Be the Solution – SSI Diver Stress & Rescue

The most challenging—and rewarding—course you will ever take. As an Open Water diver, your focus has been on your own safety. The SSI Diver Stress & Rescue specialty shifts that focus outward, teaching you how to look out for others. You will learn to recognize the signs of stress before they turn into panic, and how to act decisively if an emergency occurs.

This course changes the way you dive. You will become more aware, more confident, and more capable. It is "serious fun"—intense training that leaves you feeling ready to handle anything the ocean throws at you.

Why Take a Stress & Rescue Course?

• Stop Problems Before They Start: 95% of rescue is prevention. Learn to spot the "wild eyes" or irregular breathing of a stressed diver and intervene before an accident happens.

• Self-Rescue: You can't help others if you are a victim. We refine your self-rescue skills so you can handle your own emergencies (cramps, lost mask, out of air) calmly.

• Ultimate Confidence: Knowing you have the skills to bring an unresponsive diver to the surface and tow them to safety gives you a peace of mind that changes every dive you take.

• The "Master Diver" Step: This certification is the mandatory final hurdle to earning the prestigious SSI Master Diver rating.

What You Will Learn

Be prepared to work hard. This is a hands-on, physical course.

• Panic Management: How to safely approach and handle a panicked diver on the surface and underwater without putting yourself in danger.

• Search Patterns: How to quickly locate a missing diver using efficient underwater search techniques.

• Unresponsive Diver Recovery: The mechanics of bringing an unconscious diver to the surface, administering in-water rescue breaths, and towing them to the boat or shore while removing gear.

• Accident Management: How to take charge of a scene, delegate tasks to bystanders, and coordinate with emergency services.

Prerequisites

• Must be a certified Open Water Diver.

• Must have a current CPR, First Aid, and Oxygen Provider certification (such as SSI React Right) within the last 2 years.

Expand Your Range

Ready to go Pro? The Diver Stress & Rescue certification is the gateway to the professional world. It is a mandatory requirement for starting your Divemaster training.