Police divers hone skills

TASMANIA Police search and rescue divers are practising their specialist skills under the water and above it.

Eight of the 17 police dive squad members on Monday tried out some new gear on the Hobart waterfront as part of their annual training schedule.

Senior Constable Chris Williams said that training and emergency scenario exercises were important as police divers operated in a hazardous environment, often with zero visibility.

“We can dive in black water, deep water and shallow, muddy creeks,” he said.

“This training is focused on practising emergency scenarios involving trapped or unconscious divers and introducing members to new equipment not previously used by Tasmania Police.

“Exercises like these provide an opportunity for us to conduct training in a controlled environment which allows the divers and supervisors to identify potential issues and hazards that may occur on a live job.”

Senior Sergeant Justin Bidgood, one of the first divers to be fitted with a new kit, said the equipment was heavy but would allow him to stay under water for up to 150 minutes.

“You’re probably wearing up to 60kg of gear but in the water it’s comfortable, safer, has a constant supply of air from the surface and good communication lines,” he said.

The squad will spend the week conducting further training and emergency scenario exercises in different water conditions, including under the Tasman Bridge.