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ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SPECIAL ORDER Effective Date: April 16, 2010  Amends - SO 78.0 (March 3, 2008) Number: 78.0 Distribution: All USRT Personnel Review Month: April Reviewing Authority: SOD / Specialized Patrol Subject: Underwat er Search And Recovery Team (USRT) This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Definitions 3. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this directive is to establish specific guidelines for the Underwater Search and Recovery Team’s, (USRT), selection a nd retention of personnel, dive operations, training, and maintenance of equipment. 2. Definitions A. Assistant Coordinator - A team member designated by the Team Coordinator to assist the Team Coordinator and assume the Team Coordinator’s responsibilities when the Team Coordinator is not available. B. Assistant Shore Master - Temporary position designated by the Shore Master to assist the Shore Master with his/her assigned duties at a dive operation. C. Assistant Team Leader - Team members designated by the Team Coordinator to assist the Team Leader and to provide supervision for members assigned to his/her team when the Team Leader is not available. D. Contamination Zone - The immediate area surrounding a dive recovery that is directly effected by cont aminates from the objective or part of the diving environment. E. Decontamination Zone - The area surrounding the entry and/or exit points for divers and equipment that may be indirectly effected by contaminates transferred from divers and/or equipment. F. Deep Dive - Any dive deeper than sixty feet. G. Dive Tender - A temporary position designated by a Team Leader to assist other divers during a dive operation. H. Long Term Dive - Any dive operation over three hours. 78.0, Page 2 of 11 I. Probationary Status - A peri od of time during which the team member may be removed from the team at the discretion of the Team Coordinator . J. Reserve Team Member - Any diver who does not receive Specialty pay. Divers are required to attend at least six (6) training sessions per cale ndar year. They are held to the same skill level and certification requirements as a full time USRT team member but with lesser on -call expectations. K. Rule of Thirds - Every diver will begin a dive operation with a tank at a minimum of 2700psi. First 90 0psi is for suiting up and entry. The second 900psi is for bottom time. The last 900psi is for exit and decontamination. L. Shore Master - Temporary position designated by the Team Coordinator or designee at dive operations to coordinate specific assignm ents. The Shore Master must be a n Assistant Team Leader or above. M. Support Zone - The area outside the decontamination zone utilized by command and support personnel during a dive operation. N. Team Commander – Has the overall responsibility for the m anagement of the USRT. O. Team Coordinator - The team member designated by the Team Commander to be responsible for coordinating training and dive operations and for assuming the responsibilities of the Team Commander when the Team Commander is not availa ble. P. Team Leader - Team members designated by the Team Coordinator to provide supervision for dive team members assigned to his/her team during dive operations and training. Q. Team Medic - Team member having specialized medical training and designate d by the Team Coordinator to provide medical assistance for team members during dive operations and training. R. Underwater Search and Recovery Team (USRT) - Agency members having scuba training, specialized dive training or other specialized training, a ssigned the responsibility of completing missions involving the recovery of drowned victims and other objectives from beneath the surface of waters within the jurisdictional boundaries of Orange County. 3. Procedures A. Selection and Retention of Personnel 1. Selection a. Agency members seeking a position on the Underwater Search and Recovery Team shall follow all agency guidelines and meet all criteria as set forth by the posting for the position. b. Agency members seeking a position on the USRT must have an open water certification from a nationally recognized agency and pass the 78.0, Page 3 of 11 skills test as set forth by the Team Coordinator . c. The position of Assistant Team Coordinator and below can only be held by members below the rank of Lieutenant . 2. Retention a. Agency memb ers selected for the USRT are on a one -year probationary status. b. Agency members selected as divers for the USRT shall complete the 80-hour Law Enforcement Diver Course before probationary status is lifted. c. Agency members selected as divers for the USRT sha ll be certified in the use of a Dry Suit and Aga mask before being removed from probationary status. d. Team members shall pass an annual skill test as set forth by the Team Coordinator . Failing to do so shall result in a probationary status. e. Mandatory t raining sessions are held monthly and as needed. Team members missing three training sessions in any 12 -month period shall be placed on probationary status for a period of time designated by the Team Coordinator . f. Team members are on -call as primary or secondary and shall respond when requested to do so by the Team Coordinator or designee. g. A team member may be placed on probationary status by the Team Coordinator any time the Coordinator believes the team member is not meeting his/her obligations