Rescue Diver Course

Rescue Diver Course Instructor Guide i

Rescue Diver Course

Instructor Guide

1999 Edition

Incorporates all Training Bulletins through First Quarter 2004

This document is an importantcomponent of the PADI RescueDiver course instructional system.Use this guide with the Rescue DiverManual, Lesson Guides, Video,Exam and Cue Cards when teach-ing Rescue Diver courses.

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Rescue Diver Course Instructor Guide 1-1

Course Goals• Expand diver knowledge in

preparation for PADIleadership training.

• Teach effective diver rescueand first aid skills.

• Prepare divers to managerealistic rescue situations.

• Increase awareness ofdive safety.

• Encourage divers to antici-pate and prevent problems.

OneCourse Standardsand Overview

PADI Rescue Diver Course

Course PhilosophyThe PADI Rescue Diver course philoso-phy is that there is rarely only one wayto accomplish a task. There is no “right”way to perform a rescue, but rathermany options from which rescuers drawdepending on the scenario. The coursetakes a flexible, conceptual approach toperforming rescues — a rescuer’s rela-tive size and strength, for example, aswell as environmental factors dictatewhat rescue technique may be mosteffective. Rescue training exercisesprovide for individual differences andcapabilities while encouraging divers toexperiment with alternate tech-niques. Student diverslearn to first think aboutthe options available forhandling an emergency,then to act using the bestmethod for the situation.

The PADI Rescue Diver course is an important and crucial step in expand-

ing a diver’s knowledge and experience beyond a purely recreational

level. Rescue divers learn to look beyond themselves to consider the

safety and well-being of other divers. This is why the PADI Rescue Diver

rating is a prerequisite for all PADI leadership training (Divemaster,

Assistant Instructor, and Open Water Scuba Instructor).

Rescue diver training readies student divers to help prevent

problems and, if necessary, manage dive emergencies using a variety of

techniques. The course is designed to be demanding, though realistic in

its conduct, content and approach. Although the nature and context in

which rescue training may be used is serious, the course should be

enjoyable and build diver confidence.

Professional Association

of Diving Instructors

1-2 One: Course Standards and Overview

Course StandardsCourse PrerequisitesTo qualify for PADI Rescue Divertraining, an individual must:

1. Be certified as PADI AdvancedOpen Water DiverORHave a qualifying certificationfrom another training organi-zation. This is defined as proofof certification beyond entrylevel (at least two certificationstotal). These divers must alsohave proof of 20 or more loggeddives documenting experiencein deep diving and underwaternavigation.

2. Be 12 years of age or older.Note: Divers under the age of 15 may obtain aPADI Junior Rescue Diver certification. TheJunior Rescue Diver certification card carries therequirement that the individual must dive with acertified adult.

CPR RequirementTo be certified as a PADI RescueDiver, the student diver must havesuccessfully completed a sanc-tioned course in CPR within thepast two years (24 months). TheEmergency First Response Primary Care(CPR) course is highly recommendedand can be used to meet this require-ment. Emergency First Response is abasic training program in CPR andemergency care.

Training Considerationsand SupervisionStudent divers must meet all RescueDiver course skill performancerequirements at an open water divesite that represents typical localdive conditions. Divers must com-plete all 12 training exercisesduring a minimum of five openwater sessions conducted over atleast two days.

If possible, use a variety of traininglocations to represent the different typesof dive environments found in the local

area. For example, if boatdiving is popular, thenconduct at least one sessionfrom a boat.

It is recommended thatyou introduce, and havestudent divers practice, someof the more complex skills ata confined water site beforeprogressing to open water.

The maximum student-to-instructor ratio foropen water activities is8:1, with four additionalstudent divers allowed percertified assistant. Useassistants as necessary to provide adequatesupervision and realistic rescue scenarios.

EquipmentFor open water training exercises, youmust have a first aid kit and oxygenavailable (if legally permitted in the localarea) as described in Section Two of the PADIRescue Diver Manual. Additionally, you musthave all equipment necessary to completeeach training exercise, such as pocketmasks, lines, floats, marker buoys andvarious other pieces of equipment asdescribed in Section Three of the manual.

Each diver must use proper equipmentfor the dive environment. This includes, butis not limited to: fins, mask, snorkel, cylinder,regulator, alternate air source, buoyancycontrol device (BCD) with low pressure infla-tor, weight system, appropriate exposure suitfor the environment, timing device and depthgauge (or dive computer), compass, knife/divetool (unless prohibited by local laws or regula-tions) and an emergency signaling device(whistle, flare, inflatable signal tube).

