Q. What is the NAPD?

A. The National Academy of Police Diving (NAPD) is a non-profit, self-regulating body, dedicated to the establishment and maintenance of standards of practice for public safety diving. The NAPD is concerned with diver safety, state-of-the-art diving techniques, training, methodologies, and underwater investigations. The Academy's goals are to promote the safety and welfare of its members who engage in underwater search and recovery.


Q. How do I become a member?

A. Follow this link to the membership page and fill out some basic information about yourself: become a member. Personal contact information is kept private.


Q. What are the benefits of membership?

A. It not only gives you access to member only content on our site but also a special discount on all products and classes purchased through the NAPD website.


Q. What is the difference between the Police Diver and Special Response Diver?

A. The purpose of the 80-hour Police Diver program is to train and certify law enforcement officers in basic search and recovery, search patterns, line signals, equipment configuration, basic crime scene investigation and preservation, vehicle extrication, general marine surveys and inspections of boat hulls, bridge, pier and docks.
The Special Response Diver program is only 40-hours and is designed for non-law enforcement personnel. The training does not include hull, bridge, pier, or dock inspection. It also does not go as in depth in the crime scene investigation or in the medical aspect.


Q. What training is available?

A. The core class is either the Police or Special Response Diver Program. All other specialty classes build upon these. For a detailed listing of all Programs please follow this link: Course Description Catalog


Q. When are classes taking place?

A. Please follow the link to: Events Calendar


Q. How do I sign up for a class?

A. Right now the best way to sign up for a class is to use the “contact us” link at the top right of the page and select “class enrollment” from the categories list. You can ask for more information or let us know which class and where you would like to attend. The instructor will receive your email and contact you. Please leave a phone number and email address for the instructor to be able to reach you.