PADI Rescue Diver

The PADI Rescue Diver course is a pivotal step in expanding a diver’s knowledge and experience. Rescue Divers learn to look beyond themselves to consider the safety and well-being of other divers. This is why the PADI Rescue Diver certification is a prerequisite for all PADI leadership-level training (PADI Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and Open Water Scuba Instructor).

Rescue Diver training expands the basic problem prevention and accident management skills student divers learn beginning with the PADI Open Water Diver course. At the Rescue Diver level, students are ready to learn to manage more complex dive emergencies and to apply direct intervention techniques to assist others in an emergency. By its nature, the course is demanding, though realistic in its conduct, content and approach. Although the nature and context in which rescue training may be used is serious, the course should be an enjoyable challenge that builds diver confidence.

The PADI Rescue Diver course philosophy focuses on the concept that there is rarely only one way to accomplish a task. There is no single “right” way to perform a rescue, but rather there are many variables and resources that rescuers consider and draw upon, depending upon the scenario. The course takes a flexible, conceptual approach to rescue — a rescuer’s relative size and strength, for example, as well as environmental factors, may dictate or influence what rescue technique will be most effective.

The course water training sessions develop students’ foundational skills, which they adapt to their personal differences and needs. Skill development encourages divers to experiment, learning to capitalize on their strengths, recognize their limitations and consider these in emergency situations. Student divers learn to first think about the options available for handling an emergency, and then act using their appraisal of the best method for the situation.

Course Prerequisites

To qualify for PADI Rescue Diver training, an individual must be 12 years of age or older.

Prior to Knowledge Development Presentation Two and Rescue Training Session Two, the PADI Rescue Diver course student diver must successfully complete a sanctioned course in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR-Primary Care) and basic first aid (Secondary Care) within the past two years (24 months).

To participate in the rescue training sessions in open water, and to participate in the open water rescue scenarios, the student must be certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or have a qualifying certification from another training organization. This is defined as proof of certification beyond entry level (at least two certifications total), with proof of 20 or more logged dives documenting experience in deep diving and underwater navigation.