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What’s the Difference Between Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver?

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Viktoria Urbanek
18 March, 2026
rescue diver
A diver simulating giving rescue breaths to an unconscious diver

Answers to All Your Questions About the PADI Rescue Diver Course

Have you ever wondered what the Rescue Diver course is like? Read on for answers to some PADI Rescue Diver FAQs!
A group of divers preparing for their rescue course stand on shore looking at the water

The 3 Types of Divers Who Should Take the Rescue Diver Course

The skills in the PADI Rescue Diver course will help you be a more confident diver. Here's who should take the Rescue Diver course.
the padi rescue diver course

The 10 PADI Rescue Diver Exercises: What to Expect During Your Course

This is a complete guide to the PADI Rescue Diver course, including the 10 Rescue Diver Exercises, so you can be prepared.
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PADI’s Core Courses

The PADI course catalog includes three core courses. This PADI course chart shows the various PADI license levels.
underwater art - cool things divers can do

Rescue, Repair, Recover: 13 Surprising Things Scuba Divers Can Do

From rescue missions and finding lost items to re-creating life on land, here are 13 things scuba divers can do after getting certified.

DSMB on surface

What is an SMB? + Tips on How to Use One

Struggling to get to grips with DSMBs and SMBs? Learn what is an SMB and how to use one with these tips and tricks.

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