PIKESVILLE, Md. — Most people know the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office for investigating fires, arson and explosions, but the agency also has a specialized dive team trained to deal with explosive threats beneath the water.
Members of the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Underwater Hazardous Devices Team, or UHDT, recently traveled to Florida for recertification training on the VIPER underwater rebreather system.
The specialized equipment allows explosive ordnance disposal divers to operate underwater for longer periods and at greater depths while reducing the telltale bubbles produced by conventional scuba equipment…