Public Safety Diver

© Dive Rescue International 2011

Course Overview Public Safety Diver

Entry Level Certification Program Overview

7 Academic Chapters & Final Exam Pool & Open Water Sessions IADRS Watermanship Test

1-2

Public Safety Diver-Academics

Surface Swimming/Snorkeling Scuba Diving Using the Scuba Equipment Adapting the Body to Water and Pressure Depth, Time and the Diver The Aquatic Environment The Dive Operation

1-3

IADRS Watermanship Test

Successfully completed prior to certification IADRS created - NFPA recommended 5 Events – point system (METS)

Need 12 points total to pass 500 yard swim 15 minute tread water 800 yard mask, fin, snorkel swim 100 yard inert diver tow Surface dive to retrieve an object from 9 feet

1-4

Chapter 1 Surface Swimming/Snorkeling Mask, Snorkel and Fins Exposure Suits Weight Systems Snorkel Techniques

1-5

Objectives

Discuss the components of the basic equipment utilized by the surface swimmer.

Define the proper way to don, doff and use the equipment.

Explain the proper techniques or “skill sets” for entry, exit and surface swimming while snorkeling.

1-6

Masks

Types High Volume Low Volume

Materials Rubber Silicone

Fit

1-7

Mask Features

Lens Strap Skirt Positive Locking Device Nose Pocket Purge Valves Corrective Lenses

Maintenance and Storage Equalizing, Clearing

1-8

Snorkel

Purpose Materials

Rubber Silicone Plastic

Adjustment Clearing

Features Large vs Small Bore Corrugated vs Smooth Purge Valve Curved vs Straight Tube Mouthpiece Maintenance Snorkel Keeper

1-9

Fins and Footwear

Purpose Types

Adjustable / Open Heel Full Foot

Materials Rubber Thermoplastics Graphite Injected

Features Vents Ribs Channels Buckles Stiff vs Flexible

Adjustment and fit Maintenance /

storage

1-10

Exposure Protection-Dive Skin

Purpose Types

Lycra, Polartec, Darlexx or Thermalastic

Features Donning Buoyancy Maintenance and Storage

1-11

Exposure Protection-Wet Suit Purpose Types

One-piece Two-piece Shorty

Materials Features

Thickness Accessories

1-12

Exposure Protection-Dry Suits

Purpose Types Materials

Neoprene Nylon Vulcanized rubber Tri-butyl laminate Urethane-coated nylon

Features1-13

Weight System Purpose Types/Material

Standard Belt with Weights

Pouch or Pocket Work and Weight

System Materials Buckle Location

“Texas Quick Draw”1-14

Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) Purpose Types

Front Mount or Snorkel Vest

Back Mount Jacket Style Advanced Design

Construction

Features Oral Inflator Valve CO2 Cartridge Dump Valve(s) Pockets

Adjustment, Fit and Capacity

Maintenance and Storage

1-15

Donning the Equipment

Exposure Protection Boots Hood Gloves BCD Mask and Snorkel Weight System Fins

1-16

Entering the Water

Controlled Seated Entry Giant Stride Entry Feet First Jumping Entry Roll Entries

1-17

“The best way is the easiest, safest and least disorienting way”

Swimming/Surface Dives w/Fins

Flutter Kick Dolphin Kick Scissor Kick

Head First Dive Feet First Dive

1-18

Discussion Questions/Review What are some of the features to

look for in a dive mask, and how do these features benefit the diver?

How does a diver prevent condensation from forming on the inside of the mask lens?

  How can a diver prevent a mask

squeeze from occurring?

  Which side of the head is the

snorkel worn on and why?

  What are the two basic fin

styles?

 

Describe the two methods for clearing the snorkel?

  List three types of exposure suits

and describe when they might be worn.

What two pieces of equipment help a diver achieve neutral buoyancy?

How would a diver equalize the pressure in his ears while making a descent?

What are two ways to achieve positive buoyancy?

Summary

You have just begun a rewarding career as a Public Safety Diver. Your first step was learning about the basic equipment and techniques used by surface swimmers and/or snorkelers. You now have a good foundation on which to continue your development as a public safety diver.

1-20