[Infowarrior] - FBI issues *another* SCUBA Diver Alert

[Richard Forno]

As a (somewhat new) diver I find hysterical that many of the 'combat
swimmer' skills they cite as possible signs of 'nefarious activity' are
taught as basic diving skills to ALL divers, and are requisite skills taught
in such specialties like underwater navigation, deep diving, search and
recovery, and more, to include Diver Propulsion Vehicle training that's
become so popular for recreational divers in recent years.   *facepalm*

I'm beyond amused.  This is absobleepinlutely pathetic.

-rick


FBI Issues Scuba Industry Alert Over Requests For Specialized Training,
'Nefarious Activity'

By Underwatertimes.com News Service

http://www.underwatertimes.com/print.php?article_id=64810251370

The FBI issues an advisory for the scuba industry to be on the alert for
possible 'nefarious activity'

Washington, D.C. (2007-06-22 16:51:45 EST) The purpose of this advisory is
to provide situational awareness to the scuba industry regarding behavior
that may indicate an individual(s) is involved in nefarious activity.

The following threat indicators, taken in isolation, generally reflect
legitimate recreational and commercial activities. In combination with other
information, they can indicate possible links to criminal behavior. Please
note, the below indicators are not an all inclusive list, these indicators
represent a baseline that could possibly indicate suspicious behavior.

Training Indicators

Requests for specialty training, including odd inquiries that are
inconsistent with recreational diving. These may include:

    Requests to dive in murky water or sewer pipes.
    Inquires about procedures such as diver towing.

Requests to learn advanced skills associated with combat swimming,
including:

    Use of re-breathers and diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs).
    Deep diving.
    Conducting kick counts.
    Receiving extra navigation training.

Requests for advanced diver training by applicants from countries where
diving is not a common recreational activity. Similarly, training sponsored
by groups or agencies such as religious organizations, cults, associations,
or charitable agencies not normally associated with diving.

Potentially Suspicious Equipment Purchases or Rentals

Volume purchasing inquires related to Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) and
Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs). SDVs are very expensive vehicles normally
used for specialized military purposes, and usually are not available to
recreational divers. Efforts to purchase DPVs, the more commonly available
civilian counterpart to SDVs, could be associated with extending the range
or payload capacity or a combat swimmer team.

Other Indicators:

    Paying cash for diving instruction.
    Refusal or reluctance to provide personal information.

Recipients are requested to report suspicious or criminal activity to their
local FBI Office.