Ice Diving Operations Course

ERDI Ice Diving Operations Course: Master the Challenges of Under-Ice Environments

Ice diving presents unique challenges and demands specialized skills. The ERDI Ice Diving Operations Course is designed for certified ERD I Divers who need to conduct missions in or near frozen bodies of water, including ice penetration and diving in overhead ice environments. This course provides the vital knowledge and practical training to operate safely and effectively under the ice.

You'll learn about:

• Cold-Water Diving Aspects: Understanding the physiological effects of cold water and how to mitigate them.
• Specialized Equipment: Selecting and using appropriate equipment for ice diving, including drysuits (required for this course).
• Surface Support Procedures: Mastering the critical role of surface support personnel in ice diving operations.
• Scene Preparation: Learning how to prepare the ice diving site, including cutting and securing entry/exit points.
• Lost Diver Drills: Practicing procedures for locating and assisting a lost diver in an under-ice environment.
• Overhead Environments: Understanding the unique risks and procedures for operating in overhead ice environments.

This course involves two open water dives where you'll practice essential skills under the direct supervision of an ERDI Instructor.

Who should take this course? Certified ERD I Divers who need to operate in or near frozen bodies of water and conduct ice penetration dives.

Prerequisites:

• Minimum age 18
• ERD I certification (or equivalent)
• SDI Dry Suit Diver or ERD Dry Suit Ops Component certification

What You Get: Upon successful completion, you'll be equipped with the vital information and skills necessary to safely plan and complete dive operations under and on top of ice environments.

Key Topics:

• Aspects of cold-water diving
• Appropriate equipment for ice diving
• Surface support procedures
• Scene preparation
• Lost diver drills
• Overhead environments

Prerequisites:

• Minimum age 18
• ERD I certification (or equivalent)
• SDI Dry Suit Diver or ERD Dry Suit Ops Component

Outcomes:

• Knowledge and skills to safely deploy and complete dive operations under and on top of ice environments.
• Course includes (2) open water dives.