Rescue Diver
Rescue Scuba Diver
The Rescue Scuba Diver course is designed to expand your diving knowledge and skills by learning to efficiently manage risks and effectively handle limited in-water problems and diving emergencies, how to assist and transport divers, and how to perform surface rescues and rescues from depth involving both boat and shore based skin and scuba divers. Even though the subject is serious, the program is very rewarding, enjoyable, and increases self-confidence in the Openwater environment. The minimum age for Rescue scuba diver is 15 years old.
Step 1: Paperwork
Every diver must fill out a NAUI liability waiver prior to a certification class or a dive trip. Please read and sign this form and bring it with you to class. A NAUI/DAN medical release form is required prior to any class/ dive trip or any time you’re medical information has changed.
Step 2: E-Learning
NAUI E-Learning is an online self-paced learning environment for students to learn the fundamentals of Scuba. You will need to create an account including a photo of yourself. This must be completed prior to classroom sessions. During our classroom session we will discuss what you learned, have open dialog to confirm understanding of the materials, and review any missed questions from the final test.
Step 3: In-Person Class
While eLearning is becoming a new norm in today’s society, there is still no substitute for gaining face to face time with students and re-affirming knowledge while conveying experience. Students will discuss what they learned with their instructors, meet the UA staff, learn from hands on activities, and gain real world experience. Classroom sessions consist of two sessions lasting 3 hours each. It is recommended that you purchase the DAN DFA Pro slates.
Step 4: Pool Sessions
After you have completed in-person classes and passed your e-learning exams we bring you to one of our partnering pools for 2 sessions. During these two sessions you will learn self rescue and diver rescue skills. You must pass these skills and an instructor must provide a referral to move on to a checkout.
Step 5: Checkout
Once you have successfully completed you’re learning pool sessions and your instructor has given you a referral, you are free to complete a checkout trip with UA or as a Universal Referral. UA runs a monthly trip to Panama City Beach for anyone interested. We ask that you complete you’re checkout within 6 months of starting you’re e-learning so that information stays fresh in your mind. If you exceed 6 months you may be asked to complete a refresher class and/or pool session.
Step 6: Instructor Evaluations
Once your checkout is complete ask that you fill out our anonymous instructor evaluation form so that we can learn if there was anything we can improve upon for future classes.
Recommended Actions
Dan Insurance
We recommend that you purchased DAN insurance for yourself which covers diving related activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scuba certification generally costs anywhere from $500-$1500 from start to finish. That cost includes equipment, eLearning, instruction and checkout fees and may vary depending on student needs, attendance, and other factors.
Yes! A current CPR & first aid certification is required for rescue certification. AED and O2 is highly recommended.
AED and O2 classes are extremely useful skills for divers and are highly recommended to divers. UA offers both certifications.
Absolutely! If you would like private instruction and smaller class sizes we can accommodate this request. Private instruction may cost a bit more and we will have to work with our instructors schedules but we can make it happen.
It is recommended to purchase a throw bag, first aid kits, and potentially O2 kits if you are interested in this. An SMB, surface signaling device, and other self rescue aids are required.
Rescue divers are not professional divers and have no responsibility to act in emergency situations as leadership roles do.
No, certification is NOT guaranteed. While most people can complete classes, Instructors reserve the right to withhold certification if they do no feel that you are or will be a safe diver.