Becoming a Rescue Diver — Tips, Training, Jobs and More

 

Becoming a rescue diver can be one of the most rewarding ways to use your SCUBA certification, and a way to turn your passion for diving into a way to help your community. Living on Oahu and the North Shore, we are surrounded by water. Being comfortable in the water, and knowing how to prevent and manage problems that arise, are important skills to have.

Even if you don’t pursue a career as a rescue diver or volunteer with a rescue diving organization, taking the PADI Rescue Diver certification course through your local dive shop is a great way to become more comfortable in the water, become a better dive buddy, learn to problem solve underwater and build emergency skills that become second-nature.

What you’ll learn in the rescue diving certification course:

The PADI Rescue Diver course will teach  you how to deal with emergencies that may pop up during a dive, using a variety of techniques and skills. You’ll work through actual rescue exercises that will teach you what to look for during emergencies and how to respond.

Topics include:

  • Self- rescue
  • Recognizing and managing stress in other divers
  • Emergency management
  • Emergency equipment
  • Recuing divers who are panicking
  • Rescuing unresponsive divers

About the course:

The course is available for people who have completed the Underwater Navigation Adventure Dive, and divers as young as 12 can become certified rescue divers. You need to have completed Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care training, which includes CPR and First Aid, within the past 24 months to be eligible for the certification, but you can complete this training while in the rescue diver training. You might also be able to get college credit for this course! Talk with your instructor or college for more information.

What to do with rescue diver certification:

Taking the rescue diver certification course will help you become a diver better equip to handle any emergencies or issues that could arise. It will make you a better dive buddy, and will help ensure everyone on your dive has a safe, fun time! Additionally, if you want to pursue a career in SCUBA diving, such as becoming a Divemaster, this certification will help. You can also volunteer with local volunteer first responder groups as a rescue diver.

Are you ready to get certified as a rescue diver? Sign up for a rescue diver certification course, like this one, offered through Surf N Sea on the North Shore of Oahu. Contact us today to get started with your training!