SDI Rescue Diver
Rescue Skills · The Gateway to Pro · For Certified Divers
The course that changes how you dive. Rescue Diver teaches you to prevent trouble, spot it early, and handle a real emergency, from a panicked diver to an unconscious one. It's demanding, hands-on, and the last step before the professional ranks. It has real prerequisites, and you'll need your own mask, fins, boots, and snorkel, plus a surface signal (an SMB and reel or a whistle) and a cutting device, while we include the rest of the rental gear.
Veterans can put their GI Bill toward their training, and families can use ESA or ClassWallet funds. See if you qualify.
Availability: In Stock
SDI Rescue Diver Course
Rescue Diver is the course most divers say changed how they think on every dive, not just in an emergency. You'll learn to spot trouble before it starts, help a panicked or unconscious diver, manage an accident scene, and give first aid when it counts. It's challenging and hands-on, and it's the point where a lot of divers say their training got serious. It's also the last step before the professional ranks.
Before you enroll
Rescue asks more of you up front than earlier courses. You'll need:
- To be at least 18 years old, or 15 with a parent's consent
- Current CPR, First Aid, and Oxygen (O2) Provider certifications, which a qualified instructor can bundle right into your Rescue course
- Your SDI Advanced Adventure Diver certification or equivalent, or an Open Water certification with at least 15 logged dives
Not sure which path fits you? Call us at (480) 881-4013 and we'll sort it out.
What you unlock
Finish Rescue Diver and you can:
- Conduct rescues for divers in distress with real confidence
- Enroll in the SDI Master Scuba Diver Development Program
- Step into the pro ranks with the SDI Divemaster course
✓ What's included
- Classroom and pool session, plus your open water rescue dives
- The SDI Rescue Diver course materials and exam
- Rental gear for the course: BCD, regulator, tank, weights, and wetsuit
- A discount on any gear you buy while enrolled
What to bring
- Your own mask, fins, boots, and snorkel (required, we don't rent these)
- A surface signal (SMB and reel, or a whistle) and a cutting device (required for this course)
- Proof of your prerequisite certifications
- Your CPR, First Aid, and O2 cards, or ask us to bundle them
- A swimsuit and a towel
Frequently Asked Questions
Let's. Go. Diving.
Rescue is one of the most rewarding courses you'll take. Register online, or call the shop and we'll get you scheduled and sort out any prerequisites.
Call the shop (480) 881-4013Prerequisites: SDI Advanced Adventure (or Open Water plus 15 logged dives), current CPR, First Aid, and O2, and age 18 (15 with parental consent). This is the last stop before the professional ranks.
By booking, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.

