A new Diver Trainee Program is on board this year for the LAFD Dive Team. This development program will provide a "Resource" for LAFD members interested in becoming an LAFD Dive Team member. The concept of developing a "Farm Team" for the dive program will provide an opportunity for members to prepare themselves for participation in the dive program.Organized training opportunities will be provided to prepare interested members for future exams and provide advanced dive certifications.
The mission of this program is "Development and Preparation" by providing training and opportunity for any LAFD member who meets the dive requirements. On-duty and off-duty training opportunities will be provided for qualified members much like the opportunities provided to Apparatus Operators and Engineer candidates preparing for upcoming practical exams. This training opportunity will give qualified members stronger background and experience and, create a more competitive and prepared dive team member.
Captain Steve Tessier, Fire Station 112, the LAFD Dive Team Coordinator is in charge of the program. Captain Tessier has appointed two assistants to help manage the program, Dave Brooks, Back-up Diver/Paramedic, FS 112-B and Dave Malafronte, Mate, FS 112-A. These team members will help coordinate and initiate the Trainee process. Candidates can contact Captain Tessier, Mate Malafronte or Back-up Diver Brooks to arrange a meeting to fill out the required documentation for participation. To participate the following would be required:
LAFD members interested in participating in the development program should posses a minimum Basic Open Water dive certification but, additional advanced certifications would be desirable and helpful.
Completion of Application/Questionnaire.
Copies of all relevant dive certifications.
Copies of personal SCUBA equipment service certification BC, Regulators and Tank.
Dive Log for review
Candidates must bring their personal equipment for inspection and have copies of all documents on file. Upon completion of the application/questionnaire, dive certification/equipment check and verification , Candidates will be issued a Candidate Workbook which the trainee will use to maintain a log of their participation in the program.
The next step, Trainees will need to arrange a checkout dive with one of two Dive Team Shift Coordinators, Fire Boat Mate Todd Hix, FS 111-B/Boat 1 or Dave Bender, FS49-C/Boat 3. Dive Team Shift Coordinators are responsible for managing the training aspect of the development program. The checkout dive is mandatory and will consist of some basic dive skills and dive program operational overview. Following the completion of the orientation, candidates can match up with partners and train, study and take advanced dive classes to better prepare themselves for a position in the LAFD Dive Program.
On a daily basis the LAFD Dive Team and Marine Firefighting Division participate in routine training exercises. Depending on the schedule and availability, certified Trainees may participate in these drill to educate themselves in marine operations. Based on their level of experience and ability, their participation can be customized to develop the member so they meet the standards of an LAFD Dive Team member. Trainees must contact the Shift Coordinators in advance to schedule a "Ride Along". They must have attended an orientation, check-out dive and have the required dive certifications and equipment certifications on file. Development Dive Team members participation will be limited to their level of experience and dive certifications. A strict curriculum developed by the Shift Coordinators will be followed to introduce the various dive evolutions and duties of the dive team. The curriculum includes: Dive preparations, boat operations and deck hand responsibilities, dive briefing, communications, dive skills, team diving, rescue and recovery skills, boat and equipment maintenance.
For additional information on the development program contact Fire Station 112 at
310 548 7553
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