Course Specifics / Policies

Class - Student Numbers / Discounts / Scheduling / Safety / Safety  - Equipment SafetyMedications – Alcohol / Accreditation Standards / Liability / Cancellation Policy / Pre-requisite classes / Training Sites / Lodging / Re-certification / Course Reading - Books / Required Student Materials / Payment / Instructor Travel 

 

 

 

Class / Student Numbers

Some classes have minimum number requirements. Generally that number is five but this is a general guideline, not the rule. Contact us for specific classes.

 

Maximum number for classroom (any class) is only limited to classroom space.

Minimum for Swift Water / Flood Rescue Awareness is 6 and Operations is 10 students.  

 

Courses should meet minimum student requirements at least two weeks prior to the class.

 

Discounts

“Group” discounts are available depending on class and numbers of enrollment.

“Hosting” discounts are available for agencies interested in hosting a class.

“Class Package” discounts are already posted on the price page. 

 

Scheduling

Agencies that have minimum numbers of students for a class can request a “shift friendly” class for their department for classes during the week or weekend. Some restrictions apply and it’s based on first come, first serve.

 

Safety

Dive and Rescue. has no control over pools, boats, geographical changes, or weather. The number one goal during training is “no one gets hurt” if in the assessment or judgment of the instructor conditions are, or become, unsafe before training begins or after training starts the instructor reserves the right to delay or postpone training.

 

We do not conduct scuba or water rescue training during lightning strikes. Fifteen minute rule applies.

 

Maximum wait time for a change in training conditions is 2 accumulative hours. The only exception is when a visual weather radar is available and the instructor feels that he or she can still complete necessary skills for that class despite waiting past the accumulative two hour mark. If skills cannot be completed the students will be rescheduled for completion of those skills.

 

In the event a class is postponed the class will be re-scheduled. Refunds will not be issued unless the class is cancelled by Dive and Rescue.

 

 

Safety – Equipment

Equipment rarely breaks while sitting in storage. It usually breaks during usage. If you want to use your equipment, please check it before coming to class. If personal equipment breaks during training and the instructor is required to fix it a minimum charge of 30.00 plus parts will apply. If you are using Dive and Rescue equipment, this charge will not apply. If the instructor deems your equipment is unsafe, inoperable or he or she is unable to fix the equipment the student will be required to rent equipment for the day at a charge of no less than $30.00. This is higher than normal rental cost due to the stoppage and delay of class and the inconvenience of getting in and out of gear or water. 

 

Hint: Have your scuba gear serviced annually. If you need your gear checked or serviced let us know prior to class.

 

Safety – Medications / Alcohol

Courses offered by Dive and Rescue are mentally and physically challenging. Students must come to class well rested, prepared to learn and interact with other students, instructors, props and support personnel. Many medications and alcohol can affect judgment and coordination.  Some medications and alcohol can increase the potential for life threatening medical conditions if used before, during, and in some cases, even immediately after training.

 

Alcohol and drug use will not be tolerated during any courses.

 

Dive and Rescue expects and demands that every student advise our Director, Paul Fraser if they are currently taking ANY medications or have any medical history. In some cases clearance from a physician may be required to allow the student to participate in some courses. Paul Fraser is a 15 year paramedic and will treat every student contacting him with the same professional courtesy and confidentiality as he would any other person or patient. Notification is for the safety of all individuals involved.

 

Accreditation Standards

Public Safety Diving courses, Swift Water/Flood Rescue courses and recreational scuba courses meet or exceed policy and procedures set forth by:

 

NFPA – National Fire Protection Agency

POST – Peace Officer Standards Training

IFSTA – International Fire Service Training Association

OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Agency

ANSI – American National Standards Institute

WRSTC – World Recreational Scuba Training Council

RSTC – Recreational Scuba Training Council

 

CPR, First Aid, AED, Blood Borne Pathogens and other medical courses meet or exceed the training requirements of the:

 

AHA -  American Heart Association

ASHI – American Safety and Health Institute

BTF – Brain Trauma Foundation

NREMT – National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians

 

Liability

Many of the classes taught through Dive and Rescue requires some degree of physical exertion. For this reason, depending on the course selected, liability, medical clearance and sometimes a statement of understanding is required by the student to acknowledge and sign. All of these forms will be explained, signed by the student and collected prior to class starting.

 

Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy is also explained on the class registration form. Course fees are 50% reimbursable up to 14 days prior to the class. Within that 14 day period, no reimbursement, but fees applicable to future classes.

 

Pre-requisite classes

Some classes require that you complete, or be able to show proof of completion of previous classes. Proof of completion must be through a credentialed agency. For example, Dive and Rescue is credentialed though agencies such as; Professional Association of Dive Instructors, Public Safety Diver Association, Special Rescue Services Group, American Heart Association, American Safety and Health Institute

The Brain Trauma Foundation.

 

 

Please see the “tree key” below to ensure that you are signing up for classes in which you are able to participate.

