The vision for the Harbor Police Dive Rescue Team is to set the standard for civilian dive rescue, marine security and general marine service dive response in the region.

The Dive Rescue Team is comprised of a 24-member squad of police officers. The team is on 24-hour standby. Team members are equipped with dry diving suits and have the capability of conversing with rescue coordinators waiting on the surface. The Dive Rescue Team trains continually in its effort to provide underwater and surface rescue, underwater search and recovery, in water prisoner handling, underwater investigations and a security response to marine incidents. The Dive Rescue Team serves San Diego Bay, the Port District Tidelands and the San Diego International Airport. The Dive Rescue Team responds, in a mutual aid capacity, to emergencies in the region. Members of the team are also trained in water rescue and helicopter based entries.