This series includes Dry Suit Diver, Full Face Mask and Dive Rescue 1 training is series. Encapsulation diving (dry suit and full face mask) is the NFPA suggested standard because of the environmental protections and communication possibilities it provides public safety divers and their teams.

Dry suit Diving is Dive Rescue International’s renowned two day (16 hour) training program for certified
divers and surface support personnel. One of the first steps to preparing for contaminated water or ice
diving is learning how to dive in a dry suit. This program is conducted in a classroom, pool and an openwater
site to allow students to practice their new skills in a controlled environment before the field scenarios.
The objectives of the Dry suit Diving program are: to develop the student’s knowledge of dry suits, types of
dry suits available, and their maintenance; to develop the student’s ability to perform effectively in a dry suit;
and to enable the student to plan, organize and conduct safe operational dives. Successful completion of
this program is measured in class participation, passing a final written exam and completing in-water skills.
Key training topics and the associated objectives include:
REASONS FOR DIVING IN A DRY SUIT
Define the reasons for using a dry suit including environmental and thermal protection
Identify the types of environmental contaminants
Explain the difference between dry suits and wet suits and the advantages of dry suit diving
HISTORY OF DRY SUITS
Describe the materials dry suits were originally constructed of
Identify the materials that modern dry suits are made of
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF DRY SUITS
Discuss the care of dry suits and the reasons why they may leak
Explain the proper donning of dry suits
Identify diving equipment considerations
Define important features and optional accessories of dry suits
PROPER USE OF DRY SUITS
Explain the proper positioning for dry suit diving
Define emergency procedures for different scenarios during dry suit diving
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 l evel o f 1 3 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.

Dive Rescue I is the internationally renowned three day (24 hour) training program for certified divers and
surface support personnel. Successful completion of the Dive Rescue I program provides basic methods
and skills necessary for a Public Safety Diver to function safely and effectively at a water accident. From
scene evaluation to incident debriefing, this program covers it all. Diving and surface support personnel learn
to apply the latest techniques in underwater rescue and recovery to prepare them to respond effectively
and safely to water incidents.
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 (including 2 dives) and an end of program comprehensive test.
Key training topics and the associated objectives include:
DROWNING AND PSD FATALITIES
• Name the effects of cold-water shock on the body
• Explain the role of hypothermia and mammalian diving reflex in cold-water near-drowning cases
• Prioritize the critical tasks performed on drowning victims
• Identify the importance of establishing a standard of care that is sustained from arrival on scene to
the transfer to higher level medical personnel
TEAM ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
• Define the relationship between risk management and providing a measurable level of service
• Distinguish between discretionary time and nondiscretionary time
• Describe the criteria for selecting dive rescue specialists that support your mission
• Identify and define training needs of the individual dive rescue specialist and training needs of the
dive rescue team
• Specify the importance of equipment standardization for safety, maintenance and serviceability
• Establish the need to purchase safe and updated equipment
SEARCH PATTERN
Identify and define the utility of the basic search patterns executed in class
Explain the criteria for the selection and execution of search patterns
Illustrate the importance of using required equipment
Review the need for following the NFPA Guidelines
Elaborate on situations that call for shore based and boat based search patterns
Compare and contrast the safety protocols for executing with one diver vs. two divers
SCENE EVALUATION
• Explain the terms Risk/Benefit Factor, Rescue Mode, and Recovery Mode
• Identify the components of preplanning
• Describe the procedure for creating a last-scene-point
• Discuss interview techniques and witness follow-up
• Describe the techniques used if no witnesses are available
Dive Rescue 1 (DR1)
VICTIM RETRIEVAL
Describe the criteria that determine a missions mode of operation as rescue or recovery
Clarify the procedure used by diver and tender when the body is located
Review the process of resuscitation
Explain the conditions affecting body refloat
SERVICE TO THE FAMILY, MEDIA AND OTHER AGENCIES
• Explain the objectives of a family liaison
• Identify the need to communicate operational priorities to the family
• Describe the process of building a relationship with the media and other agencies
VEHICLE-IN-WATER ACCIDENTS
Identify hazards specific to vehicle-accidents-in-water and describe the precautions divers use
Describe the techniques for handling vehicles as evidence
Identify differences between handling vehicles in rescue and recovery mode
Keeping an emphasis on safety, explain the procedures used when extricating vehicles and victims
Explain post dive considerations for vehicle-in-water missions
NFPA STANDARDS
Upon completion of this program, including in-water work, personnel address several NFPA standards set
forth for the Technician Level. Surface Support personnel who complete this program address the NFPA
standards set forth for the Awareness and Operations Level.
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.)
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.

See you there!