PADI Rescue Diver Course Cape Town

Q: Who can take the Rescue Diver course?

You must be at least 12 years old , hold a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent), and have completed EFR Primary and Secondary Care training within the required timeframe.

Cape Town Scuba Dive Centre

Scuba Courses

Rescue Diver

Learn to prevent and manage problems in the water. A challenging but highly rewarding course that makes you a safer buddy.

Duration

2 Days

Max Depth

30 Meters

Min Age

12 Years Old

Dives

2 Ocean Dive + 2 Scenarios

Pool Sessions

Confined Water

Price

From R7,200

Course Overview

Start Your Lifetime Diving Journey

Often cited by divers as the scuba course that they have enjoyed the most, the PADI Rescue Diver Course is a pivotal step in any divers’ education. This is where you learn to look beyond yourself and focus on problem prevention and problem management in diving scenarios. This course is also a step into becoming a more independent diver.

For many scuba divers having a buddy with them that has done the rescue diver course is very important. Although scuba diving is statistically a safe activity, it is always encouraging to know that in the event of an emergency, there is someone in your dive party that has the necessary rescue skills.

This course is demanding and its context is serious, but you can be sure to be in for a lot of fun.

Rescue diver supporting another diver at the surface

Why Choose Us

Free pick-up from hotel (central city area)

Both PADI & TripAdvisor certificates of excellence won

Best dive instructors & dive masters

Good quality well maintained scuba equipment

Strong emphasis on safety & quality

Pricing

OUR TRAINING PHILOSOPHY: Don’t train until you get it right, train until you can’t get it wrong.

Included in the cost: A PADI rescue crewpack, including your PADI rescue manual and pocket mask (deluxe option only), Digital theory, Equipment rental as needed, MPA permit, Instruction and tuition, All dives required for this course, Gear rental, PADI certification fee.

From R7,200

Teaching you the different rescue techniques and skills in the swimming pool and then transferring that knowledge into the Ocean.

Possible Upgrades

Adding your Emergency First Response Course if you don’t already have it for an extra R2800 done on the same day as your pool session. Learn primary and secondary first aid to complement your PADI Rescue Diver Training.

Prerequisites

PADI Advanced Open Water Certified ( Another Organization certified at equivalent level ), have a current 1st aid certificate Divers who do not have a current 1st aid certificate are advised to do the EFR (Emergency 1st Response) course, which is underwritten by PADI, be at least 12 years old, be reasonably healthy.

Cirriculum

What You'll Learn

RESCUE DIVER THEORY & KNOWLEDGE

Learn how to recognize, respond to, and manage common diver emergencies both above and below the surface through online e-learning, quizzes and exams.

SELF-RESCUE & DIVER SAFETY

Build confidence managing stress, fatigue, equipment problems, and other challenges that can affect you underwater as well as other divers around you.

PREVENTING DIVING ACCIDENTS

Develop the skills to identify potential problems early and prevent minor situations from becoming serious emergencies.

UNDERWATER RESCUE SKILLS

Practise responding to tired, panicked, unresponsive, and distressed divers using effective rescue techniques.

SURFACE RESCUE TECHNIQUES

Learn techniques for assisting divers at the surface, including controlled ascents, exits, and recovery procedures.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Develop the confidence to coordinate an emergency, provide appropriate assistance, and work effectively with other divers and emergency services.

3-Day Program

The Course Structure

Day 1

Theory

Knowledge development this takes roughly 4 - 12 hours online to ensure you have the knowledge to learn all aspects of each rescue scenario and skills.

Day 2

Confined Water

Spend time practicing and completing the skill checklist for the Rescue Diver Course in our heated, safe swimming pool.

Day 3

Ocean Dives 1 & 2

Take those skills and put them to practice in the ocean. From shore compile what you've learnt in realistic situations, scenarios and dives while your Instructor makes you think on your feet.

Day 3

Scenario 1 + 2

On the same day as your Ocean dives your Instructor will give you two PADI Scenarios. This will put your training to the test and see how you react to situations that you have learnt throughout your rescue diver training.

Why Choose CT Dive School

Unmatched Quality & Safety

PADI 5-STAR IDC CENTRE

Top tier certification standard recognizing highest standards of diver training, safety and customer service.

MAX 4 STUDENTS

We guarantee small groups per instructor to ensure close personal attention, optimal safety, and customized training.

