OBJECTIVE – This customized program is designed to introduce public safety personnel to the skills required to safely deploy department watercraft in the support of divers. We customize this program to ensure students acquire knowledge of the specific watercraft and equipment used by your department during operations.

CERTIFICATION – Boat-Based Operations

RECOMMENDED FOR – All public safety personnel tasked with operating and maintaining a department fire/rescue vessel. Current DRI graduates wishing to increase their skills and knowledge.

DURATION – 3 Days/24 Hours

PREREQUISITES – all students must be a member of a public safety agency and at least 18 years of age. Students must also read and complete a RSTC medical statement prior to attending class. Any diver answering yes to any contraindication must have the form signed by a physician. All diving personnel must provide proof of Dive Rescue I certification.

This program is designed for personnel who are physically fit. Participants are encouraged to participate after successfully completing the IADRS Watermanship Test or testing to a fitness level of 13 MET (Metabolic Equivalents) or greater. Participants with aerobic fitness questions or concerns should consult their physician prior to in-water training. Participants who have poor aerobic fitness may attend this program as surface support personnel with the approval of the instructor.

Topics

• Overview of Common Watercraft for Public Safety Diving
• Watercraft maintenance and basic operations
• Accessory Equipment
• Principles of Anchoring and Launching
• Diver Deployment and Recovery
• Victim Recovery
• Incident command for Boat Based Diving and Search Operations