Public Safety Diver Course
Public Safety Diver Level I
Course Overview
The proper administration of all Public Safety Diving Association and Water Rescue, Inc. (PSDA&WR, Inc.) courses is
the responsibility of the PSDA Instructor.
The following classroom information and instruction will be presented during the Public Safety Diver Level I, Level II
and Level III courses:
Administration
Certification and Orientation
Stress, Fear and Panic
Confined Water Swim Test
SCUBA Skills Test
Specific Course Topics as Identified in the Course Outlines
The following information on confined water instruction will be presented:
Public Safety Diver Equipment
Confined Water Swim Test
SCUBA Skills Test
Specific Course Topics as Identified in the Course Outlines
The following information on open water instruction will be presented:
Administration
Certification and Orientation
Open Water Skill Evaluation
Specific Course Topics as Identified in the Course Outlines
Prior to the course starting, each student must complete and return to the instructor:
PSDA Student Certification Card Form (side 1) and Public Safety Diving Assoicaition & Water Rescue,
Inc Waiver, Release and Indemnity Agreement (side 2)
PSDA Membership Application
PSDA Student Training Record folder
- Course Fees and Instructor Fees
- Student Personal Information
- Student Diving History and Certifications, if any
- Are you a Public Safety Officer?
- PSDA Waiver, Release and Indemnity Agreement
- PSDA Statement of Understating for: Remote Area Dive Training Sites Waiver & Release
PSDA medical history
Prior to the course starting, each student must review the last page of the folder which will be
discussed during the first classroom session with the instructor(s). Depending on which course the
student is enrolled in, the list of specific areas that must be completed prior to certification are
listed for reference. The student is responible to make sure that he or she is progressing toward
completion of the course and that the instruction that is completed is signed off and recorded on this
page.
The Instructor will explain the:
Class Schedule, Location, and Policies -
Equipment and Supplies - What equipment and supplies are the students required to provide?
What equipment and supplies does the instructor provide?
Air Fills - Who is required to make arrangements to have fills available and at what cost?
Classroom, Pool and Open Water Arrangements and Transportation - Where is all the separate
portions of the class going to be held and arrangements need to be made ahead of time.
Student Conduct and Attendance Requirements - Attendance is mandatory for certification,
training is paid for, certification is earned. Make up classes and related fees may be scheduled at
the discretion of the course instructor(s).
Proficiency Requirements -
Testing and Evaluation
Classroom Topics
Section 1
Introduction
Class Overview
Planning and Organization
Equipment Requirements
Stress
First Aid
Diving Specific Problems
Rescue Procedures - Conscious Victim
Rescue Procedures - Unconscious Victim
Rescue Procedures - Removal of Equipment and Carries
Missing Diver
Equipment Considerations
Water Skills
Section 2
Aquatic Evaluation
Equipment Checkoff
Open Water Skills
Confined Water Skills
Patterns
Emergency Procedures
Vehicle Retrievals
Evidence Retrievals
Communication Devices
Metal Detectors
Safety, Courage, Exceptional Skills and Faith are the tools of a public safety diver
Public Safety Diver Level I Open Water Training Dives
Open Water Dive #1
- Surface rescue of conscious distressed diver
Open Water Dive #2
- Surface rescue of unconscious diver
Open Water Dive #3
- Surface removal of diver equipment and surface carries
Open Water Dive #4
- Underwater rescue of conscious distressed diver
Open Water Dive #5
- Underwater rescue of unconscious diver
Open Water Dive #6
- Underwater removal of diver equipment and tows
Open Water Dive #7
- Missing diver searches (surface and underwater)
Open Water Dive #8
- Instructor administer final exam of all rescue skills