DIVERSE MARINE LIFE

Cape Town's unique temperate reefs feature ancient kelp forests, historic wrecks, playful seals and spectacular biodiversity.

ALL EQUIPMENT INCLUDED

No hidden costs. Premium wetsuits, regulators, masks, fins, and cylinders are fully included in the price.

EXPERT INSTRUCTORS

Learn from highly experienced, certified ocean professionals who live and breathe Cape Town diving.

QUICK OVERVIEW

Key Highlights

Minimum duration 2 days

Preparing for the course via e-learning homework

Day 1: Scuba diving sessions in swimming pool in Sea Point

Day 2 Two scuba dives in the ocean around Cape Town

Additional Scenario Training

Course can be constructed around your schedule

Bring swimsuit/sunscreen/towel/snack

Minimum age: PADI Junior Rescue Diver 12 years / PADI Rescue Diver 15 years

Requirements

Course Prerequisites

Before diving, ensure you meet PADI’s basic health and swimming requirements. Be a PADI Advanced Open Water diver or equivalent!

PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent

Medical questionnaire clearance (or doctor's note)

Minimum age of 12 years for Junior Rescue Diver

Current 1st aid certificate (STCW) is valid

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I want to do a Rescue Course?

As a Recue diver, you will be better equipped to recognise stress symptoms in a fellow diver or buddy, which can help you to prevent problems. It is also gives one some peace of mind to know that ones buddy is a Rescue diver, as this means that your buddy will be able to look after you better if something does happen to you.

What course is next?

Master Scuba Diver! This is the highest non-professional rating in diving.

Who can take the Rescue Diver course?

You must be at least 12 years old, hold a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent), and have completed EFR Primary and Secondary Care training within the required timeframe.

Is the Rescue Diver course difficult?

The Rescue Diver course is challenging but extremely rewarding. It involves practical skills, swimming and rescue exercises, problem-solving and realistic emergency scenarios. You don't need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable in the water and have a reasonable level of fitness.

Is the Rescue Diver course good for improving my diving skills?

Absolutely. Rescue Diver is one of the most valuable courses for improving your overall diving awareness. You'll learn to pay greater attention to your buddy, the environment and potential problems before they become emergencies.

All-inclusive training

What's Included in the fee

PADI Digital Learning Materials

Premium Scuba Gear Rental

Pool & Confined Water Sessions

2 Open Water Dives in Cape Town

PADI Certification Processing & Card

Safety Gear and Diver's Insurance

Photo Gallery

Underwater Scenes & Diving Moments

Testimonials

What our divers say

My wife and I had a really great time diving with Into the Blue Cape Town in May. The gear you get is very good, including Scubapro Seawing Nova fins, 7mm wetsuits, gloves, boots, and even an extra vest to wear under the wetsuit. The water was quite cold at around 14°C, and since I normally only dive in tropical waters, I was a bit unsure at first. But with the gear provided, I was absolutely fine for the whole dive. My wife did shiver at the end of dives though. You could stop the dives at any time and one of the dive master would get you to the boat. We had an amazing time in the kelp forest and even saw a pyjama shark. On our first dive at North Paw, we were also lucky enough to see a seal right at the end of the dive, which was a really nice surprise. The whole day was very well organized and the service was excellent. Everyone was friendly, professional, and made us feel comfortable. Unfortunately, we had to leave for the Garden Route the next day, otherwise we would definitely have booked another dive with them. Overall, it was a really great experience, and next time I am in Cape Town, I will for sure dive with Into the Blue again. Highly recommended.

Into the Blue took our family group of 10 out snorkelling and scuba diving. They were great in accommodating both the snorkellers and divers needs at the same time and keeping everyone happy. They went out of there way to make it such a special day, taking us to different sites and providing snacks and hot drinks after the dive /snorkel. Thank you so much ‘Into the Blue’! What a fantastic day!

Thurl Abrahams

Great experience diving today - double tank dives in the kelp was an incredible experience...especially with the seals! It was cold...so be prepared! But the kit was great quality, the safety briefings were perfect and the diving with James as our dive guide was brilliant. Thank you to the full team...if you are in Cape Town...dive it!

Alex James

Ready to dive into Cape Town?

Book a PADI course, fun dive or dive holiday with Into The Blue today.