A course that prepares you to help others
The Rescue Diver course teaches you not only to rescue, but to notice early that something is wrong. You learn to recognise stress in yourself and others, to solve a small problem before it becomes dangerous, and to act when your buddy needs help underwater or at the surface. The course builds confidence and responsibility: you learn to look after not only yourself but also your dive buddies.
The course consists of theory, rescue exercises and final scenarios in open water. When you finish you receive an international PADI or SDI Rescue Diver certificate.
Course programme
Theory: preventing accidents
- Why diving accidents happen and how to prevent them
- How to recognise stress and panic before they become dangerous
- Priorities in a rescue: your safety, the team's and the casualty's
- Managing an emergency: calling for help, communication and coordinating the response
- Giving oxygen and preparing equipment for emergency care
Practice: rescue exercises
- Self-rescue and managing your own stress
- Helping a tired or panicking diver at the surface and underwater
- Searching for a missing diver
- Bringing an unconscious diver to the surface and in-water rescue breathing
- Towing the casualty to shore or a boat, removing their equipment and getting them out of the water
Final scenarios
At the end of the course you carry out a complete rescue from start to finish: from noticing the problem to getting the casualty out of the water and organising help. The instructor watches every step and goes through it with you.
What comes next
The Rescue Diver certificate is required to start the Divemaster course, the first professional diving level.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start right after the Open Water course?
PADI requires an Advanced Open Water Diver certificate, or Adventure Diver with the navigation dive. SDI also accepts Open Water Divers with 15 logged dives. Either way, we recommend having at least 20 dives.
Do I need a first-aid course?
Yes. PADI requires the EFR Primary & Secondary Care course completed within the last 24 months, SDI current first-aid and oxygen provider certificates. If you do not have them, you can take the first-aid course together with this course.
How long does the course take?
You can study the theory in class or online, and the practical part usually takes two days.
Which certificate will I get?
An international PADI or SDI Rescue Diver certificate. It is required to start the Divemaster course.