A dive rescue unit is being developed to service the North Shore of Long Island---the Eighth Battalion Dive Rescue Team. The Eighth Battalion consists of the eight fire departments on the northwest shore of Nassau County---the Great Neck Alerts, the Great Neck Vigilants, Manhasset Lakeville, Port Washington, Williston Park, East Williston, Albertson, and Plandome.

''There is no such unit on the North Shore now,'' says Vigilant Fire Chief Andrew DeMartin, who originally conceived of the idea of ''battalionizing'' specialty areas. He is currently the Eighth Battalion Dive Rescue liaison. Chief DeMartin said that the closest dive rescue team is in New York City. Nassau County's dive recovery only recovers dead bodies.

According to the Chief, ''Some fire officers critiquing previous water incidents years ago originally conceived the concept of the dive rescue unit.''

''We're right on the water, and getting into the boating season now,'' continued the Chief, adding, ''With our own dive rescue team, more lives could be saved.''

The water areas to be covered are extensive, including 135 bodies of salt water (excluding the Long Island Sound), three bodies of fresh water, one wetlands, 10 tidal marsh areas, and 42 silo tanks.

''Members of the Eighth Battalion have seen a need for a battalion-wide scuba rescue team,'' said Chief DeMartin. ''Many (fire) departments have a large area of shoreline to protect; other departments have a variety of water hazards.''

The dive rescue committee has been in existence about a year, with between 40 and 60 members, including Chief DeMartin, who works in administration. ''The people involved bring expertise and training,'' says the Chief. ''They have laid out personal funds for their own training and equipment purchases.''

Members of the committee either have diving certification or are in training. Prospective rescue divers and rope tenders will come from the ranks of the departments, with department chiefs recommending personnel that are in good standing and have a minimum of two years in their respective departments. Training and operating procedures would follow those used by other Nassau County dive teams, maintaining continuity in the signals and search patterns used.

The next step is to secure funds. Chief DeMartin says that they are now looking for federal, state, and town grants. ''We do cover federal wetlands and the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point,'' he stated.

Chief DeMartin says that he has spoken to State Senator Michael Balboni and Town of North Hempstead Supervisor May Newburger, and both promised to do all they can to help with funding.

''We're organized and ready, but we can't go into the water until we have equipment,'' says Chief DeMartin. ''We're just waiting for funding to happen; money is the only thing stopping us now.''

According to the Chief, they need $100,000 to become fully operational.

Chief DeMartin also hopes for some corporate funding, ''possibly down the road.''

Chief DeMartin's Vigilant fire department would be the dispatching center, calling in via mutual aid. Divers would respond directly to each incident. Behind-the-scenes additional personnel, equipment, and support would be provided by the department in whose jurisdiction the team may be operating.

The eight fire departments in the battalion have come together under one agreement, the first joint venture for all departments, according to the Chief.

''If this gets off the ground financially, it will make a great impact on this community,'' promises Chief DeMartin.