NCJ Number
174498
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 67 Issue: 4 Dated: April 1998 Pages: 1-8
Date Published
1998
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article describes and discusses the requirements of forensic diving.
Abstract
While investigating plane crashes, submerged vehicles, boating accidents, suicides, homicides, swimming fatalities, ice rescues and recovering evidence, forensic divers face a number of risks: underwater piping, debris, industrial pollution, medical waste, organic hazards from both people and animals, shifting currents, poor visibility, hypothermia and hyperthermia, nitrogen poisoning, and dehydration. Forensic divers often require, in addition to basic diving equipment, specialized gear such as dry suits (which surround divers with air instead of water), locating devices and transportation. Underwater recovery efforts also include the use of canines. Dogs can detect people underwater at depths as great as 150 feet. Qualifications and training for diving dogs are as important as the qualifications and training for forensic divers. Qualifications and training for forensic divers should supplement, not replace, departmental physical and psychological requirements. Training will probably include instruction in stress management, media relations and teamwork. Table, notes