Scuba

[KyleScott27]

Would being a certified scuba diver be a leg up in the application process at a fire department and should that be mentioned in your resume? I am not sure how it works if rescue divers are part of most departments or what. thanks.

[firefox29]

I am a scuba diver and when I apply to a dept. I always add it to the application. A lot of departments have rescue diver teams and this would definitely look good. The certification by itself will not help you get hired, but if you include it with some other certifications, it looks good. It most certainly never looks bad. It shows that you are a well rounded individual that is willing to try new things. Scuba diving is not easy and not for everyone. It takes courage and skills to be able to do it. To be a scuba diver you most certainly cannot ever panic when you are diving. If you do, most likely a serious injury will occur or even death. If you are able to dive to a decent depth and be comfortable, most likely you will be able to handle an scba in a fire. Now... I am not saying that if you can scuba dive you will have no problem doing an interior attack on a house fire with victims, I am just saying that they are similar.

I hope this answers your question.

stay safe

[ADSNWFLD]

Put it down, it can't hurt.
Do a bit of research and see who handles dive in the jurisdiction. It could be the cops and their could be some bad blood. Either way put it down just don't make it a focus if it isn't the department's.

[BCLepore]

While I agree that it can't hurt. I too have been certified for over 20-years. I don't see it as having an impact on whether or not you get a job in the fire service.
For the record, specialty teams such as the dive team are awarded to those with seniority. They often have pay grade advancements (incentives) that accompany the responsibility of the position.
I would encourage you to focus on earning EMT and Fire Science.
Paul Lepore