Rescue Diver
***This class requires a minimum of 3 divers, if a class has less than 3 it will be rescheduled***
RESCUE DIVER
The Rescue Diver Course offered by SDI (Scuba Diving International) is designed to equip divers with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to emergency situations that may arise while diving. The course covers a range of topics including self-rescue, recognizing and managing stress in other divers, and how to effectively assist a diver in distress. Through a combination of classroom sessions, hands-on training in the pool, and practical application scenarios in open water, students will learn to confidently and competently handle emergency situations. The course emphasizes the importance of communication, teamwork, and situational awareness, as well as the proper use of rescue equipment and techniques. Upon completion of the Rescue Diver Course, divers will have a greater understanding of the risks and challenges associated with diving, as well as the confidence and skills necessary to respond effectively in emergency situations.
Don't see a class that works with your schedule? Contact us to talk about additional class options
Please download and fill out your medical and liability forms as soon as possible and bring them with you to class.
Please ensure you have all of the required equipment for your class
Please see our cancellation policy page for information on our class cancellation policies
Availability: Contact us for booking information
Course prerequisites
- Must be 18 and older, or 15 with parental consent
- Current CPR certification
- Current First-Aid certification
- 15 logged dives or Advanced Certification
What gear is included in the cost of the class:
- Use of training tanks and weight for the pool session
- One scuba cylinder for open water
- Students are responsible for bringing all other gear required for class. We do offer 50% off rentals to any student taking a specialty
The details
The rescue certification course is designed to develop the knowledge and necessary skills for an individual to effectively perform diver rescues and assists, and administer necessary first aid.
Qualifications for Graduates
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates:
- Are qualified to enroll in:
- The SDI Master Diver Program
- The SDI Divemaster Course
Student Prerequisites
- Minimum age 18, 15 with parental consent
- Provide proof of current CPR, first aid and oxygen (O2) provider (where local law permits) certification*
- Provide proof of SDI Advanced Adventure Diver certification, or equivalent, or open water diver certification and 40 logged open water dives
* Note: Any of the SDI First Response courses can be combined with rescue diver if taught by a qualified First Response instructor.
Instructors are required to teach and evaluate all the following skills
On the surface identify and assist a properly equipped skin or scuba diver simulating:
- Breathing difficulties
- Tiredness
- Leg cramp
- Early panic symptoms
Locate and bring to the surface a scuba diver simulating unconsciousness to the surface from approximately 6 metres / 20 feet
Upon surfacing, transport the unconscious diver 50 metres / 150 feet to shore or boat, simulating in-water rescue breathing
Upon reaching the shore or boat, with the assistance of 1 aide, remove the diver from the water
Course Structure
SDI allows instructors to structure courses according to the number of students participating and their skill level
Duration
The suggested number of training hours is 12
Of the suggested 12 hours, 8 of the suggested hours should be performed in open water conditions
Training Material
Required Materials:
- SDI Rescue Diver eLearning Training course
Required Equipment
All basic open water scuba equipment with the addition of a cutting device.
Required Subject Areas
The SDI Rescue eLearning Course is required for this class. Instructors may use any additional text or materials that they feel help present these topics. The following topics must be covered during this course:
Prevention and Causes of Diving Accidents
- Stress and psychological factors i.e. the panic syndrome in self and others
- Physical conditioning
- Equipment
- Surface drowning syndrome
Diving Lifesaving
- Self rescue
- Diver assists
- Surface and underwater rescues
- Types of transports
- In-water artificial respiration
- Boat and shore exit techniques
- Diver first aid
- Review of oxygen (O2) administration
Hyperbaric Injuries and Management
- Information collection
- Access to hyperbaric chambers
Accident Management
- Access to emergency transport/assistance
- Accident reporting
- Liability and related legal considerations
In order to complete this course, students must:
Demonstrate mature and sound judgment concerning dive emergency planning and execution
Complete all open water requirements safely and efficiently
