PADI Rescue Diver Certification
Learn to prevent problems manage emergencies and become a stronger buddy. EFR Primary & Secondary Care within 24 months is required (or take it with us onsite after class).
Certification
PADI
Course overview
This course is scenario-based: you identify stress early, organize help, and manage realistic in-water and surface emergencies with calm, methodical decision-making.
This is for you if
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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.
Curriculum
What you will learn
Skills and takeaways
- 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.
Assessment
- 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.
Schedule
Day 1
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
Day 2
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
Day 3 (if needed)
Morning
- Skill refinement and standards sign-off
Afternoon
- Contingency weather day or additional remediation if required
Outcomes
You earn
PADI Rescue Diver Certification Course
PADI Rescue Diver certification upon successful completion.
Stronger emergency readiness for recreational dive environments.
A clear progression step toward PADI Divemaster-level training.
PADI Rescue Diver Certification Course
Key Largo
Book PADI Rescue Diver Certification Course
FAQs
Divers who meet prerequisite certification requirements and are ready for scenario-based emergency training. Minimum age is 12.
From $699
per diver