Starting A Dive Team

[Tom Herber]

We currently have about 1/2 dozen firefighters that are
certified divers and we have approached our Chief with the idea
of starting a Dive Team but don't know exactly where to start. The Chief has been receptive to the idea but wants more info. I'm looking for ideas and suggestions on where to start.

Thank you,
FF Tom Herber

[271Diver]

Put everything in writing.What kind of gear = full face masks,tanks
drysuits? Research other teams on gear so you make effective puchases. Training is specialized = Public Safety Diver,Ice,Confined
Space,black water diving,nitrox,just to name a few.Insurance concerns for Dept and Diver.Vehicle for expensive gear.Standard operating proceedures for team.Good Luck Be Patient.

[BladesRobinson]

I would recommend that you contact the International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists or Dive Rescue International for assistance. Both can offer recomendations and the IADRS offers a booklet entitled "How to start a dive team."

The International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists can be reached at 800-IADRS-911 or online at http://www.iadrs.org

Dive Rescue International can be reached at 800-248-DIVE or online at www.DiveRescueIntl.com (http://www.diverescueintl.com)

Best of luck to you and your teammates!

Blades Robinson

[davidhwebb]

Yes, again it is me - Mr. Slow to respond.

I wish you the best of luck with with beginning your dive team. As previously stated, spec things out & find an organization with relationship to the type of diving you will be doing.

You did not mention, but I advised caution for volunteer departments. It's been my experiences over the past 24 years & knowing about 6 or 7 departments in my local area. There are usually predisposing factors and a public "what if" outcry that gets teams started. Depending on the amount of use that team gets, when crunch comes to push, those not so active teams get their budgets cut before anyone else.

BEST OF LUCK!

"That's just my opinion, I could be wrong" Dennis Miller