Knowledge Development

Before practicing rescue skills in the water, you will first learn the theory behind dive rescue and accident management. This includes self-study using the PADI Rescue Diver Manual and accompanying videos. Your instructor will review the material with you, answer questions, and help you understand the key principles of diver safety and rescue.

Rescue Diver Skills

During the course, you will practice a variety of essential rescue techniques designed to help you prevent and manage diving emergencies.

Self-Rescue and Diver Stress
Learn how to recognize stress in yourself and others, and how to manage potential problems before they become serious.

Diver Assistance and Help Systems
Practice assisting tired divers and responding effectively to panicked divers at the surface.

Search for Missing Divers
Learn search techniques and procedures used to locate a missing diver both at the surface and underwater.

Response from Shore or Boat
Practice responding to a distressed diver from different environments, including shore and boat situations.

First Aid for Diving-Related Injuries
Recognize common diving injuries and learn the correct first response procedures.

In-Water Rescue Breathing
Practice techniques for providing rescue breaths while supporting an unconscious diver in the water.

Exiting the Water (Egress)
Learn how to safely assist an injured or unconscious diver out of the water in various situations.

First Aid for Non-Diving Emergencies
Develop the ability to respond to general emergencies that may occur around dive activities.

Rescue Scenarios

You will apply the skills learned in realistic rescue scenarios. These simulated situations help build confidence and prepare you to respond calmly and effectively in real emergencies.

Final Assessments

The course includes knowledge reviews to confirm your understanding of rescue concepts, as well as practical evaluations to ensure you can confidently perform the rescue techniques learned during training.

Prerequisites

To join the PADI Rescue Diver course, participants must:

Be certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent).

Have completed Emergency First Response (EFR) Primary and Secondary Care training within the last 24 months.