Rescue Diver Course

Overview:

This course trains divers in the knowledge and skills needed to manage risks and effectively handle limited in-water problems and diving emergencies.  Included are: assists, transports, surface rescues and rescues from depth involving both boat and shore based skin and scuba divers.  This course meets the prerequisite rescue training for Skin Diving Instructor, Assistant Instructor, Divemaster and Instructor certifications.

Qualifications of Graduates:

• Graduates are considered competent to perform assists and rescues in open water provided the diving site and diving situations approximate those of the course.
• Graduates may use this certification as a prerequisite for Leadership Courses and Instructor Courses.

Prerequisites For Entering the Course:

• Minimum age of 15
• Training and experience equivalent to Scuba Diver and Advanced Diver
• Current certification in First Aid and CPR (classes are offered through Depth Perception Dive Center)
• Students shall furnish and be responsible for the care and maintenance of their own diving equipment.    

Course Policies:

• Classroom hours – eight are estimated
• Confined water hours – eight are estimated
• Open-water dives – scenarios are dependent on dive location

Equipment:

We strongly encourage you to discuss the suitability of the equipment you own and are considering using during this class with a member of the Depth Perception Instructor staff prior to the start of your course.  Equipment that isn’t appropriate can distract from your enjoyment of diving and interfere with the learning process and, in some instances, can actually be unsafe. 

Skill Requirements:

• On the surface, identify the problem and properly assist a completely equipped skin or scuba diver simulating each of the following: a muscle cramp, rapid shallow breathing, exhaustion, signs of pre-panic and breathing difficulties (due to suit constriction, cold water, etc.)
• Perform a satisfactory, controlled Scuba Diver Rescue from approximately 20 feet (6m) of water and transport, one-on-one, the simulated victim 50 yards (46m) to shore, boat or platform removing gear as appropriate for extrication of the victim from the water
• With the aid of one assistant, remove a diver simulating a non-breathing unconsciousness victim from the water after reaching the water’s edge, boat or platform.