rmediver2002:
The course is put on by Florida Keys Community College, it sounds like a pretty good course.
The training search is conducted with a blacked out face mask so although the students could be observed for safety they get the experience (somewhat) of blackwater.
Maybe the training (if not to expensive) would be a good way to see if you think this is something you want to pursue.
What would your utimate goal be? (rescues / recoveries / evidence recovery / etc.)
In the military CRT was combat reaction team? Is this team your on the same or similar?
For those Florida officers interested this training is FDLE funded so no cost to your unit
Hi Jeff,
It is Critical Response Team - pc name for swat. We are training up a new subsquad of crt for Maritime ops. Particularly in response to the possible threat against our chem and refinery facilities along the Miss. River in our jurisdiction. We scored a grant for a twin diesel patrol boat, and are trying to get our guys in a position to survive a fall into the Mississippi. Lots of gear trials to find out what kind of pfd will not let you drown with an M4 slung around your neck!
A Mustang auto inflate collar type won that test, by the way... over ALL of the Coast Guard types. The mustang will float you face up with armor, mags and comm equipment, plus the M4.
I fortunately have a fairly new fellow team member that was trained up in diving in P.C. during his usmc days. I suspect you two might know each other. He is working on several of us civilians possibly getting to go for some training at the Navy Dive School in your town.
I mentioned to him today while we were doing some training with our ROV that I had seen your website, and that you were doing some training there as well. We are still early on in this project, but we have some new brass up our chain that are committed to the right training and the right gear.
Sorry to drag this thread off topic. I was just curious if they told Johny where he might ultimately be working..
Jeff, I HOPE to be in PC in the next couple of weeks.. is the gulf even trying to clear itself up? I want to come diving!!
Shane