The objective of this course is to train a diver in how to recognize and aid in preventing stressful situations and emergencies as well as to be able to help divers underwater as well as on the surface and thereby increases his own safety and the safety of others. It is not the intent of the course to extend depth limits, time limits or extend equipment limitations as imposed by common ANDI Open Water Diver standards. RSD represents someone who wishes to attain more training and gain more experience, thus becoming more confident and safe and increasing the safety of others.

Theoretical knowledge:

• Panic and stress

• Symptoms of stress

• How to prevent panic

• How do aquatic emergencies occur?

• Causes of aquatic emergencies

• Rescue equipment

• Rescue event

• Surface rescue

• Underwater rescue

• Emergency management

• Recording information

Practical exercises:

• Towing a tired diver

• Approaching a victim on the surface

• Approaching a victim underwater

• Controlled ascents

• Rescuing an unconscious victim

• Towing a victim

• Performing CPR while towing a victim

• Lifting a victim out of the water

Course duration:

3 days

• Theory: 4-6 hours

• Confined environment exercises: 4-6 hours

• Open water exercises and dives: 6-8 hours

Candidate prerequisites:

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Completed medical statement (or a medical certificate not older than one year)

• Completed liability release and assumption of risk form

• Current EFR and CPR certificates (within the last two years)

• AOW certificate and at least 20 independent dives