PADI Rescue Diver
The Course That Changes How You Dive.
Ask almost any experienced diver which course had the biggest impact on their diving and many will give the same answer: Rescue Diver.
Not because it’s the most difficult. Not because it’s the deepest. But because it changes the way you think underwater.
The PADI Rescue Diver course teaches you to recognise potential problems before they become emergencies, look after yourself and your buddy more effectively, and respond calmly if something doesn’t go to plan.
Why Take Rescue Diver?
Every diver hopes they’ll never face an emergency. The best preparation is learning how to prevent one.
Rescue Diver focuses on awareness, prevention and practical problem-solving rather than heroics. You’ll become better at looking after yourself, looking after your buddy, recognising stress in other divers, preventing incidents before they happen, responding calmly when assistance is needed, and managing diving emergencies as part of a team.
Many divers say this is the course where they truly begin to feel like experienced divers.
Is This Course Right For Me?
Rescue Diver is ideal if you:
- Hold an Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification)
- Want to become a more capable diver
- Enjoy practical, scenario-based training
- Are considering Divemaster in the future
- Want greater confidence when diving with friends and family
Although the subject sounds serious, Rescue Diver is also one of the most enjoyable and rewarding courses you’ll complete.
What You Will Learn
During the course you’ll develop skills in:
- Diver self-rescue
- Recognising diver stress
- Assisting tired divers
- Responding to panicked divers
- Search techniques
- Missing diver procedures
- Emergency management
- Accident management
- Working effectively with other rescuers
- Developing emergency action plans
Every scenario is designed to build confidence through practical experience.
Course Structure
The course combines:
- Knowledge development
- Rescue exercises
- Realistic rescue scenarios
- Practical teamwork
Unlike many previous courses, Rescue Diver places a strong emphasis on thinking, communication and decision-making as well as practical diving skills.
Course Requirements
To enrol you must:
- Hold a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification).
- Have completed Emergency First Response (or a qualifying equivalent) completed within the last 24 months.
- Be medically fit to dive.
- Complete the required participant paperwork.
Minimum ages follow current PADI standards — Junior Rescue Diver is available from age 12, Rescue Diver is available from age 15. If you’re unsure whether you meet the prerequisites, please contact us.
What Is Included?
- Instructor-led tuition
- Rescue exercises
- Rescue scenarios
- Air fills
- All diving equipment
- PADI Rescue Diver certification
Pool Sessions
Open Water Sessions
Private Training
We can offer 1:1 teaching and private pool sessions by enquiry for many of our PADI courses.
This is ideal if you would prefer a quieter learning environment, want extra support, or need training arranged around your availability.
Private training is subject to instructor and pool availability, so please get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk through the best option for you.
Contact UsWhy Train With Wiltshire Scuba?
Rescue Diver is one of our favourite courses to teach. It’s challenging, rewarding and often great fun. Our instructors create realistic scenarios while ensuring every student learns in a supportive environment where confidence grows naturally.
You’ll benefit from:
- Maximum 4 students per instructor — confirmed across all courses
- Taught by Mark Taylor (PADI Course Director, teaching since 2009) and Emma Taylor (PADI IDC Staff Instructor)
- Realistic practical scenarios
- High-quality equipment
- Plenty of individual coaching
- Clear progression towards Divemaster
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rescue Diver difficult?
It is more challenging than previous recreational courses, but it is designed to build confidence rather than catch people out.
Is there a lot of theory?
There is knowledge development, but most of the learning takes place through practical rescue exercises and scenarios.
Do I need Emergency First Response?
Yes. Current PADI standards require a qualifying CPR and first aid certification before certification as a Rescue Diver.
Will I be rescuing real casualties?
No. Training takes place using realistic scenarios with instructors and fellow students.
What should I do after Rescue Diver?
Many divers continue with Divemaster, Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Nitrox and Dry Suit Diver.
Related Courses
Where Could Your Diving Journey Take You?
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Become A More Aware Diver — you are here
Develop the confidence to prevent and manage diving emergencies.
-
Gain Experience
Continue diving regularly while building practical skills.
-
Become A Dive Leader
Progress to PADI Divemaster.
-
Teach Others
Continue through the professional pathway towards Assistant Instructor and Instructor Development.
Ready to Become the Diver Others Want Beside Them?
Rescue Diver is widely regarded as the most rewarding recreational course in the PADI system. If you’re ready to take your diving to the next level, we’d love to help you get there.
Diving more is the point of every course on this page, and the Wiltshire Scuba Dive Club is what makes that cheaper and easier — 10 free air fills a year, 10% off cylinder testing and servicing, free Club pool sessions and guided Club dives. Have a look at the Club.