During the PADI Rescue Diver programme, you'll learn how to anticipate, prevent and manage potential dive accidents. From assisting a tired diver to handling emergency scenarios, you'll practice applying the knowledge and skills that can make the difference in the unlikely event problems do arise. While learning about accident management, you'll apply the skills learned in this programme to the unique needs of diving.
Minimum age: 12 years
Course prerequisites: PADI (Junior) Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent certification), First Aid certification within the last 24 months
What will I do?
Until now the emphasis of your rescue training has been on basic accident prevention and safe diving. The PADI Rescue Diver takes you to the next level, expanding your knowledge to include accident management and many various rescue techniques.
We have three full days of intense rescue training to complete. In our fully equipped multi-media classrooms you will learn how to deal with many different scenarios, from a simple jellyfish sting to assisting with the emergency services in a full blown missing diver scenario.
You will put what you learn into practice in a combination of skills in the pool and open water, culminating in a day of scenarios at one of our local open water dive sites. Never before will you have been so challenged in your diving skills and in what you have learnt.
How do I get started?
Just pick your dates if you can and pay your £199 deposit and you will receive your PADI Rescue Diver eLearning login details. Don’t worry if you can’t commit to a date straight away. There are plenty scheduled throughout the year and you can get started on the home study as soon as you have received your eLearning code.
How long will it take?
The Rescue Diver programme takes place over two weekends. Starting with the first Sunday, you will complete the theory sections from the PADI Rescue Diver programme and practise your skills in our heated onsite training pool. The following Saturday and Sunday will cover all the practical sessions and scenarios at one of our local open water sites.
What will I need?
The PADI Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is the prerequisite for the Rescue Diver programme, you will also need to hold a current CPR and First Aid certificate (completed within the last 24 months). The Emergency First Response programme is ideal for this and we can link this into your programme utilising your time most effectively.
All the PADI materials and scuba equipment needed to complete the programme are included in the cost, although for hygiene reasons you will need to have your own pocket mask. These can be purchased from our shop at the start of your course.
You will also need to fill out a self-certification medical statement. If you have any medical conditions that you think may prevent you from scuba diving, please feel free to contact us and we will try to be of assistance.
In addition, you will need to pay for your entry to the open water dive site and any required air fills while away from the centre. This is approximately £20 for each day.
Where can I go from here?
Once you have completed your PADI Rescue Diver programme you have reached a crossroads in your diving. As a prerequisite to the PADI Divemaster programme and then onto the Instructor levels, many see the PADI Rescue Diver as the first step on the road to becoming a PADI Professional.
Others choose the path of the PADI Master Scuba Diver. This is the highest non-professional rating in the PADI system of diver education. By completing the Rescue Diver and EFR with a further five PADI specialties taken from the many available and logging 50 dives, you can receive recognition as a Master Scuba Diver by certifying through your Instructor at Aquasport.
