swim qualifications- boat crew and divers

[txaggie08]

Does your team have a basic swim qualification? We're having hell convincing our board that yes the boat crew not only needs life jackets, but needs to be able to swim....

If you would, I'd like to see what some different PSD teams are using.

 

[BladesRobinson]

The National Fire Protection Association suggests the use of the IADRS Watermanship Test for those personnel working under, on and around the water. The IADRS Watermanship Test is designed to test physical fitness and comfort in the water.

A copy of the IADRS Watermanship Test can be downloaded free online at:
http://www.iadrs.org/media/IADRS_Watermanship_Test.pdf

I will also mention that the International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists (IADRS.org) is a non-profit organization that is supported by volunteers and dues paying members. The goal of the organization is to reduce public safety diver line of duty deaths through the exchange of information and resources. The organization provides a 24/7 emergency helpline, an equipment cache (ROV, SONAR, etc) and a database of resources available to assist teams in an emergency.

Public safety divers who are interested in supporting the mission of the IADRS should download an application at:
International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists - IADRS

Thank you in advance for your interest.

Blades Robinson, Executive Director
International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists
International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists - IADRS

 

[Upstate Scuba OWI]

We use the IADRS for all team members, and the law enforcement officers that patrol the lakes by boat.

 

[txaggie08]

Thanks for the link, That will be going to my LT....


It has been a massive uphill battle to make the board understand how dangerous these operations are. They have fought us tooth and nail on ANY swim qual, simply because two of the volunteers can't swim, but still want to play with the boat. Now they have paid, without consulting marine division command, a firefighter through basic open water, and are expecting us to allow him to dive with the team. Myself and the LT have essentially put our foot down and stopped playing games......no more sugar coating liability, or danger, this is what it is. We're doing everything in our power to make sure the boat and dive team stops being a toy and starts being respected....

 

[ditch-diver]

We too use the IADRS standards as well.

 

[Sitkadiver]

We too use the IADRS standards as well.

What we use in Sitka also. All team members are tested annually. Our last test was April 15th.