The ERDI Confined Space Ops Component is designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for limited confined space diving operations in emergency response conditions. This course complies with NFPA 1006 and 1670, OSHA, and FEMA for water rescue.
Student Prerequisites
1. Minimum age, 18
2. Provide proof of current CPR, first aid and oxygen administration certification
3. Certified as an ERD II or equivalent
4. An active member of a recognized Emergency Service or team conducting Public Safety Diving and/or Rescue activities
Qualifications of Graduates
Upon successful completion of the ERDI Confined Space Ops component, graduates may engage in limited confined space operations without direct supervision of an instructor provided:
1. The diving activities approximate those of training
2. The areas of activities approximate those of training
3. Environmental conditions approximate those of training
Course Structure and Duration
Course Structure:
ERDI allows Instructors to structure courses according to the number of students participating and their skill level
In accordance with various guidelines, ERD Instructors can structure the course in the following three manners.
1. Awareness Level—participant completes the academic portion of the course and may audit the practical portion. This participant has no“hands-on” experience with the course. This level can be taught to both divers and non-divers. Awareness Level participants recognize the dangers of confined space environments.
2. Operational Level—participant completes the academic portion of the course and any non-penetration portions. Operational Level participants are able to assist in a confined space diving operation without becoming a liability. Any member of a team who may end up tending a diver at the incident should be trained to this level.
3. Technician Level—participant completes the academic portion of the course as well as all practical elements of the course. This level is taught to divers with the ability and skills to complete confined space diving. Divers should have a basic understanding of the hazards and operations of the confined space diving environment.
Duration:
1. Classroom and briefing: Approximately 4 hours
2. Confined water training: Approximately 4 hours; to include simulated penetration/confined space dives, blackout penetration on a tether, exterior safety for the penetrating diver, and rescue/assist of the penetrating diver
3. Open water operations: Three dives total, with a minimum of 2 penetration/confined space dives and 2 dives as the exterior safety diver, including one rescue/assist
Recommended Sequence
Dive #1 One diver remains on the outside of the confined space as the safety diver while the second diver penetrates for an initial exploration. Diver is limited to one compartment for progressive penetration. First diver exits and becomes the safety diver while the second diver makes their initial penetration.
Dive #2 One diver remains on the outside of the confined space as the safety diver while the second diver penetrates for a second time. The penetrating diver simulates an emergency situation during the dive and the safety diver must follow the tether line and deal with the emergency (possible emergencies include, but are not limited to out of air, entanglement, entrapment/stuck).
Dive #3 Divers one and two switch roles as penetrator and safety divers and Dive #2 above is repeated.
Dive #4 (Optional) Divers can simulate an extrication of evidence or make a recovery from the penetration
