Alco Dive Team recruits new volunteers throughout the year. A training academy starts every calendar year for recruits that have been interviewed and accepted by unit officers.
Volunteers should be over 18 years of age, in good physical condition, and should have proficient scuba diving skills. Special dive certifications are not required, but recruits should have significant experience at scuba diving in cold water and low visibility conditions.
Unit members eventually must obtain first aid and CPR certifications (Red Cross or equivalent), and must complete at least a full year of training in public safety diving techniques. Alco Dive Team training covers specialized skills in zero visibility diving, night diving, rescue techniques, weapons handling, communications equipment and protocols, body bagging, helicopter operations, navigation and anchoring, and witness interviewing.
Prospective unit members are expected to and pass an Alameda County Sheriff's office background check before participating as full members.
As volunteers, we supply and maintain our own equipment, and perform our training and response activities without pay. Being called to respond is not always convenient, nor is it always pleasant, but it's always fulfilling.
Our members are drawn from all parts of the community. Our number includes a high percentage of divemasters and instructors, but beyond proficient dive skills, the primary requirement is a desire to serve the community.
Additional information:
To find out more about joining our unit, we encourage you to attend one of our monthly meetings. These are currently held the third Tuesday of each month at the OES building in Dublin.