The SDI Rescue Diver course is designed to develop a diver’s ability to prevent, recognize, and respond to diving emergencies. This course builds confidence and teaches the skills necessary to manage problems in the water and assist others in distress, making it one of the most rewarding and challenging certifications in recreational diving.

Prerequisites

To enroll in the SDI Rescue Diver course, participants must:

• Minimum Age: 15 years old.
• Certification: Hold an SDI Open Water Scuba Diver certification and SDI Advanced Adventure Diver certification (or equivalent).
• First Aid Training: Have a current CPR and First Aid certification (such as SDI CPR/First Aid or equivalent) completed within the past 2 years.
• Oxygen Administration Training: Completion of an oxygen provider course is recommended and may be required by some dive centers.

Course Structure

The course combines knowledge development with hands-on rescue training:

1. Knowledge Development: Learn rescue theory including stress management, emergency planning, accident prevention, and diver first aid.
2. Confined Water Training: Practice self-rescue and rescuing others in a controlled environment.
3. Open Water Scenarios: Apply skills in realistic, scenario-based training dives including:
   • Panicked diver at the surface
   • Unresponsive diver underwater
   • Missing diver search patterns
   • Surfacing and exiting procedures
   • Emergency management

Duration

The course typically spans 2 to 3 days, depending on the dive center and participant readiness. Self-paced eLearning may be completed in advance to shorten the classroom component.

Certification Outcome

Upon successful completion, participants earn the SDI Rescue Diver certification, allowing them to:

• Respond effectively to dive-related emergencies.
• Assist in organizing and executing dive emergency plans.
• Advance to professional-level training such as SDI Divemaster or leadership tracks.

Course Name

SDI_Rescue_Diver_Certification

Cancellation Policy

• Full refund if canceled at least 15 days in advance
• 50% refund if canceled 8–14 days in advance
• No refund if canceled within 7 days of the activity