SDI Rescue Diver
Develop the knowledge, judgement, and practical rescue skills required to effectively prevent, recognise, and manage diving emergencies while assisting divers in distress
Duration
3 days, open water rescue scenarios
Max Depth
Based on rescue exercise requirements
Level
Continuing Education Diver Programme
Next Step
SDI Master Scuba Diver / SDI Divemaster
Overview
The SDI Rescue Diver course is designed to develop the knowledge and necessary skills for an individual to effectively perform diver rescues and assist and administer necessary first aid. Graduates are trained to recognise developing problems, respond appropriately to diving emergencies, and assist divers in distress.
This programme focuses on:
- accident prevention,
- self-rescue,
- diver assists,
- diver rescue procedures,
- and emergency management.
Training emphasises practical problem-solving, situational awareness, emergency planning, and confident rescue response in realistic diving scenarios.
At N9BO℠, Rescue Diver training develops capable and confident divers prepared to assist others and respond effectively when diving emergencies occur.
Course Facts
- Course name: SDI Rescue Diver
- Level: Continuing Education Diver Programme
- Minimum prerequisites: Minimum age 10, Current First Response Adult and Child Emergency Care Provider certification (or equivalent), Oxygen Administration Provider certification (or equivalent), SDI Advanced Adventure Diver certification (or equivalent) or SDI Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) and 15 logged open water dives
- Ratio: Maximum of 8 students per instructor (small groups recommended for quality training)
- Configuration: Students use standard open water scuba equipment, with the addition of cutting device, emergency signalling equipment, and rescue support equipment as required
- Depth / environment: Based on rescue exercise requirements, Swimming pools, Confined water environments, Open water dive sites, Rescue training environments
- Format: Academic development + rescue workshops + emergency management training + open water rescue scenarios + practical evaluations
- Duration: Approximately 3 days, Multiple open water rescue scenarios
What You’ll Learn
- Learn accident prevention, emergency planning, and diver rescue principles
- Develop self-rescue, diver assist, and diver recovery skills
- Apply rescue procedures in realistic diving scenarios
- Improve situational awareness, leadership, and emergency decision-making
- Build the confidence and capability required to respond effectively during diving emergencies
Prerequisites
- Be at least 10 years old.
- Current First Response Adult and Child Emergency Care Provider certification (or equivalent).
- Oxygen Administration Provider certification (or equivalent).
- SDI Advanced Adventure Diver certification (or equivalent) or SDI Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) and 15 logged open water dives.
- Be medically fit for diving.
FAQ
The SDI Rescue Diver course develops the knowledge and practical skills required to identify, prevent, and respond to diving emergencies involving both yourself and other divers.
Yes.
Students participate in realistic rescue exercises including:
- assisting tired divers,
- assisting distressed divers,
- underwater recoveries,
- and diver transport procedures.
Students develop skills including:
- self-rescue,
- diver assists,
- surface rescues,
- underwater rescues,
- diver recovery procedures,
- oxygen awareness,
- and emergency management.
Many divers consider Rescue Diver to be one of the most rewarding programmes because it develops awareness, confidence, leadership, and practical problem-solving skills that benefit every future dive.
Many divers continue into:
- SDI Master Scuba Diver Development Programme
- SDI Divemaster
- leadership programmes
- professional diver pathways
Graduates are also qualified to enrol in the SDI Master Diver Program and the SDI Divemaster Course.
Ready to Become the Diver Others Can Rely On?
Whether you want to improve your awareness, strengthen your emergency response capability, or prepare for leadership-level training, our team will help you develop the practical rescue skills and confidence needed to assist others when it matters most.
Go Pro with the SDI Instructor Development Course (IDC)
Expand your diving knowledge through internationally recognised SDI training programmes delivered by experienced course directors and instructor trainers at N9BO℠. Build confidence, aquatic awareness, and practical skills that support lifelong enjoyment of underwater activities.
