As divers, we all chose to experience life underwater by learning to dive. After getting scuba certified, some of us then decided to expand our open water skills (and maybe we also wanted to go a little deeper underwater, too!) by taking the PADI® Advanced Open Water Diver course. But how many of you have gone on to complete your PADI Rescue Diver course?
The Rescue Diver course teaches you how to prevent and manage problems in the water and become more confident in your skills as a diver. Interestingly, countless divers say Rescue Diver is their favorite scuba course ever. So, if you’re still wondering why you should take the PADI Rescue Diver course, check out these six important reasons.
Improve Your Scuba Skills and Confidence Underwater
The PADI Rescue Diver course is a key step towards advanced diving and offers the opportunity to learn new techniques and skills. Divers describe the PADI Rescue Diver course as the “most challenging, yet most rewarding course,” and for good reason. Through the Rescue course, you learn to become a better buddy by practicing problem-solving skills until they become second nature. These skills are put to the test, both on the surface and underwater, until you can complete them confidently. With skills and training comes confidence. That is exactly how the Rescue Diver course will help build your confidence underwater.
Improve Your Underwater Navigation Skills
Navigation is one of those skills that some are able to master right away, while others just can’t quite get the hang of. During the Rescue Diver course, your navigation skills will be tested as you learn how to navigate, search, and recover underwater. With plenty of practice throughout the course, your PADI Instructor will ensure you’re capable of navigating through any visibility!
You’ll be the scuba diver everyone wants to follow because you know exactly where you are and where you’re going. Practicing underwater navigation skills sharpens your observation skills and teaches you to more accurately use your compass underwater. If you like challenges with big rewards, take this course and have fun finding your way.
PADI Rescue Diver Students Are Prepared For Any Emergency Situation
We’ve all learned about the potential emergencies that can arise while diving. But can you confidently say that you would know what to do in an emergency situation? That’s where the Rescue Diver course comes in. The Rescue Diver course also includes Emergency First Response primary and secondary Care (CPR and First Aid) training.
Emergency First Response® primary and secondary care training, combined with your Rescue Diver course, prepares you for what to do in the critical moments between when a life-threatening emergency occurs and when emergency medical services arrive. Get hands-on experience performing CPR on a specialized manikin, practice bandaging and splinting, and apply your new skills in a role-playing scenario.
Qualify for the PADI Divemaster Course
Many dive agencies require Rescue Diver certification as a prerequisite for other advanced diving courses. If you’re interested in taking the next step and “going Pro” by turning scuba diving into a career, then the PADI Divemaster course is for you. The Rescue Diver course is the last scuba course that you will need to complete before you start the journey of being able to work as a PADI Pro. The skills and knowledge learned in your Rescue Diver course will become the foundation of your Divemaster training.
The PADI Divemaster course teaches you to be a leader and take charge of dive activities. Through knowledge development sessions, water skills exercises and workshops, and hands-on practical assessment, you develop the skills to organize and direct a variety of scuba diving activities. Don’t forget – you will also receive a sleek, new black certification card when you complete the PADI Divemaster course!
Become a Better Dive Buddy
As participants in a buddy sport, scuba divers depend on their dive partners. The more experience and training you have, the better a buddy you will be. As a Rescue Diver, you gain confidence in managing stressful situations — for both yourself and others. The Rescue course includes lessons on becoming more aware of your surroundings and environment. Your Instructor will teach you to pay close attention to the divers around you. Once you have mastered these skills, your field of vision when you’re diving opens up. You’re no longer focused solely on yourself, your buoyancy, and your air consumption. With a Rescue Diver certification, you’ll have the confidence and the skills to be aware, look out for others, and provide an experienced perspective to newer divers.
The PADI Rescue Diver Course is a Ton of Fun
While the Rescue Diver course is serious and focused, it’s also a lot of fun. Many Instructors say that it is their favorite course to teach, and many divers say it’s the most rewarding one they’ve taken. Your Instructor will keep you on your toes throughout the course, as you’re constantly surprised by different rescue scenarios.
Expect plenty of laughter between the focused learning — and, of course, some diving along the way, which is always fun!
It’s Time to Take Your Diving to the Next Level!
Are you ready to become a more confident, capable, and aware scuba diver? The Rescue Diver course is consistently ranked as one of the most educational, rewarding, and fun courses for recreational divers. If you’re ready to sign up, click below—or read more about the PADI Rescue Diver course and find your nearest PADI Dive Shop for in-person advice.
