Dive Team

Purpose

The Columbia Township Fire Department Dive Team was established to fulfill a growing need for a professional search and recovery scuba team to cover the increasing amount of water exposure within the township on a reciprocating mutual aid basis, within Lorain county and adjacent municipalities.

 

Objective

This dive rescue team provides properly trained scuba divers for the specific purpose of underwater search and rescue or body recovery of drowning victims.   The dive team also, on a limited basis, conducts underwater investigations when requested by the appropriate law enforcement agency with jurisdiction.  In addition, the dive team may perform other water related services specifically requested with the approval of the chiefs and the diving supervisors.

 

Team Member Classifications

1. Tender:  This classification indicates that the individual has basic knowledge of diving theories, equipment, underwater physiology, underwater physics and has been departmentally trained specifically for tending divers and dive teams.
2. Diver:  This classification indicates that the diver holds at least an open water certification from any agency and has good basic skills and knowledge.  It also indicates that the diver has had an orientation into public service, team policies and protocols, and local job related hazards to the extend that he/she can participate in team activities.  Divers are utilized as divers, stand by divers, line tenders, or support personnel.  Divers are not permitted to do any solo diving, tasks are assigned to them with prudence under adverse conditions which would indicate a more experienced diver.
3. Rescue diver:  This classification indicates that the diver holds at least an advanced certification from any agency and is adequately proficient at tasks related to diving, and is qualified to do most jobs on the team.  Rescue divers are utilized in a position on scene.  In optimum conditions, their ideal position is as a stand-by diver.