How Do I Start Training Public Safety Divers Dr. Thomas Powell SDI/TDI/ERDI IT #17704

Topics Become a diver Becoming a PSD Is there a professional need? What do you offer team? Staying current and be prepared to teach Extras and mutual aid The downside to PSD

Become A Diver Take time Learn to dive Focus on proficiency Dive in every environment available

Becoming a PSD Research teams in your area Show your value (shop/instructor/diver) Determine prerequisites for team Determine expectations Expand your possibilities Become a member

Join a Team Begin to learn beside active PSDs Seek knowledge from experienced divers Train every moment you can Learn how your team operates Learn from mutual aid opportunities Not everything is written in a manual!!

Why Be a Diver First? You must understand what you teach Practical tips and tricks Tips and tricks are learned Respect Teamwork

Is There a Professional Need? Is the region supportive of a team? What types of education are needed? Can you support a team? What does history show regarding funding? How can you best help (new divers/PSD/swift water etc.)

What Does a Non-PSD Pro Offer? Core Training Specialty Training Skills work A resource for new members A resource for experience

What Does A PSD Pro Offer? Core PSD training Experience!! Ideas from multiple affiliations Specialized PSD training Professional connections Recognition of differences

Lead by Example Physical fitness Knowledge Preparedness Experience

What Do Shops Offer? Agency affiliations Service support Equipment support Professional resources Connections and knowledge Potentially “The Full Package” Ability to add a PSD pro

Develop Training Tools Be prepared Own what you need If you need it, have it! Prepare your teaching kit Shop vs. Pro

Seek Out Mutual Aid Opportunities Bring teams together Share ideas Be the middle person Develop standardization for your region! Build value

Remember Extras Gear Service Outsourcing Funding Resources Added value

PSD Work is Not For Everyone! Recognize this upfront Be compassionate but firm Show avenues to success Motivation vs. Capability Overall expense

Stay Current!!! PSD skills do deteriorate! Innovation is constant Get answers for why “new” is better What is going on in the industry? How do we improve? Never stop learning!

Innovate Training Discover ways to keep interest Add value at every turn Find ways to “stump” students Make training enjoyable Focus on teamwork to fuel success

New PSD Students Job differences Physical fitness Dedication Shirt wearers vs. Quality members

Summation Be a PSD first Become competent before going solo Be prepared Remember there are various avenues for success Your candidates must be ready!

Questions?