After a gruelling six weeks of selection, training and assessment, South Australia Police (SAPOL) candidates Steve, Cam and Harry have successfully passed the Water Operations Unit Commercial diving course.
From an initial starting group of 12, the officers have dived at varying locations around the state, being exposed to offshore wrecks, disused mines and the depths of the River Murray.
"Diving locations included the Port River (Port Adelaide and Outer Harbor), offshore locations up to 10 miles out from Glenelg and North Haven, Highbury Quarry, and Murray River, including Goolwa, Blanchetown and Renmark," Sergeant David Bacchus, Water Operations Unit Training Supervisor, said.
"Divers are tested for water confidence, including the ability to remain calm in stressful underwater environments, on cold tolerance, a high level of fitness, and ability to work in a close team environment in stressful uncomfortable conditions.
"Their ability to safely operate in nil visibility in underwater environs and conduct complicated tasks such as searching amongst thick snags, along submerged cliff faces and in strong currents is also tested."
SAPOL's Water Operations Unit is a highly specialised unit which provides marine search and rescue above and below the waters throughout the state, operating at offshore islands, remote inland waterways and South East sinkholes.
In a diving capacity, the unit provides a critical service to recover submerged evidence, and assists the public in times of emergency.
In a water police capacity, the unit plans and coordinates marine search and rescue across the waterways of SA and responds in SAPOL vessels to provide assistance to people in distress at sea.
"Work within the unit provides officers the opportunity to directly assist the public in times of emergency and to use their specialist skills to save lives," Sergeant Bacchus explained.
"In their role, officers are able to travel widely throughout the state, visiting stunning locations, diving in world-renown sinkholes with visibility in excess of 100 metres, and to operate highly specialised vessels, including a 20-metre offshore patrol vessel and jet skis."
Meanwhile, diving course graduates Steve, Cam and Harry are ready to take an even deeper dive into additional training.
SAPOL wishes them well as they prepare to commence an intensive marine training course to crew police vessels and conduct search and rescue missions on South Australian waters.
