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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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!!

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

7. 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.)

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

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

10. Lead by Example
Physical fitness
Knowledge
Preparedness
Experience

11. 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

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

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

14. Remember Extras
Gear
Service
Outsourcing
Funding
Resources
Added value

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

16. 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!

17. 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

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

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

20. Questions?