentally protected with alternate air source (i.e.: octopus), timing device, depth + submersible pressure gauge, BC with oral/power inflator, 4 tanks with current Hydro + VIP, mask, snorkel, fins, weight belt + 2 cutting tools (knife, wire cutters, or trauma shears).
