Widely regarded as the most valuable recreational course. It teaches you to prevent problems and manage emergencies for yourself and others.

What you learn

• Self-rescue and stress recognition
• Assisting a tired, panicked, or unresponsive diver
• In-water rescue techniques and emergency management
• Accident scene organization and basic first-aid considerations
• How to think ahead and avoid problems before they occur

Structure

• Knowledge development covering self-rescue, stress, panic, and emergency procedures
• Confined- or open-water skill practice
• Realistic rescue exercises and scenarios in open water
• Development of an emergency assistance plan

Prerequisites

• PADI Adventure Diver or Advanced Open Water Diver (or qualifying certification)
• Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care (or qualifying CPR/first-aid training) recommended or required depending on the center
• Minimum age 12 (Junior Rescue Diver for ages 12–14)