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PADI Rescue Diver Course

PADI Rescue Diver Course

Become a PADI Rescue Diver

Boost your confidence and become a better diver with this challenging and fun-filled course. Learn about the most common problems divers encounter, both on the surface and underwater. With a PADI Rescue Diver certification, you will be a much more aware and well-rounded diver, ready to deal with any challenges that might come your way!

Continue your scuba journey with the PADI Rescue Diver course at the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School. Participants learn the techniques needed to deal with tired, panicked, unresponsive, and unconscious divers. These skills are developed through worst-case scenarios roleplay and in-water resuscitation techniques.

How to take part

The PADI Rescue Diver course, presented by the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School, costs R6 300 per person including VAT. This includes everything needed for the course– digital theory packs, gear rental, dive permits, final qualification certification, etc.

Go to: Book your course today
Learning CPR on the PADI Emergency First Responder Course

Participant information

Prerequisites

  • You must be certified as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or have a qualifying certification from another training organization similar to that of a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver).

  • To be certified as a PADI Rescue Diver, you must have successfully completed a sanctioned first aid course including CPR training within the past two years. The PADI Emergency First Response (EFR) programme is highly recommended and meets this requirement.

  • Be 12 years or older (12- to 14-year-olds will be awarded the PADI Junior Rescue Diver upon certification).

Important medical information

In order to do the PADI Rescue Diver course, you need to be reasonably healthy. You will need to complete a medical questionnaire before being allowed to dive - download it here. Have a look through the questions on Page 2. If you were to answer “Yes” to any of the questions, you would need a letter from a doctor clearing you for diving. If you answer “No” to all questions, no doctor’s letter is required. Should there be an answer that concerns us, we reserve the right to ask for a referral to a diving physician. When answering these questions, honesty is of paramount importance for our safety and yours.

Flying after diving

Please be advised that you may not do this course and dive if you are planning to fly within 24 hours after the dive.

PADI Rescue Diver course outline

E-learning: Knowledge development sessions cover the following:

  • Theory sessions on a digital platform in preparation for your course
  • When you come to the Dive School for diving, we’ll revise what you’ve learnt online.
  • Knowledge reviews and exams need to be completed before the start of practical training.

Day 1: Confined water sessions

There are confined pool/I&J Ocean Exhibit sessions where you will develop problem-solving and accident-management techniques. These skills are performed in a realistic but enjoyable manner, giving the candidate a solid foundation of understanding & successfully managing any problems.

Day 2: Open Water Dives

There are two Open Water Rescue Scenarios to complete, over one or two dives. These accident scenarios provide students with the opportunity to apply all the skills that were practiced in confined water, in a more realistic setting.

Course duration

The course takes two to three days to complete. These do not have to be two consecutive days (you have up to twelve months to complete the course), but we strongly recommend that you complete these days in close succession to keep everything fresh in your mind.

Open ocean dives are weather dependent, and every effort will be made to accommodate your schedule within the timeframes of the course.

Days typically start at 08h00 and finish around 16h00. Please meet at the entrance to the Two Oceans Aquarium.

Did you know?

  • PADI is the world’s leading scuba diver training organisation.

  • The Two Oceans Aquarium is a certified PADI Dive Centre! This means we meet all the stringent health, safety and quality requirements as set out by PADI.

Frequently asked questions

  • What do you need to bring?

    We provide everything you will need on the day, including all gear, study material, and hot showers. Drinks are included. We also provide lunch on the last day. All you need to bring is a swimsuit and water in a reusable bottle.

  • Arrival at the Aquarium

    Please arrive at the Two Oceans Aquarium 15 minutes before your scheduled diving slot. You may report to our Visitor Centre just inside the main entrance and the Dive School team will meet you.

  • About the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School

    The Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School is a certified PADI Dive Centre and your one-stop shop for all things scuba diving in Cape Town.

    PADI is the world’s leading scuba diver training organisation. As a certified PADI Dive Resort, the Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School meets all the stringent health, safety and quality requirements as set out by PADI.

  • Terms and conditions

    Please read our terms and conditions and make sure you are eligible to dive before making your dive booking:

    In line with recognised diving practice, dives may not occur if divers are to FLY less than 12 hours after the dive time (or 24 hours for the PADI Open Water Diver and PADI Advanced Open Water courses). Please do not book if you are not sure about the exact time of your flight, especially if it is within 24 hours after your dive. This will result in forfeiting the entire dive fee.

    Failing to produce your official dive qualification (eg. dive card) on the day of the dive, your dive will be cancelled and you will be liable for the full amount. We can only check your dive qualification online if you are PADI or SSI certified.

    Do not book if you are not sure about your dive qualification, as this will result in forfeiting the entire dive fee. If you are unsure, please contact us at diveschool@aquarium.co.za to ensure you book the right experience for your qualification level.

    If you have a valid dive qualification but have not dived for over 6 months you will be required to complete a refresher course on the day of your dive. This will be done at the Aquarium.

    For safety reasons, divers must be at least 10 years old to dive in our exhibits.

    Divers under 18 must have their indemnity form signed by their legal guardian. If the legal guardian will not be present on the day of the dive, they must request a copy of the indemnity form at the time of booking the dive so that it is signed in advance of the dive.

    The Aquarium entrance fee is included in the rate for the diver/s on the day/s of their dive/s. 

  • Cancellation policy

    Should you cancel your dive 24 hours before the dive time, 90% of the fee will be refunded. Please be advised that the refund process may take 5 to 10 working days.

    If you cancel your dive on the dive day, you will forfeit the entire dive fee. No refund will be given unless it’s due to medical reasons and you can provide proof, e.g. a medical certificate.

    Should you wish to postpone your dive for another day, please do so at least 24 hours in advance. If you postpone on the day of the dive, you will be charged a penalty fee of 50% of the dive fee. If the reason to postpone is medical and happened on the day of the dive, there will be no penalty fee provided you have proof, e.g. medical certificate or letter from the doctor.

    If you wish to cancel the dive upon successfully completing the Discover Scuba Dive course, a penalty fee of 50% will be charged.