Training MaterialsThe following materials are requiredwhen training PADI Rescue Divers:

1. PADI Rescue Diver CourseInstructor Guide.

2. PADI Rescue Diver Manual and DivingAccident Management Workslate (ifavailable in a language the diver under-stands).

3. PADI Rescue Diver Exam.

Logging DivesDivers may logeach of the fiveopen water ses-sions as a dive.These dives maybe applied towardthe minimumlogged dive re-quirements forPADI Divemasterand instructorcertifications.


The following materials arehighly recommended:

• PADI Rescue Diver Video

• Rescue Diver LessonGuides (digital, slide orpaper versions)

• Rescue Diver Cue Cards

• Emergency First ResponseParticipant Manual

• The Encyclopedia of RecreationalDiving Multimedia or book version

• Recreational Dive Planner, table orThe Wheel with appropriateInstruction for Use booklet

Knowledge ReviewsEach chapter in the PADI Rescue DiverManual ends with a Knowledge Review.Student divers must complete andturn in Knowledge Reviews. Youmust review any questions missedor left incomplete until the studentdiver understands them. After athorough review, have the diververify understanding by signingand dating the statement on eachKnowledge Review. It’s recom-mended that you have divers initialmissed questions in addition to signingthe statement. You must keep arecord of the completed and signedKnowledge Reviews in the diver’spermanent records (Student RecordFile).

Knowledge AssessmentPrior to certification, the studentdiver must show mastery by dem-onstrating acceptable perfor-

mance on the PADIRescue Diver Exam.

Acceptable perfor-mance means that thediver scores 75 percent orbetter on the exam. If thediver scores less than 75percent, then you musthave the diver retest. Inaddition to scoring 75

percent or higher, the diver mustunderstand all exam items. Toaccomplish this, review any missedquestions with the diver until mastery isachieved.

Have the student diver sign anddate the exam statement to verifythat you reviewed missed questionsand that the diver understands thecorrect answers. It’s recommended,but not required, that you have diversinitial missed questions in addition tosigning the exam statement. You mustkeep a written record of the examanswer sheet in the diver’s perma-nent records (Student Record File).

Certification ProceduresAny Teaching status PADI Instructormay conduct the PADI Rescue Divercourse and certify PADI Rescue Divers.The certifying instructor obtains RescueDiver certifications by submittingcompleted and signed PICs to theappropriate PADI Office. The instruc-tor who conducts the student diver’sfinal open water training session isthe certifying instructor. The certify-ing instructor must ensure that allcertification requirements are met.

KEY STANDARDSPrerequisite certification: PADI Advanced Open Water Diver

or qualifying certification

Minimum age: 12

Recommended hours: 25 hours

Minimum Open Water Training: 5 sessions over 2 days

Student-Instructor ratio: 8:1 (4 additional students per certified assistant)

Minimum instructor rating: Teaching status PADI Instructor

NOTE: Junior divers,under the age of 15,must independentlycomplete a written exam– an oral exam is notpermitted. (The onlyexception is when juniordivers have beendiagnosed with a learningdisability that affects theirreading ability.)

1-4 One: Course Standards and Overview

Course OverviewCourse StructureThe curriculum for the PADI Rescue Diver course is performance-based. Theamount of time required to complete the program is based upon class size,logistical considerations, student diver aptitude and performance.

The course has two main components – knowledge development and openwater training exercises. Knowledge development may occur through indepen-dent student study, instructor-led sessions or a combination of both. This flexibil-ity permits you to accommodate a variety of student diver schedules.

Open water training sessions consist of the 12 required course exercises. Thefollowing recommended sequence includes suggestions for grouping the indi-vidual exercises into open water sessions. Other arrangements are possible andmay be required depending on diver performance and logistical considerations.

Course Sequence

Session OneKnowledge Development Topics:Introduction and Course Overview,Self Rescue, Diver Stress and Manag-ing Diver Stress (PADI Rescue DiverManual – Section One)

Review of open water skills: PADIRescue Diver Manual – Section Five andRescue Diver Video - exercises 1-4

Open Water – Exercises 1, 2, 3 and 4:Tired Diver, Panicked Diver, Responsefrom Shore/Boat to a Conscious Diver,and Distressed Diver Underwater(overexertion and alternate air sourceascents)

Session TwoKnowledge Development Topics:First Aid Equipment and First AidProcedures) (PADI Rescue Diver Manual– Section Two)

Review of open water skills: PADIRescue Diver Manual – Section Six andRescue Diver Video - exercises 5-6

Open Water – Exercises 5 and 6:Missing Diver Procedures and Surfac-ing the Unconscious Diver

Session ThreeKnowledge Development Topics:Emergency Management (PADIRescue Diver Manual – Section Three)

Review of open water skills: RescueDiver Video - exercise 7

Open Water – Exercise 7: Uncon-scious Diver at the Surface

Session FourKnowledge Development Topics:Common Equipment Problems,Equipment Function, and ReleaseFunction and Problems (PADI RescueDiver Manual – Section Four)

