The SEMLEC Marine Unit / Dive Team stands ready to provide underwater search and recovery services for victims, evidence, or property, at the request of any of our member agencies.
Capabilities
This specialized unit is comprised of:
- Skilled scuba divers
- Line‐tenders (surface support personnel)
- Vessel operators and support craft crews
These teams train, equip, and deploy in marine, lake, pond, river and shoreline environments across southeastern Massachusetts, offering a regional resource for water-borne emergencies and complex operations.
Activation & Response
When a member agency’s incident demands underwater recovery—whether a missing-person search, evidence retrieval, or vessel/submerged‐object recovery—the Marine Unit / Dive Team is activated under local jurisdictional command. The unit’s composition of trained personnel and specialized craft allows rapid, effective regional service.
Why It Matters
- Specialized expertise: Underwater operations require unique training, equipment and support – capabilities that exceed routine patrol functions.
- Cost-effective regional mutual aid: By pooling resources across 29 member agencies, SEMLEC maximizes public safety while controlling costs and avoiding duplication of highly specialized units.
- Reliable readiness: With dedicated members, craft, and support systems, the unit remains prepared for time-sensitive aquatic incidents throughout southeastern Massachusetts.
Member Agency Support
Any SEMLEC member agency chief may request the Marine Unit / Dive Team when circumstances exceed their local in-house capacity. The unit integrates with incident command structure to support safe and efficient outcomes.
