PADI Rescue Diver Course – Build Confidence, Awareness, and Strong Emergency-Response Skills

The PADI Rescue Diver course is one of the most valuable and transformative certifications in scuba training. Designed for divers who want to be safer, more capable, and more aware, this course teaches you how to prevent problems before they happen and how to respond effectively when they do. Through realistic scenarios and hands-on practice, you’ll learn to manage both minor and major situations with calm confidence.

Your training will cover self-rescue techniques, diver stress recognition, missing diver procedures, in-water rescue methods, and how to assist tired, panicked, or unresponsive divers. The course blends eLearning, in-water skill development, and full scenario practice to prepare you for real-world diving environments. Upon completion, you’ll be better equipped to help yourself and others—and you’ll emerge as a far more confident diver.

Why Take the Rescue Diver Course?

• Improve your awareness, judgment, and confidence underwater
• Learn how to prevent, manage, and respond to diving emergencies
• Strengthen your self-rescue and buddy-assistance skills
• Experience realistic scenario-based training
• Essential step toward Master Scuba Diver or professional-level training
• Ideal for divers who want to be safer and more capable in any environment

What You’ll Learn

• Recognizing diver stress and early problem signs
• Self-rescue techniques and in-water emergency procedures
• Missing diver searches and structured response plans
• Managing tired, panicked, or unresponsive divers
• Surface and underwater rescue techniques
• Scene management and emergency action planning

Course Includes

• PADI Rescue Diver eLearning
• In-water skill development and full scenario practice
• Professional instruction and guided training
• PADI Rescue Diver certification upon completion

Students are responsible for quarry entry fees, air fills, and all equipment required. We have a rental package available at a student discount HERE.

Become the diver others rely on—train with Southern Maryland Divers and build the awareness, skills, and confidence that make you a safer, more capable dive buddy.