                                                Pre-requisites for -     SCUBA

    

                                                 None to take Open Water Diver

                                                                           I

                                                   Advanced Open Water Diver

                                                                           I______________________

                              I                                                                                         I

MUST BE IN THE PUBLIC SAFETY FIELD plus eligible for à            Rescue Diver

                Public Safety Diver                                                                    Dive Master                                     

           Evidence, Body, Vehicle                                                               Dive Specialties                                 

 Lakes River Searches / Dive Team Leader.

 

 
 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                       Pre-requisites for  - Swift Water Flood Rescue

 

                                      None to take Awareness

                                                          I

                                                 Operations

                                                          I

                                                 Technician

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

             Class Packages describe necessary classes also. See Class Package price page

 

Some classes are by request only. For example, the Dive Team Leadership Course. Once a request is made the class will be posted and emailed out for additional attendees to meet the minimum requirement of students.

 

 

Training Sites

Training sites are determined by the class(es) requested.

 

Classroom portions of any class can be conducted almost anywhere.

Dive and Rescue classroom is located on the west bank of New Orleans, La.

 

Pool sessions are conducted at indoor facilities when available such as at the University of New Orleans or the Southern University of New Orleans. Outdoor pool is located on the west bank of New Orleans at Aurora Country Club. Other substitute sites may be used. Contact us for your free pool evaluation.

 

Open water scuba sessions for Public Safety Diving is conducted in Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans, La. Contact us for your free site evaluation.

Open water scuba sessions for recreational scuba is conducted in Florida. The first day of diving is conducted in fresh water springs located at I-10 exit 95/ mile marker 96 in Ponce de Leon Fl. Specific site directions and maps given in class. The second day is conducted either in Destin, Fl. or Pensacola, Fl. The bad weather or boat cancellation site is back at the fresh water springs.

 

Swift Water / Flood Rescue open water is conducted in Picayune Ms. at Walkhia Bluff.

 

Dive and Rescue reserves the right to change any training location at any time for any reason.

 

Lodging

We have information and numbers for motels in New Orleans, La, Ponce De Leon, Fl., Destin & Pensacola Florida, and Picayune Ms.

 

Re-certification

Swift Water Flood Rescue courses- every 3 years

 

Public Safety Diving courses - yearly with annual training requirements.

 

General Scuba courses – No recertification required but scuba review recommended if you don’t dive for more than 6 months.

 

CPR / First Aid / AED / Blood Borne Pathogens / Oxygen Provider  – Yearly or every two years depending on agency.

 

Course Reading / Books

General Scuba – Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, Dive Master - PADI materials

 

Public Safety Diver – Public Safety Diver Open Water, Advanced Open Water Diver, PS Diver, Body, Evidence & Vehicle Recovery –  PSDA materials, PS Diver written by Mark Phillips,

 

Swift Water Flood Rescue – SRSG materials, Written / Edited by Jim Segerstrom

 

CPR / First Aid / AED / Blood Borne Pathogens – American Heart Association, American Safety and Health Institute. 

 

 

Required Student Materials

Swift Water / Flood Rescue - A full wetsuit or drysuit appropriate to the training environment; an approved swiftwater rescue personal flotation device or buoyancy aid; a lightweight rescue helmet; booties or tennis shoes; water rescue or lightweight gloves, a whistle, and a water-proof flashlight.  Suggested, but not required, are:  a pair of fins; a personal rescue rope throw bag; and any departmental or organizational rescue gear with which the student may want to train with during the courses. These items are available through Dive and Rescue for purchase. Limited rentals are available.

 

General Scuba

Mask, snorkel, fins, boots, weights, weight belt, books. Available for purchase.

 

Wet suit, tanks, regulator, Buoyancy Control Device (BCD). Available for rental.

 

Specialty equipment corresponding with classes. For example; lights for night dives, compass for underwater navigation, CPR mask and signaling devices for rescue. Available for purchase.

 

Public Safety Diver

All necessary scuba equipment and any departmental or organizational dive gear with which the student may want to train with during the courses.

 

Rentals available and equipment available for purchase.

 

 

Payment

Payment should be made 14 days prior to class requested to ensure student placement.

 

We are working on accepting agency PO’s. Sorry, agency PO’s are not yet being accepted.

 

Master Card and Visa will be accepted.

 

Checks will be accepted.

 

Cash payment

 

Itemized receipts will be issued to each individual for reimbursement purposes and end of the year tax purposes.

 

 

Instructor Travel

Many times it may be less expensive for your department to bring me to you rather than sending your people to us. We will be happy to come to your agency to teach your class. If your department or group is less than 100 miles from New Orleans there will be NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE. After 100 miles a .35/mile charge will apply.

 

Resources available at your facility should include:

 

Classroom

Large enough to accommodate student numbers. If space is available consider hosting a class and help recoup your costs.

 

Power point projector or multiple medium to large (27” or greater) TVs, copier and accessories.

 

Pool

ANY Scuba requires pool of at least 8 ft depth.

 

Open water

Sites must be evaluated prior to agreement to travel. This can be done via personal evaluation or by photos. (Free of charge within 100 miles of Mississippi Bridge in New Orleans, La. with commitment to a class and refundable deposit.)

 

Lodging  We’re not too picky. As long as there is some privacy to complete paperwork at the end of the night and a quiet room to get some sleep.

 

Meals   A $50.00 per diem is requested upon arrival to your area.  

 

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