Review of open water skills: RescueDiver Video - exercises 8-10

Open Water – Exercises 8, 9 and 10:Egress with an Unconscious Diver, FirstAid Procedures for Pressure-RelatedAccidents, and Response from Shore/Boat to an Unconscious Diver

Session FiveReview and Rescue Diver Exam

Open Water – Exercises 11 and 12:Diving-Accident Scenarios


Referral ProcedureThe purpose of this procedure is toallow a student diver to complete aPADI Rescue Diver course with morethan one PADI Instructor. A PADIRescue Diver student may be referredto another PADI Instructor after anyknowledge development session and/or after any open water exercise. Thestudent diver must complete theentire session or exercise to re-ceive referral credit for thatsession or exercise.

To refer a PADI Rescue Diverstudent, use the PADI Rescue DiverCourse Training Documentation formfound in the Appendix of this guide.This form, along with the diver’scompleted Medical Statement, may begiven directly to the diver to continuePADI Rescue Diver training withanother PADI Instructor. A PADIRescue Diver Course TrainingDocumentation form is valid for12 months from the last trainingsegment completion date.

Prior to conducting a RescueDiver exercise for a referredstudent, a preassessment and theadministrative requirements asoutlined in PADI “General Stan-dards and Procedures” must becompleted (i.e. signed MedicalStatement, Standard Safe Diving

Practices Statement of Understand-ing, and Liability Release andAssumption of Risk Agreement.)All PADI Instructors involved inthe referral process, initial train-ing or open water training, mustretain a copy of the administrativepaperwork, as well as the RescueDiver Course Training Documenta-tion form.

When you receive a Rescue Diverreferral student, you may check thestatus of PADI Instructors who previ-ously signed off on the training docu-mentation form by calling your PADIOffice.

Step-By-Step ReferralProcedures Summary1. The instructor who conducts the

student diver’s final open watertraining ensures that the diver hasmet all certification requirementsand certifies the diver.

2. Use the PADI Rescue Diver CourseTraining Documentation form toverify completion of course require-ments and keep the form in stu-dent diver’s file.

3. Complete a standard PADI PICenvelope and mail to your PADIOffice to secure the student diver’scertification card.

Credit for Rescue Exercises 1 and 2As part of the PADI Adventures in Diving program, a student diver may partici-pate in an introduction to rescue diving skills. This skill introduction consists ofRescue Exercises 1 and 2 (Tired and Panicked Diver). The instructor who conductsthese exercises issues a PADI Rescue Diver Course Training Documentation formwith Exercises 1 and 2 signed off to the diver.

To allow credit toward rescue diver course requirements, you mustverify that the student diver successfully completed these exercises byreviewing the diver’s documentation form. At your discretion, you may creditthe diver’s experience and continue with the remainder of the course. Treat this asyou would any other referral.

You may choose to incorporate a review of Rescue Exercises 1 and 2 skills intoExercise 3 (Response from Shore/Boat to a Conscious Victim) to assess studentdiver competence. Remediate diver skills as necessary.


Training ConsiderationsThe Rescue Exercises are designed tochallenge divers, yet present realisticscenarios that divers are likely toencounter at local dive sites. Al-though the nature and context isserious, the course should be enjoy-able and build diver confidence.

If possible, conduct RescueExercises between Knowledge Devel-opment sessions. (See Course Se-quence in Section One of this guide.)This allows divers to more quicklyapply what they’ve learned to skillspractice and to relate open waterexperiences to subsequent knowledgedevelopment sessions.

Use different open water divesites, if possible, to give studentdivers experience in dealing with avariety of environmental conditionsand logistical challenges. It’s a good

ThreeRescueExercises

Open Water Training

idea to conduct at least one openwater session from a boat if boatdiving is popular in the local area.

You may choose to first introduceand have student divers practice someof the more complex skills in confinedwater. This will help make open watersessions more efficient and keep diversmore comfortable, especially whendive conditions limit exposure time.

When exercises require studentdivers to use different pieces of rescueequipment — pocket masks, first aidkits, oxygen units, etc. — organizepractice so that all divers have ad-equate practice time. Ifnecessary,have multiplepieces ofequipmentavailable.

In open water, student divers apply the emergency management skills and first

aid techniques they learn during knowledge development. The 12 training

exercises outlined in this section, allow divers to progress from simple rescue

skills, such as diver tows, to more complex skills, such as resuscitating an

unconscious victim in the water. The exercises are designed to first introduce

the skills and various techniques to divers, then allow them to practice those

techniques. During practice, divers discover which techniques work better for

them in different situations. Remember the PADI Rescue Diver course philoso-

phy is that there is no “right” way to perform a rescue, but rather many

workable options. Divers continue to practice skills within each exercise until

mastering performance requirements.

