PADI Rescue Diver
The course that changes how you dive. Move beyond focusing on yourself — learn to recognize problems before they happen, manage emergencies with calm, and help others when it matters most.
What you need
Why divers love this course
Certification
The course that shifts your focus from you to everyone you dive with.
The PADI Rescue Diver course is often described as the most rewarding course in scuba diving. This is where your focus shifts from yourself to others — learning to recognize potential problems, prevent accidents, and respond effectively when something goes wrong.
The topic is serious, but the course is structured in a practical and engaging way. It builds confidence, awareness, and a strong sense of responsibility in the water.
Knowledge. Skills. Real scenarios.
The Rescue Diver course is built around three layers that work together: theory you can study online, controlled skill practice in calm water, and full open water rescue scenarios that simulate real diving incidents.
You will learn to manage both minor issues and complex emergencies — always in a controlled and supportive environment, with an instructor guiding every step.
How the course works
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01
Paperwork and course introduction
~30 minYou’ll complete the required forms and receive an overview of the course structure and expectations.
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02
Theory — eLearning or instructor guidance
~6–8 hoursYou’ll learn about stress recognition, accident prevention, emergency management, and rescue procedures. This can be completed online via PADI eLearning, or reviewed together with your instructor before the practical sessions.
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03
Skill development sessions
~1 dayPractice key rescue skills in a controlled environment — self-rescue techniques, recognizing and assisting stressed divers, managing panicked divers, and safe approaches and exits. These sessions are focused on building confidence and control.
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04
Open water rescue scenarios
~1–2 daysApply everything in realistic open water scenarios — missing diver situations, unresponsive diver at the surface, emergency management and coordination. The goal isn’t just to perform the skills, but to think clearly and act effectively under pressure.
What you will gain
Sharper awareness
You start seeing diving differently — anticipating problems before they happen, on every dive.
Real-world rescue ability
Practical skills to assist a panicked, stressed, or unresponsive diver — on the surface or below.
Calm under pressure
The course is built to train your decision-making, not just your hands. You learn to think clearly when it matters.
A responsible diver
You become the diver others want on their boat — the one who notices, who helps, who knows what to do.
You’ll learn how to prevent and manage dive emergencies — including recognizing diver stress, performing rescue techniques, and administering first aid and CPR. The course includes practical exercises and realistic open water scenarios.
The PADI Rescue Diver course typically takes 3 to 4 days to complete, depending on your pace and schedule. It includes theory, practical exercises, and scenario training.
The course involves physical activity and simulations, but it’s designed for all reasonable fitness levels. As long as you’re comfortable swimming and have decent physical health, you’ll be able to complete it.
No problem — you can complete your Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care training alongside the Rescue Diver course with us. EFR teaches CPR and first aid, and the certification is valid for 24 months.
Technically, you need at least an Adventure Diver certification with the Underwater Navigation Adventure Dive completed — but most students come with their full Advanced Open Water certification. Either qualifies you to start.