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 this certification is a prerequisite for all PADI leadership-level training.

This training expands the basic problem prevention and accident management skills student divers learn in their other courses. At the Rescue Diver level, students are read to learn to manage more complex dive emergencies and to apply direct intervention techniques to assist others in an emergency. This course is demanding, though realistic in its conduct, content and approach. Although the nature and context is serious, the course is an enjoyable challenge that builds diver confidence.

Course Prerequisites

1. *Be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver (or Junior Diver) or have a qualifying certification from another training organization
   

2. *Be certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or have a qualifying certification from another training organization. (To qualify from another organization: Have proof of 20 or more logged dives with some experience in deep diving and underwater navigation)
   

3. *Be at least 15 (12 to become a Junior Rescue Diver)
   

4. *Complete the required paperwork
   

5. *Have current CPR & First Aid (or EFR) training within the last 24 months.
   

Certification Requirements

1. *Demonstrate mastery of all knowledge development performance requirements. This includes completing all Knowledge Reviews and demonstrating successful performance on the Rescue Diver Exam.
   

2. *Demonstrate mastery of all rescue training session performance requirements in open water.
   

3. *Demonstrate mastery of all rescue scenario performance requirements.
   

4. *Prepare an emergency assistance plan for the location where the rescue scenarios will be conducted.
   

Required Equipment

Each student must have their own:

1. *Mask
   

2. *Snorkel
   

3. *Fins
   

4. *Boots (if appropriate for fins)
   

5. *Appropriate exposure suit
   

6. *Dive knife/tool
   

7. *At least one audible emergency signaling device
   

1. *We also recommend that by this point you also have your own BCD & Regulator Set
   

Required Materials

Each student diver must have a personal set of these materials for study and use during the course and for reference afterward:

1. *PADI Rescue Diver Manual
   

2. *Diving Accident Management Workslate
   

3. *RDP - wheel, table or eRDP version including the corresponding instructions
   

4. *Log Book
   

Course Overview

The PADI Rescue Diver course philosophy focus 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. This course develops 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, then act.

This course is divided into 3 modules:

Knowledge Development – establishes the foundation through self-directed learning. Students will be required to complete the 5 knowledge reviews prior to the start of class. We will review the knowledge reviews and expand on the information learned during our knowledge development sessions.

Rescue Training Sessions – these sessions will teach you the 10 rescue skills you will be required to master. These sessions will give you step-by-step instruction and allow you time to practice various ways to handle different emergency situations.

Open Water Rescue Scenarios – this is a chance to use and practice the skills from the training sessions in real life conditions.

This course takes place over 2 consecutive days at the lake. We prefer to camp at the lake over a weekend so our students can get the most out of this course.

Course Tuition

$250 - Includes Training Sessions and Dives in Lake Pleasant. You are responsible for your materials, equipment and CPR/First Aid (or EFR) training.

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