Divers describe the PADI Rescue Diver course as the most challenging, yet most rewarding course they’ve ever taken. Why? Because you learn to prevent and manage problems in the water, and become more confident in your skills as a diver, knowing that you can help others if needed. During the course, you learn to become a better buddy by practicing problem solving skills until they become second nature. Plus, the course is just fun – it’s serious, but still allows for lots of laughter in between the focused learning.

PADI (Junior) Adventure Divers who have completed the Underwater Navigation Adventure Dive or PADI (Junior) Advanced Open Water Divers, who are at least 12 years old may enroll in a Rescue Diver course. You also need to have Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care (CPR and First Aid) training within the past 24 months. You can complete this training during the Rescue Diver course. We also offer the PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider specialty diver course at the same time.

To maximize your safety and enjoyment Corn Island Dive Center limits the Rescue Diver course to 4 students per Instructor.

Please note that any student wanting to participate in e-Learning with PADI should check availability with Corn Island Dive Center ahead of time, to ensure your course can be completed during your stay.

The PADI Rescue Diver course prepares you to deal with dive emergencies, minor and major, using a variety of techniques. Through knowledge development and rescue exercises, you learn what to look for and how to respond. During rescue scenarios, you put into practice your knowledge and skills. Topics include

  • Self rescue
  • Recognizing and managing stress in other divers
  • Emergency management and equipment
  • Rescuing panicked divers
  • Rescuing unresponsive divers

Looking to gain more experience and earn another certification? Check out our course combos for more information.

You’ll use your basic scuba equipment and will need a pocket mask to practice in-water resuscitation. During exercises, you’ll work with an oxygen unit, floats, marker buoys and perhaps CPR mannequins. Your PADI Instructor will explain the equipment that you need and may suggest additional gear, such as your own first aid kit, which will be useful throughout your diving career.

The PADI Rescue Diver course takes 3 days to complete (the PADI Emergency First Response course is an additional day).

$230 USD including all equipment rental, PADI materials, boat excursions, and certification fees.
$300 USD for the Rescue Diver and EFR combo.

  • Please note any person wishing to participate in a PADI course or experience is required to fill out an RSTC Medical Statement prior to any in-water activities. If you answer “YES” to any of the medical questions, then you will require written permission from a Doctor, using the attached form, to participate in any PADI course or experience.

  • PADI Standards states that each student have a personal set of current PADI materials for study and use during the course and for reference afterward, to include, at a minimum, the course manual (book, digital or app version) unless unavailable in a language understood by the student diver.

  • All certified divers will be required to show proof of certification prior to diving. Some agencies (such as PADI) can be verified online.

  • It is highly recommended to have travel insurance, or specific dive accident insurance such as Divers Alert Network (D.A.N.) that can be purchased online here prior to your trip. According to D.A.N.’s recommendations regarding flying after diving, please allow for at least 18 hours before flying in an airplane after scuba diving.