The hardest course
The most tiring but the most rewarding is what we hear a lot when people describe this course

Rescue Course Overview

Our students tend to describe the PADI Rescue Diver course as the most challenging, yet most rewarding course they’ve ever taken. Why?

We will teach you to learn to look beyond yourself, consider the safety and well being of other divers as well as prevent and manage problems in the water, as well as becoming more confident in your skills as a diver knowing that you can help others if needed and avoid poor judgement which is the case of most diver emergencies.
During the course, you learn to become a better buddy by practicing problem solving skills until they become second nature. Plus, the course is just fun – it’s serious, but still allows for lots of laughter in between the focused learning and an enjoyable way to build your confidence.
The PADI Rescue Diver Course (including Junior rating) is an intensive programme to develop your range of skills in self rescue and the rescue of others.  Including:-
  • Self Rescue Review and;
  • Tired Divers
  • Panicked Divers
  • Responding from the shore/boat/dock to a responsive diver
  • A Distressed Diver Underwater
  • A Missing Diver
  • Surfacing an unresponsive diver
  • Unresponsive diver at the surface
  • Exiting the unresponsive diver
  • First aid for pressure related injuries and oxygen administration
  • Response from shore/boat to unresponsive (non-breathing) diver at the surface and in open water:
  • Unresponsive diver underwater - where you will search and locate a missing diver during an accident simulation.
  • Unresponsive diver at the surface - where you will effectively evaluate, tow, in-water rescue breathing, removing equipment, exiting and CPR.

Examples of Rescue Skills being used:-

Dive Rutland Student completing Surface Tow and diver de-kit April 2012.

What do I need, to be able to start the Rescue Course?

  • You need to be an Advanced or Junior Advanced Open Water diver
  • Holder of a recognised CPR certification within the last two years to allow you to qualify - no worries if you do not have or hold, then choose the Rescue Course: Standard package which includes the EFR Primary and Secondary (EFR P&S)Course
  • Mask, Snorkel and Computer - The other items needed, things like Drysuit and Baselayers will be provided if you are the holder of a Drysuit Speciality
  • Rescue Pocket Mask
During your training you will be offered the opportunity to purchase any of these items you do not own, but the rescue course is about becoming a confident diver, able to stop issues from occurring, the most confident divers are comfortable in their own equipment. 

What Will I do on the Rescue Course?

  • Work through the theory in your own time and then review with your instructor prior to each session (manual) OR
  • Work through the online e-learning in your own time and show evidence of completion prior to each session - you can purchase directly from PADI or as part of our full package from us.
  • Working with your instructor and support team you will learn, practise, practise and be stress tested in the 10 Rescue Exercises in confined water over five pool sessions;
  • ​Practise the 10 Rescue Exercises in open water, followed by two rescue scenarios;
  • Have fun, lots of laughs and work hard

Any other costs?

Entrance fees for open water site and personal travel costs.

Other Rescue Materials

  1. James Dames wrote an account of his experience​ here
  2. Rescue Diver - Are you ready? is an article we have written on our blog and can be read here

Whats My Next Adventure after Rescue Diver?

​​​Gain five PADI Specialities and apply to become a PADI Master Scuba Diver or why not inspire the next generation of divers or look to change your career, by becoming a Divemaster (over 18) or Junior Divemaster if aged between 15 - 17 years old

Rescue Course Packages
Basic
Standard
Deluxe
Rescue Materials
​Manual or Elearning
✅
✅
✅
Dive Equipment for Confined Water Sessions
​(BCD/Regulator/Cylinder)
✅
✅
✅
Dive Equipment for Open Water
✅
✅
✅
PADI Processing and e-certification Card
✅
✅
✅
EFR Primary and Secondary Course and certification
❎
✅
✅
Oxygen Speciality
(That will be one more speciality towards Master Scuba Diver)
❎
❎
✅
Value
£450.00 / £350.00*
£550.00
£625.00
*the lower price is what you pay if you purchased your e-learning directly from PADI using the link above and affiliated with our dive centre at the time of purchase

Last Updated: v1.05 1st January 2022 / v1.04 17th February 2021 / v1.03 12th January 2021 / v2.02 28th December 2020/v1.01: June 2020