PADI course
Rescue Diver
Learn to spot trouble early — and to handle it when you cannot
$770per diver
- Duration
- 3 days
- Group size
- Maximum 8 students per instructor
Who can enroll
Advanced Open Water or higher Ages 12 and up
From the shop
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or higher — that is where we set this course, and it covers PADI's own requirement of Adventure Diver with the Underwater Navigation Adventure Dive. If you hold Adventure Diver with navigation, talk to us. You also need Emergency First Response primary and secondary care — or equivalent CPR and first aid training — completed within the past 24 months.
About this course
Most divers describe Rescue as the hardest course they have enjoyed. The focus shifts outward: from your own diving to the divers around you, and to the problems that are still small enough to solve.
You will practice self-rescue, recognizing and managing stress in another diver, in-water rescue and tows, surfacing an unresponsive diver, and giving rescue breaths while bringing them in. The course finishes with two scenarios that put it together under pressure.
Emergency First Response (CPR and first aid) training within the past 24 months is required. We run it alongside the course if you need it.
Photos from the Rescue Diver course
How the course runs
Day 1 — knowledge and self-rescue
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Knowledge development and the rescue exam
- Self-rescue and cramp release
- Tired and panicked diver at the surface
Day 2 — rescuing another diver
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Responsive and unresponsive diver underwater
- Surfacing an unresponsive diver and in-water rescue breathing
- Exits, oxygen, and handing over to emergency services
Day 3 — scenarios
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Scenario 1: missing diver, search and recovery
- Scenario 2: unresponsive diver at the surface, full sequence
- Debrief and certification paperwork
What the fee covers
We provide
- All PADI learning materials and certification fees
- Rescue scenarios and skills sessions
- Tanks, weights, and boat
Not included
- Emergency First Response course, if you need it
- Personal gear rental
- Marine park fees
Upcoming dates
Next date
Sun, Oct 11 – Mon, Oct 12
Starts 8:00 AM · 1 spot left
Looking for a different date? Request a date.
Questions divers ask
Is Rescue Diver physically demanding?
It is the most demanding recreational course. Expect long surface work, towing, and repeated exits. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be reasonably fit.
Do I need CPR and first aid training?
Yes — primary and secondary care within the past 24 months. If yours has lapsed, we will run Emergency First Response alongside the course.
Does this qualify me to work as a diver?
No. Rescue Diver is a recreational certification. Divemaster is the first professional rating, and Rescue is its prerequisite.
Can I fly afterwards?
Wait at least 18 hours after multiple dives before flying — a minimum, not a guarantee. Plan the last day of the course with room to spare.