Professional Association

of Diving Instructors

3-2 Three: Rescue Exercises in Open Water

SupervisionThe maximum student diver-to-instructor ratio is 8:1, with fouradditional student divers allowedper certified assistant. Use certifiedassistants as appropriate for addedcontrol and realism. For examplewith larger classes, assistants cansupervise teams of three or fourdivers while you work with anotherteam. For small classes, assistantscan act as victims or rescue assis-tants, as necessary, to meet theexercise performance requirements.

Performance RequirementsBy the end of this session, the diver will be able to:

Demonstrate the correct procedures for thefollowing phases of response to a distressed(rational) diver:

• Approach

• Evaluation

• Making Contact

• Calming the Victim

• Assists and Transport

• Equipment Removal

Procedures1. Position student divers wearing

full scuba in water too deep tostand up in.

2. Divide class into two groups(“victims” and “rescuers”). Re-verse roles at the conclusion ofeach phase.

3. Demonstrate and have classpractice each phase of responseas outlined.

4. The nature of this exercise is moreinstructional than evaluative.Emphasize identification andsolving of common problemsmore than development of fullcompetence.

NOTE: The following RescueExercise performance require-ments, procedures, and skill andtechnique practice information isduplicated on the PADI RescueDiver Cue Cards. Using your cuecards during open water trainingsessions will help you introduceskills and verify that student diversmeet performance requirements.

Rescue Exercise 1

Tired DiverOverviewThis exercise teaches student divers the correct procedures for responding to adistressed diver who, although still rational, needs assistance. Encourage diversto focus first on recognizing and assessing the problem, then on providing thenecessary assistance.


Skill and Technique PracticeUse the following notes to coach student divers as they practice these skills:

1. Approach

a. Proper surface swimming: head out of water, continuously watchingvictim.

b. Speed of approach must be paced for rescuer to have sufficient energyupon arrival to victim.

2. Evaluation

a. Halt approach near, though out of reach of, the victim to assess victim’smental state (rational or irrational).

b. Note the location and type of BCD inflator.c. Attempt to talk victim through difficulty by providing commanding,

clear and concise directions. (“Inflate your BCD!”)

3. Making Contact

a. Establish substantial personal buoyancy.b. Continue to approach from front while explaining what is being done or

requesting that the victim take action.c. Use contact-support position to stabilize and reassure victim.d. Provide victim with positive buoyancy (use of low-pressure inflator

preferred).

4. Calming the Victim

a. Continually reassure the victim through eye contact and by talking tohim.

b. If surface conditions are not adverse, allow victim to remove mask,regulator/snorkel and rest before resuming activity.

5. Assists and Transport

a. Allow victim to do as much for himself as possible.b. Criteria for effective transport:

• victim’s face above water• victim and rescuer positively buoyant• near horizontal• adequate control of victim• rescuer must be able to swim effectively• adequate communications and eye-to-eye contact

c. Inwater cramp releasesd. Review and discuss the following:

• underarm push (one and two rescuers)• modified tired-swimmer carry• use of BCDs as swimming aids• tank-valve tow

6. Equipment Removal

a. Victims often do not discard their equipment due to impaired thoughtprocesses caused by stress.

b. Practice removal of tank from victim to facilitate swimming.c. Practice use of rescuer’s BCD as an extension to victim.d. Practice procedure for removal of weights as appropriate.


Rescue Exercise 2

Panicked DiverOverviewIn this exercise, student divers learn to evaluate and respond to a panicked diver.While applying techniques practiced in the previous exercise, divers should focuson safely making contact with an irrational diver and assisting the diver as neces-sary. Encourage realism, but caution divers about not demonstrating extremephysical panic.


Demonstrate the correct procedure for thefollowing phases of response to a panicked(irrational) diver.

• Evaluation

• Making Contact

• Releases

Procedures1. Position student divers wearing full

scuba in water too deep to stand in.

2. Divide class into two groups (“vic-tims” and “rescuers”). Reverse rolesat conclusion of each phase.

3. Demonstrate and have class prac-tice each phase of response asoutlined.

4. Nature of exercise is to be moreinstructional than evaluative.Emphasize identification andsolving of common problems morethan development of full compe-tence.

5. Stress that dealing with a panickedvictim is the most dangerous situa-tion the rescuer will ever deal with,and therefore, great caution mustbe exercised.


1. Evaluation

a. Halt approach near, though out of reach of the victim, to assess victim’smental state (rational or irrational).

b. Note the location and type of BCD inflator.c. Attempt to talk victim through difficulty by providing commanding, clear

and concise directions (“Inflate your BCD!”).d. If victim is unresponsive, assume panic and treat accordingly.

