Police head to deep water
A DEEP-water diving course kicked off in Williamstown on Thursday.Classed category 2, it is part of the Australian diver accredited scheme under which search and rescue police train to upgrade their qualifications.
Leading Senior Constable Mark Braun said the course was mandatory for search and rescue police. "They already have scuba diving qualifications and this course is additional to that.
"Our job is to assist with underwater investigations, recovering missing bodies, weapons, aircraft and vehicles.
"A lot of our waterways are blackwater, and can involve depths of 30metres so we have to be proficient in working in the dark."
Over three weeks, water police members are required to compete in a series of tasks to gain additional qualifications.
The next phase of training will be at Lake Eildon.
