Current Dive and River Operations training now open for registration in Middlebury, CT with the Region 5 Dive Team!

October 29-31, 2021

Current Diving is the internationally renowned three day (24 hour) training program for certified divers. By
learning to use specialized equipment and proven search techniques dive teams will be prepared to safely
complete complex, challenging and potentially dangerous current diving operations. Students will learn
anchoring and high line techniques to better prepare their team for various incident scenarios.
This program is presented in the classroom, pool and open-water to allow students to become familiar
with the techniques prior to field scenarios. Successful completion of this program is measured in class
participation and an end of program comprehensive test.
Key training topics and the associated objectives include:
SWIFTWATER ORIENTATION
• Define swiftwater and locations where it may be found
• Describe swiftwater hydrology including: basic characteristics, flow and velocity
• Name and describe the six categories of swiftwater
• Identify swiftwater hazards
ACCIDENT SITE EVALUATION
• Explain how to determine flow of swiftwater
• Describe how to perform and Accident Site Survey
• Name sources for locating hazard and accident sites
• Name preplanning sites that may be used for training
SELF-RESCUE TECHNIQUES
• Explain self-rescue techniques
EQUIPMENT
• Name and describe use of the following equipment: throwline bags and highline systems
• Describe boat rigging
KNOTS
• Identify and be able to produce the figure-eight family of knots
• Identify direct action tactics
• List police responsibilities and preparation
PREREQUISITES
All students must be a member of a public safety agency and at least 18 years of age. Students must
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. Diving students must have proof of open water
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.

DAY 1
8:00 – 8:30 Registration, Introductions, and Course Review
8:30 – 12:00 Classroom
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch Break
1:00 – 5:00 Pool Skills and Exercises
DAY 2
8:00 – 10:00 Classroom
10:00 – 12:00 Field Exercises
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 6:00 Field Exercises
DAY 3
8:00. – 3:00. Field Exercises
3:00 – 5:00. Review and Final Exam
Schedule is subject to change
BE SURE TO BRING
All students must bring: US Coast Guard approved P.F.D. with knife and whistle, adequate clothing and
protection from the environment and pen and paper for note-taking and sketching. Diving students must
provide their own equipment: Scuba regulator: recently serviced and environmentally protected with
alternate air source (i.e.: octopus, Air II, etc.), timing device, depth and submersible pressure gauges, BC
with oral/power inflator, two tanks with current Hydro & VIP, mask, snorkel, fins, weight belt and two cutting
tools (knife, wire cutters, or trauma shears.)