Schedule Your Certification
Starting at $499 per student • Book In Advance, Trips Sell Out
Course Details
Course Pricing & Enrollment
Course Level
The PADI Rescue Diver course is where capable divers become dependable dive partners. You’ll train to identify stress early, intervene with control, and manage realistic in-water and surface incidents with clear priorities.
In Key Largo, conditions let us focus on disciplined rescue workflow: assessment, assistance, oxygen-readiness, and post-incident follow-through. The objective is not panic response — it’s calm prevention and methodical action.
By the end of training, you should leave with stronger situational awareness, sharper team communication, and the confidence to lead when a dive does not go to plan.
Pricing snapshot
- Course Tuition$499
- eLearningIncluded
- Confined DivesIncluded
- Open Water DivesIncluded
Bundled price
$844 (ON SALE $759)
Questions? Call (305) 391‑4040
How you’re assessed
- Demonstrate effective self-rescue and diver-assist techniques.
- Complete required rescue exercises to PADI performance standards.
- Plan and execute two full rescue scenarios (surface and underwater response).
- Show situational awareness, scene management, and post-rescue procedures.
What you’ll be able to do
- Recognize diver stress and problems before they escalate.
- Respond confidently to tired, panicked, or unresponsive divers.
- Improve leadership, communication, and buddy management.
- Use a repeatable emergency action plan on real dive operations.
What you earn
- PADI Rescue Diver certification upon successful completion.
- Stronger emergency readiness for recreational dive environments.
- A clear progression step toward PADI Divemaster-level training.
Important Requirements & Prerequisites
- Minimum age: 12 years old.
- PADI Adventure Diver (or Advanced Open Water Diver/equivalent with navigation training).
- Current CPR and first aid training (EFR Primary and Secondary Care within 24 months, or qualifying equivalent).
- Completed medical questionnaire with physician clearance if required.
- Comfort in open-water diving and readiness for scenario-based training.
Everything Included in This PADI Open Water Group Course
The course is designed to be simple: finish the online learning, get coached through pool skills, then complete four open‑water check‑out dives. The essentials are bundled into one easy package.
Online eLearning
Complete knowledge development before you arrive
- Self‑paced lessons on desktop or mobile
- Quizzes, knowledge reviews, and a final exam
- Arrive ready to focus on in‑water skills (not classroom)
Pool Training
Build comfort + muscle memory in a controlled setting
- Step‑by‑step coaching on core scuba skills
- Buoyancy, mask clearing, regulator recovery, air sharing
- Practice until it’s smooth before you head offshore
4 Open‑Water Check‑Out Dives
Put it all together on real reefs with your instructor
- Instructor‑supervised dives to complete required skills
- Confidence builds from Dive 1 through Dive 4
- Earn your PADI Open Water Diver certification
Your 3-Day Training Plan
Structured path from knowledge development to in‑water skills and certification
Morning
- Rescue theory briefing and risk-prevention framework
- Confined-water rescue skill practice
Afternoon
- Rescue exercise progression with instructor feedback
- Emergency equipment and scene-management drills
Morning
- Search patterns and unresponsive diver response
- Surface management and assisted exits
Afternoon
- Scenario 1: problem recognition to controlled rescue
- Scenario 2: full rescue sequence and post-incident procedures
Morning
- Skill refinement and standards sign-off
Afternoon
- Contingency weather day or additional remediation if required
Upgrades & Add-Ons
Card grid shows optional upgrades with copy slots for value propositions. Add or remove cards without touching layout utilities.
Why Choose PADI Certification in Key Largo?
Learn to scuba dive in the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys with experienced PADI instructors and world-class dive sites
PADI Standards
PADI Dive Center
Earn the most globally recognized scuba certification available. Lifetime certifications prepare you for unlimited exploration.
Small Class Sizes
Maximum 6 students per instructor ensures personalized attention and faster skill development in a safe learning environment.
World-Class Location
Train in the pristine waters of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, America's first underwater preserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about PADI certification
Who can enroll in PADI Rescue Diver?
Divers who meet prerequisite certification requirements and are ready for scenario-based emergency training. Minimum age is 12.
Do I need CPR and first aid before the course?
Yes. PADI requires current CPR/first-aid training for Rescue Diver prerequisites (EFR Primary and Secondary Care within the past 24 months, or equivalent accepted by your instructor).
Is this course physically demanding?
It is active and practical. You will tow divers, perform assists, and work through realistic rescue scenarios with coaching and breaks.
Does Rescue Diver increase my maximum depth limit?
No. Rescue Diver develops emergency management and problem prevention skills; your depth limits remain tied to your current certification level.
How long does the course take?
Most students complete training in 2–3 days, depending on scheduling, conditions, and individual progression.
Earn Your Rescue Diver Certification
Tell us your certification level and travel dates—then we’ll confirm the best course schedule.