PADI RESCUE DIVER

What It Is

The PADI Rescue Diver course is a pivotal step in your diving journey—where you'll go beyond self-reliance and learn how to care for others underwater. You'll build confidence, sharpen your problem-solving skills, and gain the mindset and abilities to manage dive emergencies.

Who It’s For

This course is for certified Advanced Open Water Divers (or equivalent) aged 12 or older, ready to take on more responsibility underwater. It’s ideal for those pursuing professional-level training or anyone who wants to be a better, safer dive buddy.

Options

Choose the package that fits your diving goals:

• Standalone – Focused on the Rescue Diver certification alone, ideal if you’ve already completed your EFR training.

  
  

• Emergency Responder – A solid mid-tier option that combines Rescue Diver and EFR courses. Great for divers who want to level up their safety skills.

  
  

• Lifesaver – A comprehensive bundle for those aiming to go pro or become well-rounded divers. Includes Rescue Diver, EFR (Primary & Secondary Care), Emergency Oxygen Provider, and Search & Recovery specialties for a strong foundation in handling real-world emergencies. Includes a free PADI Club membership for one year.

  
  

  

What You Learn:

• How to prevent and manage dive accidents and emergencies

• Techniques for responding to unconscious or injured divers, including proper rescue breathing and first aid

• How to conduct emergency management, including handling injuries, performing first aid on-site, and organize an evacuation when needed

• How to develop an Emergency Action Plan

• Skills to effectively assist and manage a diver in distress, both in and out of the water

• How to evaluate dive site conditions to ensure safety for you and others

Extra learning with specialty bundles:

• Rescue + EFR Bundle: Learn how to provide emergency first aid, CPR, and use of an AED in addition to rescue skills

• Lifesaver Bundle: Gain expertise in Emergency Oxygen Use and Search and Recovery procedures, expanding your ability to respond to a variety of diving emergencies

Course Structure & Schedule

The course includes eLearning, knowledge development, confined water skill sessions, and realistic rescue scenarios in open water over 2–3 days. Lifesaver and Emergency Responder bundles require 1 to 2 additional days for integrated specialties.

Why Choose This Course

• Train with experienced instructors in real-world rescue scenarios

• Develop leadership and decision-making skills

• Become the dive buddy others can count on

• Learn to recognize, manage, and prevent dive emergencies

• Fulfill a prerequisite for Divemaster and other pro-level courses

• Contribute to diver safety and community resilience

• Bundle with specialties to expand your skillset and move toward the Master Scuba Diver certification

Where You Dive

Playa del Carmen offers the perfect mix of vibrant reef life and unique underwater environments. During your training dives, you’ll explore shallow coral gardens and deeper reef systems teeming with parrotfish, angelfish, moray eels, and curious nurse sharks. Encounters with graceful sea turtles are common, and from November to April, you might even add a Bull Shark dive to your experience. Want to take it further? Ask us about upgrading your training to include the world-famous Cozumel drift dives or the mystical freshwater cenotes just inland—two of the region’s most iconic diving adventures.

Pricing

• Standalone: $449 USD

• Emergency Responder: $599 USD

• Lifesaver: $1049 USD

  
  

  Includes eLearning, use of equipment, and any marine park fees.

Take the Next Step

Pick your rescue path and build the skills that could save lives. Ready to dive in?

Before booking, please review our Cancellation Policy and ensure you meet the requirements of the mandatory Diver Medical Form.