Hands-On Rescue Scenarios
Surface & Underwater Skills
From $595
Rescue Diver is a step-change. You will manage stress, recognise problems early, and confidently handle in-water emergencies for yourself and your buddy.
Rescue Diver Course
The PADI Rescue Diver Course develops the skills to handle panicked or unresponsive divers, use emergency equipment like surface marker buoys, provide first aid in a dive emergency, and search for missing divers using compass navigation. You'll also learn to manage dive accidents, including surfacing an unconscious diver and rescue breathing. Includes your PADI eLearning, confined water training, shore dives, transportation if required, and your PADI Rescue Diver Certification — a prerequisite for Divemaster, taught at NSW's only PADI 5 Star Platinum dive centre.
1
Theory
Complete your eLearning at home before Day 1.
2
Day 1
8am to 5pm. Course Introduction at Dive Centre Bondi. Confined water training covering basic rescue techniques and learning to identify potential problems.
3
Day 2
8am to 5pm (times are approximate). Open water training to develop rescue skills and conduct real-life scenarios including rescuing panicked and unresponsive divers and managing emergency situations.
Find quick answers to the most common questions about our courses, scheduling, prerequisites, and gear.
How do I book my course?
Choose a date above, complete the booking form, and you'll receive an instant confirmation by email.
What is the maximum class size?
Five students. Keeping groups small means more instructor time for you and a safer, more relaxed course.
Do I need to bring my own gear?
All scuba gear (tanks, regulators, BCDs, wetsuits) is provided. Mask, snorkel, boots and fins can be hired for a small fee, or bought with your student discount. You'll also need safety equipment for this course — an SMB, a reel and a cutting tool — which we rent as a set for $25. If you'd rather own them, ask us about our Rescue Diver package.
What if I need to reschedule?
Rescheduling is free as long as it's more than 7 days before your course starts. Inside 7 days there's a $100 transfer fee — by that point we've already committed your instructor, your equipment and the logistics for those dates.
Can I gift this course?
Yes — click 'Gift This Course' on the booking widget or contact us for a printable gift voucher.
Is the course internationally recognised?
Yes. PADI certifications are recognised by dive operators worldwide.
Why should I do the Rescue course?
It turns you into the dive buddy everyone wants. You'll be trained to anticipate and handle problems underwater and on the surface, for yourself and for the people around you. Most divers tell us it's the most rewarding PADI course they've done.
Do I need a first aid certification before the course?
Yes. You need proof of a current first aid certification issued within the last 24 months. We accept a range of providers, so get in touch if you're not sure whether yours qualifies.
Can I do Rescue straight after my Advanced course?
Yes. You can sign up directly after Advanced and keep the progression going.
I want to do this course privately, or with just my friends — can that be done?
Yes! We run private courses for individuals and groups when the scheduled classes don't line up with your availability. Get in touch and we'll arrange one for you.
Where will we dive?
This depends on the conditions on the day. We always pick the best and safest site for the swell, wind and visibility at the time, and we'll confirm where we're heading on the morning.
Can a friend or partner join for the day if they're not diving?
They're very welcome to meet us at the dive site, but unfortunately we don't have a spare seat in the vehicle for them.
Where should we park?
Ocean Street North is your best bet — free parking all day, a short walk from the dive centre. From there you can either come with us to the dive site or take your own car.
Can I use my own vehicle?
Definitely. Meet us at the dive centre to get fitted for your equipment — we'll transport it to the site and back for you. If you drive yourself you can head off straight from the dive site instead of coming back to the centre for the clean-up. The one exception is the last day of your course, when you'll need to come back to finish your paperwork.
Should I come earlier to try on the equipment?
No need. The start time is the time we want you at the dive centre — fitting your equipment is already built into it.
I don't have a dive buddy — is that okay?
Absolutely. We'll pair you with another diver in the group or with the instructor running the session. Coming on your own is completely normal here.
I don't have any equipment — can I still join?
Yes. We have a big range of scuba equipment available for you to use.