2. Making Contact

a. Underwater approach• Approach from knee to ankle level (weights may be removed at

this time).• Turn or swim around victim to attain a position from behind.


• Ascend maintaining contact, grasp tank valve and assume the“knee-cradle” position.

• Inflate victim’s BCD.b. Surface approach

• Attain substantial personal buoyancy.• Attempt to swim behind victim staying out of reach.• Grasp tank valve and assume the knee-cradle position.• Inflate victim’s BCD.

3. Releases

a. Attempt release from victim’s grasp by pushing up and away fromvictim. (Note that proper action is dictated by relative size of victim andrescuer.)

Rescue Exercise 3

Response from Shore/Boat(Conscious Victim)OverviewThis exercise guides student divers through the use of nonswimming and swim-ming assists to help a diver who is in trouble. Demonstrate and discuss the mosteffective methods to respond from the shore or a boat. Emphasize efficiency andbuild upon skills practiced in previous exercises.


1. Demonstrate several procedures whichmay be useful in providing assistance to adiver in distress, including:

• Nonswimming Assists

• Entry Considerations

• Egress with Conscious Victim

• Post Attendance

2. Demonstrate application of informationand skills reviewed in Exercises One andTwo.

Procedures1. Review entry considerations,

egress, post attendance andnonswimming assist techniquesfrom Section Five of the PADIRescue Diver Manual.

2. Divide class into two groups(“victims” and “rescuers”).

3. Position victims in water 50-100metres/yards from shore/boat(rescuers positioned on shore/boat).

4. Assign victims the role of eithertired or panicked divers.

5. Rescuers are to respond to victims(without scuba) and take appro-priate action.

6. Terminate exercise once victim ison shore/boat.


Skill and Technique Practice

Use the following notes to coach student divers as they practice these skills:

1. Nonswimming Assists

a. Demonstrate and practice proper technique for throwing a line andretrieving a distressed diver approximately 9 metres/30 feet from shore/boat.

b. Discuss use of a stern or tag line trailed behind an anchored vessel as arescue/assistance device.

c. Demonstrate and practice using floats, such as rescue boards, life rings,etc., to provide assistance to a diver, without making physical contact.

d. Demonstrate and practice using “makeshift” items such as BCDs, fenderbuoys, and other buoyant objects to provide assistance to the distresseddiver.

2. Entry Considerations

a. Always respond with at least mask, fins, snorkel and some form offloatation.

b. When and where to don equipment depends on circumstance. [Reviewconsiderations appropriate to training location.]

c. To reduce swimming distance, always enter water at point nearest tovictim.

d. Never enter the water in a manner that obstructs your view of the victim.

3. Egress with a Conscious Diver

a. If exit is difficult, allow victim to rest in order to save energy for when itis needed most.

b. If the victim is incapable of assisting himself, follow procedures forunconscious victim (covered in Exercise 8).

c. Review techniques appropriate to specific training location.

4. Post Attendance

a. Discuss considerations for handling the victim once out of the water.


Rescue Exercise 4

Distressed Diver Under WaterOverviewThis exercise switches the student diver’s focus from surface rescues to assistinga diver experiencing problems underwater. During skills practice, divers deal withoverexertion and out-of-air situations. For most divers, this will be a review ofskills learned in entry-level training. Emphasize that as rescue divers, they need tobe able to recognize these problems quickly and respond appropriately.


1. Demonstrate proficiency in identifyingand responding to a diver experiencingdistress/overexertion while underwater.

2. Demonstrate proficiency at conductingan alternate-air-source ascent (as donor)with a diver simulating an out-of-airsituation.

Procedures1. Recommended depth is 9 metres/30

feet.

2. Assign buddies roles as “victims”and “rescuers.”

3. Victims to simulate distress/overex-ertion by breathing rapidly andappearing to be near exhaustion.

4. At a distance appropriate for localconditions and visibility, the rescueris to respond and take appropriateaction to assist the victim in regain-ing control and proper breathingrhythm.

5. Once victim is composed, he is toindicate, “out of air.”

6. Rescuer is to execute an alternate-air-source ascent with the victim.


1. Dealing with Distress/Overexertion While Under Water.a. Have victim stop all activity by demonstrating the hand signal stop.b. Maintain physical contact to support/provide tactile feedback to victim.c. Have victim reestablish normal breathing rhythm.d. If possible, place victim in contact with stationary object to facilitate

resting.

2. Simulated Out-of-air Emergency.a. Discuss proper procedures and options relating to:

• which regulator to donate.• attachment of regulator.• approach to donor.

b. Rescuer should ensure that the victim is calm and has reestablishednormal breathing before initiating ascent.


