Which agency to choose??

[TheQuickening1101]

There are ages different agencies offering classes in PSD. Just wondering which one I should choose. Any suggestions??



To elaborate further... ERDi, NAUI, PADI, and Dive Rescue Int'l all offer PSD classes. I assume that IADRS and the PSDA offer classes as well.

I understand that the focus should be more on the instruction and quality of instructor than the agency, but to standardize among the other members of my department I was just looking for a general pipeline that fits us. Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Dive the Ice]

Just from personal experience I would go with the ERDi. But again that is just personal good experience with this company talking.

 

[tc]

I teach for ERDI and like their programs. They give us a basic framework to work with and then allow us to tailor the class for he needs of the local agency.

Some thoughts on the others, NAUI does NOT have a formal PSD program, many NAUI instructors have gotten their own programs approved as specialties.

The PADI program is fairly new, I've spoken with them about it and liked what I heard but have only glanced over the materials, I haven't been able to get a copy to actually evaluate so I can't really endorse it.

Dive Rescue International has been around a long time and teaches a good program, I've been through it. I do think their programs are better suited for the fire agencies rather than law enforcement. iADRS is an association primarily associated with DRI but open to all PSD's.

Lifeguard Systems has a good program but their standards and all of their dive procedures are very restrictive. For an agency that's been doing PSD for a while they might not be he best choice, but for a small agency just starting out they would be an excellent choice.

I only spoke briefly with PSDA a few years ago at DEMA, the guy working their booth wasn't willing to let me look at their materials due to concerns over theft of their ideas by other agencies. He did point out that hey were the dominant agency in he field and that if I crossed over to them I wouldn't be allowed to teach for any of the other PSD agencies. Enough said.

Make sure you talk to the instructor you're considering. They need to have actual public safety diving experience and they need to understand the conditions your team operates in and the equipment you have so that they can tailor the training to your teams needs.

 

[daniel f aleman]

I just went through the ERDi program in Houston, where there is a high level of interest in the subject. Here is an online set of descriptions for various programs (for informational use only, and not the group that I used for instruction):

Omni Divers Underwater Services, L.L.C. - Emergency Response Diving International

Also, I highly recommend relevant instruction from DAN to really complete your learning and certifications:

Scuba Diving Medical Safety Advice ? DAN | Divers Alert Network

 

[Oldbear]

...

I only spoke briefly with PSDA a few years ago at DEMA, the guy working their booth wasn't willing to let me look at their materials due to concerns over theft of their ideas by other agencies. He did point out that hey were the dominant agency in he field and that if I crossed over to them I wouldn't be allowed to teach for any of the other PSD agencies. Enough said...

Wow...what a great business sales/marketing plan.

It reminds me of a sight-unseen arranged marriage where the only option out is death.

 

[PinkInkScuba]

+1 for ERDI. The training I received was really informative and provided the stress factors that you will encounter in real life situations. Instructor is more important than the actual training agency!

 

[Mphill9929]

When looking for a training agency for public safety diving, do your homework. You are looking for an agency who offers continued support to divers and their instructors as well as content. Not all agencies teach the same materials and none of them knows everything. There is always something to be learned and participating in different agency programs is a way to expand your knowledge.

Ask for references. Any instructor should be able to provide those. When you get them follow through and actually make contact with the people. I think instructors should do the same for training agencies of they want to get into the training side.

Some agencies also sell product. I have no problem with that as long as they do not push their own equipment sales as part of a training program.

Mark Phillips
PSDiver Monthly
PSDiver.com

 

[skullmancan]

I took my PSD with PDIC. You do what your most comfertable with which ever orginazation you choose.

 

[CPDDivemedic]

Southeast VA is all ERDI as of this year

 

[sheeper]

+1 for ERDI. ERDI trains most of the elite dive teams. Great training framework and good fit for other dive training as they are owned by the same parent company as SDI and TDI