PADI / SSI / NAUI / SDI
Rescue Diver
Prevent and manage dive emergencies, the most rewarding course.
- Free reference
- No signup
- Find an operator to get there
Rescue Diver shifts the focus from yourself to others. You learn to anticipate and prevent problems, recognize and respond to a stressed or unresponsive diver, perform self-rescue, and manage an emergency from the surface. A current CPR/First Aid certification (e.g. PADI Emergency First Response) is required alongside it.
Divers consistently call this the most challenging and most rewarding recreational course. It is also the gateway to professional ratings: you cannot become a Divemaster without it.
What you'll learn
- Self-rescue and stress recognition
- Search patterns, tired/panicked-diver tows, and surface rescues
- Emergency management and equipment
Find an operator who teaches Rescue Diver
Browse dive operators and connect with the people who can get you to this level.
Common questions
- Is Rescue Diver hard?
- It is the most demanding recreational level, but most divers find it transforms their confidence and situational awareness.
