Budget crunch or What got cut?

[Davie Diver]

How many of you have had huge budget cuts this year? Any cuts in training hours or was it just equipment. On the LEO side, we didn't get an extra dime, and no additional equipment. It looks like training hours have had to be cut as well. Any one else in this sinking boat?

 

[ChainSaw0069]

I was going to try and send a couple divers to the IADRS Conference. It was cut. Maybe next year they will let us. I may pay for myself to go out of pocket next year. It appears to be a great conference.

 

[Davie Diver]

I only live 70 miles from the conference location and gas is an issue let alone the conference fee.

 

[BladesRobinson]

I am sorry to learn you may not make it to the IADRS conference this year. With reduced registration fees, hands on training, included breakfast and lunch, and being hosted in a hub city for U.S. Airways, we worked hard to make this one of the most cost effective conferences ever. I certainly understand the budget though...

I too am hearing of budget cuts in agencies and teams around the country. In our community we have had personnel that were in administrative positions come back to fill vacancies in combat positions and the day jobs were eliminated. The dive team is on a shoe string budget too.

The good news is our team is pretty tough and pretty resilient. They can rock and roll with the punches as needed and we remain optimistic that things will turn around. The economy (according to the preofessionals) is turning around and the stock market is rising again.

Hopefully we'll see you at the next IADRS Conference!

Blades Robinson, Executive Director
International Association of DIve Rescue Specialists
www.IADRS.org

 

[PSD-LT22]

I think every team is feeling the pinch.

 

[BladesRobinson]

I think every team is feeling the pinch.

You are correct. Every team is feeling the pinch and I suspect the next few years will see further decline. The year's attendance at the International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists (IADRS.org) Conference was down by approximately 30%.

The IADRS worked hard to discount the conference rate and included breakfast and lunch each day. In Charlotte, airfare to and from the conference was relatively inexpensive and for most team members, less than $250 round trip.

Out of state travel has been banned in many states, training has been slashed and layoffs and station closures are being considered. Special teams (including "dive teams") are suffering the most. While "homeland security" training continues to have some funds, they too are drying up.

Next year we are discounting the IADRS Conference further based on some suggestions received by members who attended.

For those who were unable to attend this year, you missed one of the best opportunities ever as all attendees had an opportunity to go aboard vessels equipped with side scan SONARs (Edge Tech, Humminbird and Marine Sonic) and see first hand what these units could do and what they couldn't do. Additionally participants could see other SONAR systems in actions (Blue View, Kongsberg Mesotech, Didson) and practice with 4 ROV systems and two underwater navigation systems. At the aquatic center, participants were able to demo various dry suits provided by DUI, Whites and Viking and demo the surface supplied air system from Interspiro and try full face masks from Interspiro, OTS and Ocean Reef.

The hands on training allowed teams to compare the features and benefits of equipment being used in "real world" situations. The morning lectures were well received and we look forward to having the opportunity to improve on the "hands on training" based conference next year. Stand by for details! We hope to make the price so reasonable that anyone could justify the expenditure to their dive team administrator.

Regards,

Blades Robinson