Diver Stress & Rescue

The Fun Part

Learn how to protect yourself and other divers. The fun part about this course is rising to challenges and mastering them. Most divers find this course both demanding and rewarding, and at the end, say it’s the best course they’ve ever taken.

Who should take this program?

Are you at least 12 years old, a certified Open Water Diver and becoming a more frequent diver, wanting to be able to recognize and identify stress, know how to prevent accidents, and know the practical techniques to conduct rescues and provide emergency care, or simply want to take a new and challenging course? Then the Search & Rescue speciality course is for you! 

To be able to be certified at the end you also need to have proof of current (within the last 2 years) O2 provider, First Aid and CPR training. This can also be completed during the Stress & Rescue Specialty training as an additional SSI React Right Specialty.  

What will you learn?

Over 2-3 days of in-person training involving both academic and in-water sessions you will learn to become well prepared and confident to deal with both minor and major dive emergencies and rescues. You will learn what to look out for and how to deal with emergencies quickly and efficiently. During simulated rescue scenarios, you will put into practice your knowledge and skills to increase your comfort for real life situations. Some of the topics covered in the course include:

• Self rescue
• Recognizing and managing stress in other divers
• Emergency management and equipment
• Rescuing panicked divers
• Rescuing unresponsive divers
• Conducting and participating in a missing diver search

What scuba gear will you use?

During the course you will use and be provided with all the basic scuba equipment including a wetsuit and other thermal protection appropriate for the weather. During the exercises you will also use a pocket mask to practice in-water resuscitation, work with an oxygen unit, surface floats, marker buoys and perhaps CPR mannequins. Your Instructor will explain the equipment that you will be using and will advise you on additional personal gear to own for your future diving adventures such as your own first aid kit. 

What learning materials will you need?

When you sign up to the course you will immediately receive access to the SSI online learning materials. These combine both text and video materials to offer an efficient and effective learning experience. The materials can be accessed on the SSI Website/App and be downloaded for offline use. 

Remember to also sign up for the React Right course if you also need to gain your CPR, O2 provider and first aid training. Look at out package deal options here!

You will also receive in person academic training and at least 3 pool/confined sessions and 3 open water training sessions.