The PADI Specialty Diver Course

Is an important and crucial step in expanding a diver's knowledge and experience beyond a purely recreational level. Rescue divers learn to look beyond themselves to consider the safety and well-being of other divers. This is why the PADI Rescue Diver rating is a prerequisite for all PADI leadership training (Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and Open Water Scuba Instructor). Rescue diver training readies student divers to help prevent problems and, if necessary, manage dive emergencies using a variety of techniques. The course is designed to be demanding, though realistic in its conduct, content and approach. Although the nature and context in which rescue training may be used is serious, the course should be enjoyable and build diver confidence. The PADI Rescue Diver course philosophy is that there is rarely only one way to accomplish a task. There is no "right" way to perform a rescue, but rather many options from which rescuers draw depending on the scenario. The course takes a flexible, conceptual approach to performing rescues - a rescuer's relative size and strength, for example, as well as environmental factors dictate what rescue technique may be most effective. Rescue training exercises provide for individual differences and capabilities while encouraging divers to experiment with alternate techniques. Student divers learn to first think about the options available for handling an emergency, then to act using the best method for the situation. Course Prerequisites To qualify for PADI Rescue Diver training, an individual must: Be certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or have a qualifying certification from another training organization. This is defined as proof of certification beyond entry level (at least two certifications total), and proof of 20 or more logged dives documenting experience in deep diving and underwater navigation.

Be 12 years of age or older. Note: Divers under the age of 15 may obtain a PADI Junior Rescue Diver certification. The Junior Rescue Diver certification card carries the requirement that the individual must dive with a certified adult. CPR Requirement To be certified as a PADI Rescue Diver, the student diver must have successfully completed a sanctioned course in CPR within the past two years (24 months). The Emergency First Response Primary Care (CPR) course is highly recommended and can be used to meet this requirement. Emergency First Response is a basic training program in CPR and emergency care.

• Training Considerations and Supervision Student divers must meet all Rescue Diver course skill performance requirements at an open water dive site that represents typical local dive conditions. Divers must complete all 12 training exercises during a minimum of five open water sessions conducted over at least two days.

Open Water Training Exercise