Rescue Exercise 5

Missing DiverOverviewDuring this exercise, student divers organize and conduct a search for a missingdiver. It’s best to have divers look for an object, rather than an actual diverbecause a bubble trail may be too easy to spot. Review basic navigation withdivers who need a refresher and provide a thorough orientation to searchtechniques for those with little or no previous experience.


Demonstrate how to quickly and efficientlysearch for and locate a missing diver usingan underwater search pattern prescribed bythe instructor.

Procedures1. Review missing diver procedures.

2. Review search patterns andtechniques appropriate for area.

3. On shore, conduct a dry run ofsearch pattern(s).

4. In teams, conduct an underwatersearch for a simulated missingdiver.


1. Missing Diver Procedures

a. Determine where the diver was last seen.b. Post spotters to watch for bubbles and to direct rescuers.c. Immediately dispatch two skin divers to mark the last known location

and to begin the initial search (have marker buoys available).d. Determine if diver may have left area without informing anyone.e. When ready, dispatch scuba teams with equipment to initiate underwa-

ter search.

2. Underwater Search Techniques

a. Establish a recall system to avoid delay once diver is found.b. Never subject searchers to undue danger from decompression sickness by

allowing single-handed searching or by using inexperienced divers.c. Sink, do not swim, to the bottom in order to simulate how an uncon-

scious diver might be affected by current.d. If only inexperienced or unqualified divers are present, conduct the

search personally (with a buddy) rather than coordinating the activity.e. Terminate the search in 30 minutes if the victim is not found. Turn the

search over to professionals.


Rescue Exercise 6

Surfacing the Unconscious DiverOverviewThis exercise allows student divers to review and practice using controlledpositive buoyancy during an ascent – first alone and then with a diver simulat-ing unconsciousness. Emphasize proper positioning and control. Encouragedivers to begin thinking about the next rescue step when they reach the surface.


1. Demonstrate the use of controlled posi-tive buoyancy as an aid to ascent.

2. Demonstrate how to bring an uncon-scious diver to the surface using buoy-ancy control of either victim or rescuer.

Procedures1. Recommended depth is 7-9 metres/

25-30 feet.

2. Demonstrate the use of positivebuoyancy as an ascent aid andallow student divers to practice.

3. Demonstrate procedures andoptions for surfacing an uncon-scious diver.

4. Have student divers practiceseveral ascents attempting variousoptions demonstrated to determinemost preferred procedure.

5. Remind “victims” who are simulat-ing unconsciousness to continuenormal breathing at all times.


1. Positive Buoyancy Ascents (without victim)

a. Demonstrate both mechanical and oral inflation.b. Be prepared to vent excess air at all times.c. Demonstrate how to slow ascent by flaring out, if necessary.

2. Surfacing an Unconscious Diver.

a. Upon discovering the victim, take note of the situation, but do not wastetime.• Cause of accident obvious?• Equipment in place?• Position of victim relative to bottom (face down, floating off bottom,etc.)

b. If regulator is in victim’s mouth, hold it in place during ascent.c. If regulator is not in victim’s mouth, don’t waste time trying to replace it.d. Grasp victim from behind or by tank valve and maintain head in a

normal position.


e. Establish positive buoyancy (victim or rescuer); weights may also beremoved at this time.

f. Do not hyperextend (pull back) the victim’s head or squeeze the chest.g. During the ascent, visualize what to do upon reaching the surface.

3. During Student Diver Practice:

a. Watch for correct and efficient positioning.b. Allow student divers to experiment with when, how and who jettisons

his weights and inflates his BCD.c. Note and discuss how techniques may require change, if confronted with

different equipment configurations.

Rescue Exercise 7

Unconscious Diver at the SurfaceOverviewThis exercise teaches student divers to prepare a nonbreathing diver for resusci-tation and to use various methods of inwater resuscitation. Properly attending toan unconscious diver at the surface is a foundational skill for all rescue divers.Divers who progress to leadership-level courses are required to demonstrateproficiency at this skill.

Consider introducing techniques in confined water then progressing to openwater practice. Organize practice to avoid dropping or losing equipment. En-courage divers to experiment with various techniques and, if possible, to practicewith victims who have different equipment configurations.


1. Demonstrate the four steps in preparing avictim for inwater resuscitation at thesurface.

2. Demonstrate resuscitation in water toodeep to stand up in.

• mouth-to-mouth

• mouth-to-nose

• mouth-to-snorkel

• pocket mask

3. Demonstrate the ability to remove themasks, weight belts and BCD/tank fromboth the victim and rescuer while con-tinuing effective resuscitation in watertoo deep to stand up in.

Procedures1. Conduct initial demonstration

and practice in shallow water.

2. Divide class into teams andassign “victims” and “rescuers.”

3. Conduct artificial respiration(four methods) in full scuba andin water too deep to stand up in.

4. Using the most preferred tech-nique, rescuers are to remove allequipment necessary for removalfrom water while continuing toadminister effective artificialrespiration.



