MISSION READY
Welcome to UCI's website! I wanted to take a moment and tell you about this website and my intentions with it. First off, I wanted to have a site on Public Safety Diving and Underwater Criminal Investigations that you could go to that would help you in your public safety and law enforcement dive training.
I have been a Public Safety Diver and Underwater Criminal Investigator for quite some time now (40+ years and counting) and have seen and used a lot of different methods and techniques. I have been involved in over three thousand underwater investigations dealing with every type of environment and conditions imaginable. From deep ocean dives that push the depth and time limits, to a few inches of polluted creek water crawling on my hands and knees. Operations that lasted just a few minutes to operations that seemed like they would never end (my longest recovery operation lasted 3 months involving a contract killing). From bodies and weapons that were underwater for less than an hour to 40 year old "cold cases" searching for bones and pieces of metal. With all of that as my foundation, you will never hear me say I know everything there is to know or that my way is the only way, because I would be lying.
One of the things I have learned over the years and know to be true is that you need to "keep it simple." From the search pattern used to the knot you're tying off with. You also need to be flexible, able to "adapt and overcome." What I have put on this site is what works for me based on my experience. What works for me might not work for you. The question is, "Are the things you're doing working and are they safe?" If they work and are safe, what's the problem!
Keep in mind that this site and all the information in it is just a small sample of what you need to know to become a true professional in this field. This site should give you a taste of what's out there and a point in the right direction. Don't let this website, a book, video, a lecture, or anything else take the place of solid hands-on in-water training from a qualified experienced instructor. In-water training from a qualified instructor is the only thing that can give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed and survive in this profession.
If you learn one thing that makes your recovery operations a little more effective and/or safer, then I have accomplished my mission. I hope you enjoy the site and use it whenever you need it.
Now sit back and let me take you on a great adventure; a journey on the path to becoming an Underwater Criminal Investigator. God bless.