As divers, we all chose to experience life underwater by learning to dive. After getting scuba certified, some of us then decided to expand upon 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 will help you learn 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 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 top of the water and underneath, 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 of us were either able to conquer straight away or we just couldn’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 make sure you’re capable of navigating through any visibility!
You’ll be the scuba diver everyone wants to follow because you know where you are and where you’re going. Practicing underwater navigation skills fine-tunes 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 have all learnt about the possible 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, in conjunction with your Rescue Diver training, teaches you what to do in the critical moments between when a life-threatening emergency occurs and when emergency medical services arrive. Get hands-on experience administering CPR using a special 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 pre-requisite 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 your journey to become an underwater tour guide. The skills and knowledge learnt 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 shiny, 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 the people with whom they dive. The more experience and training you have, the better a buddy you will be. As a Rescue Diver, you gain confidence in handling stressful situations in yourself and others. The Rescue course includes lessons on becoming more aware of your surroundings and environment. Your Instructor will teach you to pay attention to the divers around you. Once you have practiced these skills to perfection, your field of vision on your dive opens up. You are no longer concerned with only yourself, your buoyancy, and your air consumption. With a Rescue Certification, you 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 quite 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 is their favorite they have taken. Your Instructor will keep you on your toes throughout the course, as you’re constantly surprised by different rescue scenarios. You can expect lots of laughter in between the focused learning, and, of course, some diving along the way – which is always fun!
Are you ready to take your diving to the next level?
Learn more about the PADI Rescue Diver course and locate a PADI Dive Shop today.