1. Unconscious diver at the surface (priorities)

a. Confirm that the victim is unresponsive.b. Get the victim’s face above water.c. Establish buoyancy.d. Check for respiration.

2. Inwater artificial respiration

a. Priorities• Prevent water from entering airway.• Maintain effective and adequate ventilations.• Pace physical exertion to avoid exhaustion.

b. Buoyancy — provide only enough to maintain comfortable andeffective technique.• Be careful not to overinflate BCD.• Often buoyancy from exposure suit is sufficient.• Remove weights from victim, and usually rescuer.• Additional buoyancy is often helpful if placed between victim

and rescuer.c. Positioning

• do-si-do• head cradle• mouth-to-nose

d. Ventilation• To avoid submerging the patient, he should be lifted toward the

rescuer.• Administer two slow, full breaths.• In adverse environmental conditions, cover mouth while not

ventilating.• Administer two slow, full breaths if interruptions occur between

ventilations.e. Mouth-to-Snorkel

• Review snorkel types acceptable for effective technique.• Review positioning of snorkel, hands and patient.• Always administer two slow, full breaths via mouth-to-mouth,

then proceed to mouth-to-snorkel.f. Pocket Mask — review procedures for use (note manufacturer’s instructions).

3. Equipment Removal

a. Equipment removal is always a secondary priority to administering effectiveventilations.

b. When and what equipment requires removal depends upon:• distance to exit• type of exit• size of patient• size and capabilities of rescuer• type of equipment used

c. Remove equipment in stages or short steps so that ventilations are notinterrupted.


Rescue Exercise 8

Egress with an Unconscious DiverOverviewThis exercise allows student divers to try various egress techniques suitable for thelocal open water environment. Stress that the rescuer’s size as compared to thevictim’s size is an important consideration for choosing the appropriate technique.If possible, conduct this exercise at a site with varying physical characteristics forbroader egress practice – for example, a sandy beach that also has a low pier.


Demonstrate how to remove an unconsciousdiver, both with and without assistance, fromthe water at an open water location typicalof the local area.

Procedures1. Demonstrate unassisted egress

(exit) techniques appropriate tolocal area.

2. Have divers practice in teams.

3. Demonstrate assisted egress tech-niques appropriate to local area.

4. Have divers practice in teams.


1. General Considerations

a. For a nonbreathing victim, main priority is maintaining continuousventilations.

b. For breathing victim, main priority is close monitoring to ensure contin-ued breathing.

c. If ventilations must be interrupted:• Never interrupt ventilations longer than 30 seconds.• If possible, administer two ventilations prior to interruption and

readminister two slow, full breaths prior to initiating ventilationsagain.

d. Call for assistance as soon as possible.

2. Techniques for egress onto shore

a. Drag (May be most feasible for small rescuer.)b. Fireman’s carryc. Saddleback carryd. Packstrap carrye. Surf exit (if appropriate for area) assisted and unassistedf. Rocky exit (if appropriate for area) assisted and unassistedg. Two-person carryh. Any other exit techniques appropriate to local area


3. Techniques for egress onto boat, dock or other steep vertical exit

a. Roll-upb. Use of backboard (if available)c. Standard lifesaving liftd. Ladder carry (if available)e. Any other exit techniques appropriate to local area

Rescue Exercise 9

First Aid forPressure-Related AccidentsOverviewIn this exercise, student divers practice providing emergency care to a diversuffering from decompression illness. Have divers set up an oxygen unit andstress the importance of oxygen in diving accidents. If possible, have differentoxygen units and pocket masks available for expanded practice.


Demonstrate the recommended firstaid procedures for a suspected lungoverexpansion injury or seriousdecompression sickness.

Procedures1. Review PADI Accident Manage-

ment Work Slate.

2. Demonstrate and practice properpositioning of patient. Discuss useof backboards and other make-shift items to maintain divercomfort.

3. Review procedures for use ofnonresuscitator demand valveand/or free flow oxygen equip-ment.

4. Review use of pocket mask withoxygen when administeringartificial respiration.

5. Review Emergency Managementfrom Section Three of the PADIRescue Diver Manual.


Rescue Exercise 10

Response from Shore/Boat(Unconscious Victim)OverviewThis exercise combines most of the skills student divers have practiced in previ-ous exercises. It involves assessing an emergency situation, organizing a planand responding from a boat or shore to the needs of an unconscious,nonbreathing diver. The goal is to provide student divers with an opportunity toapply the skills and knowledge presented throughout this course to a realisticscenario.


Demonstrate with minimal assistance, theapplication of inwater resuscitation, egressand appropriate first aid procedures as asingle integrated activity under realisticconditions.

