Why Every PADI Diver Should be a Rescue Diver
Ecologically, our oceans are one of the most diverse habitats on earth, home to hundreds of thousands, if not millions of aquatic species, each unique in their color, shape, and size. With so much to explore, it is no surprise that for many, once they start diving, they find it very hard to stop!
Diving is about more than exploration. Experienced divers grow to respect the sport for the challenge and reward offered as one progresses up the certification ladder. Early PADI courses, including Discover Scuba Diving, Open Water, and Advanced Open Water, focus on developing core skills required for individuals to be knowledgeable and safe divers.
Once a diver reaches the Rescue Diver course, however, there is a distinct transition from internal awareness to more external awareness that includes not just your own safety and experience, but that of other divers around you.
The Rescue Diver course curriculum is an exciting combination of knowledge development and emergency simulation skills designed to further educate divers in preventing accidents as well as handling them. Divided into five sections covering self rescue, recognizing and managing stress in other divers, emergency management and equipment, rescuing panicked divers, rescuing unresponsive divers, the Rescue Diver Course is the most comprehensive non-professional course that PADI offers.
What really makes the Rescue Diver course so valuable, is the balanced development of both tangible and intangible skills. By nature of the course materials, participants develop a series of intangible leadership and communicative skills. Simultaneously, through learning the skills and knowledge required to help other divers, participants also build confidence in their own diving ability. In fact, many individuals leave the rescue diver course a more confident individual AND diver. A recent poll of Sail Caribbean fans on their thoughts and experience with the rescue diver course garnered this response from Erica Pacal, a 2009 staff member and dive master.
“I absolutely would recommend the course, and I’m not just saying that. The Rescue Diver course was by far my favorite and the most valuable course I’ve ever taken. It makes you a stronger and confident diver” -Erica Pacal, Sail Caribbean Facebook Page
In conclusion, whether you’re a novice diver or experienced and debating whether or not to continue onto the Rescue Diver course, don’t hesitate. This is one course that every diver should have a goal of completing, making you both a safer and more confident diver.
For those interested in completing the Rescue Diver Course, our Sail Caribbean Charlie Teen Program: Advanced Scuba, Watersports, & Scuba, gives you the opportunity. From your first dive, through dive master, let Sail Caribbean summer programs and the Sail Caribbean Divers help pave the way.
Click here to visit the PADI site and learn more about Rescue Diver Course
Take a look at the Introduction to the PADI Rescue Diver Course Video
