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

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.