Rescue Diver Course

Objectives / What You Will Learn
1. Recognize signs of stress or problems in other divers more quickly.
2. Understand how to manage potential underwater emergencies, such as out-of-air situations, exhaustion, panic, or unconscious divers.
3. Practice a set of Rescue Exercises until the skills become “second nature.”
4. Learn procedures for handling underwater accidents, including search and rescue techniques and risk management.
5. Build confidence feel safe and capable of assisting in unexpected situations.

Prerequisites / Requirements
1. Minimum age: 12 years old (younger participants may enroll in a Junior Rescue Diver program).
2. Must be certified as Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent (or have completed an Adventure Dive course, e.g., Underwater Navigation).
3. Must have completed EFR (CPR & First Aid) training within the last 24 months.
4. Be in good health for diving and complete a Medical Questionnaire; a medical examination may be required by the dive center.

Skills / What You Will Practice
Examples of 10 Rescue Diver Exercises commonly included in the course:
1. Self-Rescue
2. Recognizing / Managing Diver Stress
3. Panicked Diver Response
4. Emergency Ascent of an Unresponsive Diver
5. In-Water Rescue Breathing
6. Towed Diver
7. Dive Accident Management / First Aid
8. Search Patterns (Grid Search, Circle Search)
9. Missing Diver Procedures
10. Surface & Boat Recoveries

Importance / Benefits
1. A pivotal step — teaches you to think and dive with awareness of others, not just yourself.
2. Enhances safety for yourself and fellow divers.
3. A key stepping stone toward a professional diving career, such as Divemaster or Instructor.
4. Increases confidence when diving in unexpected or challenging situations.