Public Safety Program Standards and Procedures

Student Programs

Public Safety Diver

Intent

The SSI Public Safety Diver program provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills required to participate in basic public safety diving activities as part of a public safety dive team.

Note | Additional training and affiliation with a professional public safety diving organization may be required, based on local and regional laws and regulations.

Minimum Instructor Rating

An active status Public Safety Diving Instructor may conduct the Public Safety Diver program.

Student Prerequisites

  • Minimum age: 18 years old.
  • Be physically capable of completing the required skills.
  • Have proof of current Oxygen Provider, First Aid, and CPR training within two (2) years prior to issuing a certification card.
Have the following SSI certifications or equivalent from a recognized training agency:
  • Open Water Diver

Duration

  • Recommended hours for completion | 30-35

Depth Limitations

  • Maximum pool/confined water depth limit | 5 meters
  • Maximum open water depth limit | 18 meters

In-Water Ratios

  • The student-to-instructor ratio is 8:1.
  • The ratio may increase to 10:2 with (1) certified assistant.
  • The ratio may increase to 12:3 with (2) certified assistants.

Proximity

  • During in-water skill evaluations, the student must remain under the direct supervision of the SSI Professional so that physical contact can be made at any time.

Requirements For Completion

  • Complete all academic sessions and assessments outlined in the instructor manual for Public Safety Diver.
  • Complete the program’s final exam.
  • Complete at least two (2) pool/confined water sessions as outlined in the instructor manual for Public Safety Diver.
  • Complete at least four (4) open water training dives as outlined in the instructor manual for Public Safety Diver.

Certification

  • Upon completion of all academic and in-water requirements, the SSI Professional may issue the program’s digital certification card.
  • Certified SSI divers can dive with an equally- or more-qualified buddy in environments equivalent to their training and within the recommended depth limits of their certifications.

Update Procedure | Public Safety Diver

Intent

The initial Public Safety Diver certification is valid for three years from the certification date. By participating in the Public Safety Diver Update, students can extend their certification for an additional three years.

Student Prerequisites

  • Have an SSI Public Safety Diver certification, or have held a valid SSI Public Safety Diver certification within twelve (12) months of the Update.

Requirements for Completion

  • Provide proof of at least 18 logged public safety operations in the past 36 months.
  • Provide proof of at least 6 logged public safety operations in the past 12 months.
The update must include the following:
  • Complete the SSI PSD Water Fitness Evaluation.
  • Complete the program’s final exam.
  • Complete a Scuba Skills Update, including all emergency ascent skills.

Certification

  • Upon completion of the update program, the responsible SSI Training Center must process the student in the MySSI System.
  • The student will receive the applicable digital certification card. Certification is valid for three years.
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