For Dive 8 and 512, how many assigned personnel must be certified as OKCFD Water Rescue Team members?

• A. Three
• B. Five
• C. Four
• D. Six

Answer: (B)

The requirement centers on staffing a Water Rescue Team so safety-critical roles are covered during a dive. For Dive 8 and 512, five assigned personnel must be certified as Water Rescue Team members. This number supports key coverage: a dive lead to manage the operation, a second diver as backup, surface support or tender to handle lines and equipment, and two additional roles such as safety/standby and incident communications. Having five ensures redundancy and that critical functions can be maintained if one person is delayed, overwhelmed, or needs to respond to an issue.

Three would not provide enough coverage for all essential functions, and four begins to stretch resources with higher risk of gaps in safety, oversight, or communications. Six isn’t required as a minimum for these dives, though extra personnel can be used if conditions demand it.