Structured Progression from New Diver to ERDI Level 2 (Operations Level)

Overview

At Sink or Swim Scuba, we specialize in training public safety divers and emergency response dive teams. Our structured training path is the preferred route to produce confident, competent, and safe public safety divers. This progression ensures divers are well-prepared before entering ERDI-level training, reducing dropout rates and increasing mission readiness.

Our team works directly with departments to tailor training schedules, certification levels, and mission goals. Whether you're starting from non-diver status or already certified, we can adjust the program to match your dive team’s operational needs and timeline. We also offer direct entry into the ERDI program for already certified divers.

All training is designed with one goal in mind: developing professional, capable, and safe public safety divers who are ready to perform under real-world conditions. We also provide long-term support, equipment guidance, and assistance during dive operations as needed.

Step 1: SDI Open Water Diver

This is the entry-level scuba certification required for all advanced and ERDI-level courses. Students will learn fundamental scuba skills, dive planning, and emergency procedures. This course lays the groundwork for advanced diver development.

Step 2: SDI Advanced Open Water Diver

Divers must log 25 dives and complete four specialty courses. This is the required next step before public safety dive training.

Recommended specialties include:

• Deep Diver

• Limited Visibility Diver

• Dry Suit Diver

• Full Face Mask Diver

Upon completing all four specialties and 25 logged dives, students will receive the SDI Advanced Open Water Diver certification.

Optional: SDI Rescue Diver and Master Scuba Diver Recognition

Rescue Diver is an excellent addition for divers who want to improve their emergency response and in-water rescue skills. After completing Rescue Diver and logging 50 total dives, students earn the Master Scuba Diver rating—SDI’s highest non-professional certification.

Step 3: Emergency Medical Prerequisites for ERDI

Before beginning ERDI training, students must hold current certifications in:

• Adult and Child Emergency First Response

• Emergency Oxygen Administration

Both courses are available at Sink or Swim Scuba.

Step 4: ERDI Level 1 Public Safety Diver (Operations Level)

This course introduces divers to the public safety diving environment and teaches the fundamentals of recovery and rescue diving operations. Upon certification, divers may operate under team supervision in conditions similar to their training.

ERDI Level 1 divers are authorized to:

• Participate in recovery and rescue operations up to 60 feet deep

• Conduct no-decompression dives

• Operate under the supervision of a public safety dive supervisor

• Support real-world missions with proper training and team structure

Graduates of ERDI 1 are eligible to continue to:

• ERDI Tender (Operations Level)

• ERDI Level 2 (Operations Level)

• ERDI Ops Components and team-specific training modules

ERDI Tender (Operations Level)

The ERDI Tender course is designed for non-diving personnel who support dive teams from the surface. Students learn how to tend divers, manage communication, monitor safety, and coordinate scenes during public safety operations.

Step 5: ERDI Level 2 Public Safety Diver (Operations Level)

ERDI 2 training prepares divers for advanced recovery and rescue operations. This course builds on the foundational skills of ERDI 1 and expands into more complex public safety scenarios.

Graduates of ERDI 2 are prepared to:

• Operate in more advanced diving environments

• Conduct rescue and recovery operations under direction

• Coordinate with dive supervisors and surface tenders

• Support full-scale missions within trained conditions and no-decompression limits

ERDI 2 is also a prerequisite for the ERDI Ops Components and ERDI Supervisor course.

Required Equipment for Public Safety Diver Training

Rental equipment is available for most required items. We also offer team pricing and guidance for agencies purchasing or standardizing gear.

ERDI Level 1 Equipment Requirements

• Mask and fins

• Buoyancy compensator device (BCD) with minimum 40 lb lift and pony bottle capability

• Technical harness if BCD is not suitable for tethering

• Primary and secondary regulators, preferably environmentally sealed

• Primary cylinder (minimum 80 cubic feet)

• Pony cylinder (minimum 18 cubic feet), rigged for emergency air-sharing

• Submersible pressure gauge

• Depth gauge, compass, and underwater timing device (or dive computer)

• Appropriate exposure protection

• Two cutting tools (primary and backup)

• Weight system

• Audible and visual surface signaling devices

• Logbook

• USCG-approved personal floatation device (PFD)

• Latex gloves and work gloves

• Dive tables

ERDI Level 2 Additional Equipment

In addition to all ERDI 1 gear, students must also have:

• A dry suit with thermal insulation suitable for emergency response diving

• A full face mask equipped with underwater communications

We carry and rent OTS Guardian full face masks, DUI and Bare drysuits, and compatible communications systems.

ERDI Tender Required Equipment

• USCG-approved PFD

• Two cutting tools (primary and backup)

• Audible and visual signaling devices

• Latex and work gloves

Important Notes and Disclaimers

• Dive site entry fees, such as Blue Stone Quarry or PDRA, are not included. Expect approximately $25 per day or $120 per year for memberships.

• Rental gear is not included beyond Open Water training, but can be provided.

• We strongly recommend divers acquire their own gear for consistency, comfort, and safety.

• Full support from Sink or Swim Scuba is available throughout your training, including guidance, mentorship, and on-site mission assistance as needed.ERDI largest and most recognized public safety diver training agency in the world.