Procedures1. Divide class into four-person teams

(victim, rescuer, assistant andequipment handler).

2. Position victim and equipmenthandler 50-100 metres/yardsoffshore. Have victim on surfacesimulate unconsciousness.

3. Rescuer (without scuba) enterswater, responds to victim andinitiates artificial respiration.

4. Rescuer transports victim towardshore/boat, removing equipmentas needed.

5. Near shore/boat, rescuer calls forassistant. With aid of assistant andwhile continuing artificial respira-tion, victim is removed from thewater and appropriate first aidmeasures are taken (assumepatient has a pulse but is notbreathing).

6. Alternate roles and repeat exercise.


Rescue Exercise 11

Diving Accident Scenario One(Underwater Search)OverviewDuring this exercise, student divers are asked to respond to a missing diver situa-tion with little or no coaching from the staff. This scenario allows them to realisti-cally apply the emergency management and search techniques they developed inprevious exercises. Emphasize that this is not a test, but an opportunity to practiceand strengthen skills. Repeat the scenario as necessary to build confidence, im-prove student diver performance and allow everyone to play different roles.


Demonstrate a procedure for locating a lostdiver through participation in an accidentsimulation. Procedure to include:

• Interviewing the victim’s buddy anddrawing logical conclusions from theconditions present

• Organizing and conducting a quick,effective search (surface and un-derwater)

Procedures1. A diver (staff member) surfaces

and indicates that he has lostcontact with his buddy.

2. There isn’t an accurate determina-tion of depth and time.

3. Little, if any other direction shouldbe provided at the briefing (otherthan preassignment of the dive-master) as the degree of prepared-ness and response is what is beingevaluated. Staff should provide noadditional comments, except inthe interest of safety, once theexercise has commenced.

4. The “lost diver” should be an objectrather than a person, as a diver’sbubble trail could give awaylocation. Be sure to inform studentdivers of this at briefing.

Evaluation CriteriaUse the following questions to evaluate student diver performance:

1. Were duties and tasks quickly delegated?

2. Were all the necessary tasks assigned? (spotters and skin divers toinitiate search and mark area, scuba divers with search equipment, etc.)

3. Was the search method appropriate for the area? If not, why?

4. Was the search conducted in an effective and efficient manner?If not, why?

5. Was the victim found? If so, how long after notification of divemas-ter? If not, how long did search continue until divemaster contactedauthorities?

6. What was the overall evaluation of the exercise?


Rescue Exercise 12

Diving-Accident Scenario Two(Response, Egress and Management)OverviewThis exercise requires student divers to use all the skills and knowledge they’veacquired throughout the course to manage a diving accident scene. This goal isto develop and assess the student diver’s ability to work with a group of divers toeffectively rescue an injured diver. Emphasize that this is not a test, but anopportunity to practice and strengthen skills. Repeat the scenario as necessary tobuild confidence, improve student diver performance and allow everyone to playdifferent roles.


Demonstrate the organization of a group ofdivers to effectively respond to locate, sur-face, transport and egress an unconsciousnonbreathing diver, using appropriate firstaid procedures, site control and summoningmedical assistance, through participation inan accident simulation.

Procedures1. A diver (staff member) surfaces,

calls or signals for assistance andabruptly disappears from thesurface.

2. The “victim” returns to the bottomand assumes a motionless posi-tion, simulating unconsciousness(though continuing to breathe).Instruct student divers to assumevictim is not breathing.

3. Little, if any, additional informa-tion should be provided at thebriefing (other thanpreassignment of the divemaster)as the degree of preparedness andresponse is what is being evalu-ated. Staff should provide noadditional comments, except inthe interest of safety, once theexercise has commenced.

4. Class is to employ appropriateprocedures to bring about thefollowing:

a. Recover victim from thebottom.

b. Provide artificial respiration.c. Transport and remove

equipment.d. Exit from the water with victim.e. Provide necessary first aid.f. Control scene and summon

assistance.


Evaluation CriteriaUse the following questions to evaluate student diver performance:

1. Was the nature of the problem properly assessed?

2. Were duties and tasks quickly assigned?

3. Were all the necessary tasks assigned?

4. Were the techniques used to surface the victim effective? If not, why?

5. Was artificial respiration administered immediately and maintainedeffectively at the proper rate? If not, identify problems.

6. Was equipment removal done in an effective manner? If not, identifyproblems.

7. Was the exit technique used effective and appropriate for the par-ticular situation/location? If not, why?

8. Were proper and effective first-aid procedures performed? If not,what should have been done?

9. Was the accident scene maintained in a controlled manner? If not,what else could have been done?

10. Were the appropriate authorities contacted?

11. How long did the entire exercise take from beginning to end?

12. What was the overall evaluation of the exercise?

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Rescue Diver Course

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