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The course divers describe as the most challenging — and the most rewarding — they've ever done.
Get more infoThe PADI Rescue Diver Course teaches you to prevent problems, and to manage them calmly if they happen. Many divers describe it as the most challenging and rewarding course they have done, because it makes you a more aware and capable buddy.
You practise realistic scenarios in the water, from helping a tired diver at the surface to bringing an unresponsive diver up and out of the water. The focus is on thinking clearly and acting quickly.
| Theory (knowledge development) | Knowledge development is usually completed through PADI eLearning at your own pace, covering rescue concepts, emergency management and equipment. |
| Pool / confined water | Rescue skills are practised in controlled shallow water before being tested in open water scenarios. |
| Open water | You complete a series of rescue exercises and open water scenarios with your instructor, which together replace a fixed number of dives. |
PADI Adventure Diver (including the Underwater Navigation Adventure Dive) or PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, and Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care (CPR and first aid) training completed within the past 24 months.
Minimum age: 12 years old for the Junior Rescue Diver certification. Divers aged 15 and older earn the standard Rescue Diver certification.
Training dives: A series of rescue exercises and open water scenarios rather than a fixed number of dives, per PADI standards.
At Scubaversity: Certified PADI Adventure Diver (or equivalent) with the Underwater Navigation adventure dive, and 12 years or older.
Typically two to four days including exercises and scenarios, plus eLearning beforehand. An Emergency First Response course can be added if you need it.
Certified divers who want to feel more in control and look after their buddies and family. It is also a requirement for anyone wanting to go professional.
You'll need current Emergency First Response (CPR & First Aid) training, which we offer alongside this course.
Rescue Diver is where you shift from looking after yourself to looking after others. Demanding, but hugely rewarding.
Requirements: Adventure Diver or Advanced Open Water (including Underwater Navigation), and Emergency First Response (or equivalent first-aid/CPR) training within the last 24 months — ask us if you need it. Minimum age 12. Most divers say it's the course that made them genuinely better and more confident.
You need to be a certified PADI Adventure Diver (or equivalent) with the Underwater Navigation adventure dive completed — this typically comes from the Advanced Open Water course — and be at least 12 years old.
Yes, you'll need current Emergency First Response (CPR & First Aid) training completed within the last 24 months. If you don't already have it, we offer EFR alongside Rescue Diver — see the price table on this page for the combined cost.
Rescue Diver teaches you to spot and prevent problems before they become emergencies, manage tired or unresponsive divers at the surface and at depth, and handle self-rescue and emergency scenarios. It's widely regarded as challenging but the course that makes divers genuinely more confident.
Rescue scenarios and skills training are run at our Gauteng facilities and local dive sites like Bass Lake or Miracle Waters. This is separate from any coastal trips to Sodwana Bay or Aliwal Shoal, which you're welcome to book independently.
Rescue Diver and EFR are priced separately on this page so you can see the cost whether or not you already hold EFR. Book through our enquiry form, or contact us if you're unsure which prerequisites you still need.
It is demanding because it is practical and scenario-based, but you are guided throughout. Most divers find it the most rewarding course they take.
Yes. You need current Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care training, completed within the past 24 months, before you can be certified.