ERDI ERD I Public Safety Diver Training in Stuart, Florida

Illustration of an ERDI public safety diver and surface support team — Public safety training illustration.

ERDI • Public Safety Training

Public safety diving starts with a team, a plan and a controlled response. ERD I develops the basic diver and tender skills used in public safety diving. Stuart Scuba works with individual candidates and teams to plan training around their experience and operational needs.

Who this course is for

Minimum age 18.
Open Water Scuba Diver certification or an accepted equivalent.
Current CPR, first aid and oxygen administration qualifications, or completion in an approved combination with qualified instruction.
Review of medical fitness, existing diving skills and required course paperwork before in-water training.

Course structure

The course includes academic study, confined-water work and four open-water training dives. Required diving is conducted in daylight, within no-decompression limits, to a maximum of 18 metres / 60 feet. Standards allow roughly eight hours of classroom work and six hours of confined-water training; the final schedule depends on the team and performance.

What you will work on

Public safety team roles, scene organization and operational planning.
Diver–tender communications, line handling and search patterns.
Equipment selection, gas planning, buoyancy, controlled movement and self-rescue.
Working as a diver and tender during evaluated public safety scenarios.

Scope and safety

Completing eLearning alone is not ERD I Technician certification. Technician qualification requires the prescribed practical training and evaluations. ERD I is a foundation for team development; an agency must still maintain its own operational policies and qualifications.

Plan your course with Stuart Scuba

We confirm candidate eligibility, the equipment plan, course schedule and a written quote before enrollment. Public safety teams serving Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Palm City, Hobe Sound, Jupiter, West Palm Beach and Vero Beach can contact us to discuss training logistics.

Call (772) 600-8288 or ask about ERDI ERD I Public Safety Diver.

Frequently asked questions

Is this recreational diver training?

ERDI is the public safety branch. This course applies diving skills to organized public safety operations.

How many dives are required?

ERD I requires four open-water training dives, plus the academic and confined-water components.

Can I add dry suit or full face mask training?

Yes, when planned with appropriately qualified instruction. Adding either Ops component to ERD I requires two additional dives for that component; adding both requires four additional dives.

Do I need to be a certified diver first?

Yes. Open Water Scuba Diver or an accepted equivalent is an entry requirement.

Where is the course organized?

Contact Stuart Scuba in Stuart, Florida. We confirm the classroom, practical training sites and meeting details before you enroll.

Can our team arrange a group course?

Yes. Tell us your team size, existing qualifications, equipment and training goals so we can review the course plan.

Is a particular course date guaranteed?

Course dates, instructor availability and suitable training conditions are confirmed before booking.

How much does the course cost?

Request a course quote. We will confirm tuition, materials, equipment arrangements and any site or charter costs before you commit.

Is rental equipment included?

Equipment arrangements are confirmed in the course quote. Tell us what you own and what you need before enrollment.

Can I use my own equipment?

Bring your equipment list for review. Equipment must suit the course, fit properly and be maintained for its intended use.

Is certification automatic after attending?

No. Certification requires completion of the required knowledge, practical work and performance evaluations.

Can another agency’s certification meet a prerequisite?

An equivalent may be accepted where the current course standard permits it. Send your certification details for review.

What if I need more practice?

Tell the instructor where you need help. Additional practice and scheduling are discussed before certification decisions are made.

What should I send with an inquiry?

Send the course name, your certifications, relevant experience, equipment and preferred dates. Teams should include the number of candidates.

Can weather change the training schedule?

Yes. Conditions and site suitability determine when practical training can proceed. The schedule is confirmed with the instructor.

What comes after ERD I?

ERD II requires ERD I or an accepted equivalent and ten additional logged public safety dives with a recognized team, plus its other prerequisites. Equipment Ops courses and Tender training are separate pathways.