Sixteen members of the SAPS Gauteng Water Police and Diving Services hit the waves in Sodwana Bay to participate in the wing’s seven-day annual refresher camp from July 12.
Led by the provincial head of Police Emergency Services, Brigadier Govender, the team traded the freshwater bodies they are accustomed to for the mandatory ocean training camp.
“The week-long camp consists of daily dives and refresher classes to uphold SAPS operational standards while ensuring members comply with commercial diving regulations,” said Warrant Officer Grant Giblin, Benoni Flying Squad and Rapid Response Services spokesperson.
“Local divers are accustomed to diving in dams and operating in rivers. However, they must be operationally equipped to react to disasters across the country and beyond.
“The SAPS have very few dedicated officers with diving knowledge still within its ranks. It is vital that these elite members undergo continuous training to ensure that they are ready for duty under any circumstances.”
With a packed schedule, officers had little time to rest, unwind and take in the picturesque oceanic beauty, instead they were immersed in the depths brushing up on equipment inspection, underwater communication, buddy checks, buoyancy control, regulated descents and ascents as well as equalising with depths ranging between 12 to 18 metres.
“The camp is structured to ensure that SAPS divers are proficient in their duties to better assist the communities they serve,” said Giblin.
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