Upcoming Dive Exam- Hopefully to be held sometime late summer. The finalization of the exam is currently in the hands of the Personnel Department. The exam will consist of the former testing criteria.
Shift Coordinators- Three Dive Team Shift Coordinators have been appointed to oversee training and develop to dive policy. The coordinators are Jim Stine, FS 110-A/Boat 5, Todd Hix, FS 111-B/Boat 1 and Dave Bender, FS 49-C/Boat 3. These coordinators will be handling the day to day and long term training needs of the dive team as well as developing operational polices.
Mission Statement- The Dive Program is revamping its Mission Statement to keep pace with the ever changing needs of Public Safety Dive programs (PSD). The proposed inclusion of a "Recovery" element to the mission of the LAFD Dive Team will align the program with other dive agencies operating in the harbor. Additionally, it's inclusion will expand the dive programs value as an additional recovery resource in the region. Another benefit to adding the "Recovery" element to the Mission Statement will be meeting eligibility requirements for a FEMA Type 1 Dive Team. Meeting these federal requirements will position the dive team to apply for Homeland Security grants that would provide funding to expand training and purchase new equipment.
Dive Supervisor Class- The dive program is looking into the use of the United States Navy's Dive Supervisor course as additional training for Mates in charge of dive operations. This course is a comprehensive supervisory course that will increase knowledge base for the dive team members. Mike Stephenson, FS 49-C/Back-up Diver and active USN Seal Team member has arranged the course availability for the LAFD.
NFPA 1670 Compliance- A directional shift for the LAFD Dive Team to comply with NFPA standards for fire department dive teams is on the table. The 1670 standard is comprehensive and a transition will be needed from the current recreational operational standards that the dive team operates under. Compliance with the NFPA standards can only benefit the dive program and align the LAFD with top dive programs in the country.
Back-up Diver Appointment- Preliminary discussion with UFLAC have begun to establish new procedures for appointing Back-up Divers to Frontline positions. The proposed change would include qualifications and experience in addition to seniority for appointments.
Future Training- The program has looked into becoming an official Public Safety Dive program (PSD) and obtaining certification from a nationally recognized PSD organization. All dive team members would need to receive specialized training that certifies them as a PSD diver. This training is much like the USAR and Haz-Mat training needed to be assigned to these specialized units. There are currently two agencies that provide this specialized training DRI- Dive Rescue International and ERDI- Emergency Response Dive International. Dive Team Shift Coordinators have submitted a proposal to Chief Rueda that recommends sending two dive team members to receive PSD instructor training this summer. Having LAFD members as PSD instructors will provide as cost effective method of having "in house" trainers to upgrade the dive teams certifications.
Organizational Chart- A revised Organizational Chart is in the making that reflect the resent changes within the Dive Program.
Dive Electronics- The Dive Team Shift Coordinators completed an evaluation of a new hand held Sonar that will greatly increase the teams rescue capabilities. Members evaluating the sonar overwhelmingly supported adding this equipment to the dive teams arsenal of electronics. Additionally, Chief Rueda recently observed Boat 4 and Boat 2 personel demonstrate the use of our current Sonar capabilities. Boat 4 operated their MesoTec Sidescan Sonar while Boat 2 utilized the Tow-Fish Side Scan Sonar. The drill took place near Fire Station 112. While obtaining the objective of the drill, it was determined additional training and some updated hardware would be need to increase our capabilities. Lastly, it was determined that our current type of Sonar equipment is not ideal for immediate rescue operations and it best suits recovery operations.
Grants- The dive team is currently working with Chief Management Analyst Bruce Pendergrast to Identify grant options to fund training and equipment.
Diver Trainee Program- A new development program is in place to prepare and train interested members for the upcoming dive test.
Expansion of Back-up Positions- A proposal to increase the number of Back-up Diver from 6 to 12 positions is on the table. Additional equipment and funding will be necessary to implement the expansion.
Dive Rescue Vehicle- The Harbor Department is assisting with funding for a Dive Rescue Vehicle. Plans have been drawn and hopefully the vehicle will rolling sometime in the near future.
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