Pro Dive Rescue Course Great Barrier Reef Cairns
Rescue Diver Course Overview
This course begins with a full day of pool and classroom training, followed by an unforgettable 3-day / 2-night liveaboard adventure to the spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef. During the trip, you’ll have the opportunity to complete up to 10 dives at a range of stunning reef locations. These include both training and recreational dives, giving you a well-rounded and immersive experience.
The Rescue Diver course is a pivotal step in your diving journey. It marks the transition from simply enjoying diving to becoming a more aware, capable, and confident diver. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of dive theory, safety procedures, and emergency management. More importantly, you’ll learn how to identify, respond to, and prevent potential diving emergencies—skills that are essential for any serious diver.
By the end of the course, you’ll not only have gained invaluable rescue and first response techniques, but also a greater appreciation for the role of safety in every dive.
The instructors at the Great Barrier Reef dive centers are known for their exceptional professionalism, extensive experience, and passion. Facilities are well-equipped with modern gear, comfortable boats, and thorough safety protocols, ensuring a seamless diving experience. Located on the doorstep of one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems, the Great Barrier Reef offers unparalleled access to vibrant coral gardens, dramatic drop-offs, and abundant marine life.
Prerequisites:
-
PADI Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent from another training agency)
-
A current First Aid certificate (completed within the last 24 months)
Inclusions
- PADI Rescue Diver manual
- Passport photos if necessary
- Accommodation transfers City and Northern Beaches
- 10 Dives (weather permitting)
- 2 nights accommodation on board vessel (all twin cabins)
- All meals whilst on board
- Bed linen
- Dive Insurance
- All dive equipment
- Personal underwater dive computer
- Prescription masks if needed
- 5mm short arm/leg wetsuit
- Torch batteries and cyalume sticks for night diving
Extras
- A current First Aid certificate is required prior to the course commencement.
- Environmental Management Charge, Port and administration fees, and fuel levy – $95 per person and payable on check in
Pricing Table
| Pro Dive PADI Rescue Diver Course | |
|---|---|
| Option | Cost |
| Rescue Course | $1,410 |
| Pricing Rate per person – Prices valid until 31st March 2026 Additional Charge: Marine Levy – AUD$95.00 (per person) Payable direct to the operator | |
Full Itinerary
A current First Aid certificate is required prior to the course commencement. Please bring on day 1: Advanced certification, 1st Aid Certificate, log book, voucher/money, swimwear and towel.
Day 1:
Complimentary hotel transfer service available from your Cairns and Northern Beaches accommodation (as far as Palm Cove)
8:00am – 12:00pm: This morning will be spent in the classroom covering the four theory areas of self rescue and diver stress, diving first aid and equipment, emergency management, and diving equipment. Your Rescue theory is evaluated through a 60 question multiple-choice exam, which will be completed on your 3 Day / 2 Night liveaboard trip.
1:00pm – 5:00pm: The afternoon will be spent in the pool – this session is used to introduce students to some of the basic skills they will need to progress though the Rescue course. The emphasis of this session is to allow students to develop their Rescue skills and techniques in a controlled environment before conducting rescue scenarios in the ocean with wind, waves and currents.
Days 2-4:
During the 3 day 2 night liveaboard trip there are 10 dives scheduled. A minimum of 3 dives are dedicated to specific Rescue diver skill development – the remaining dives will be non-training pleasure dives. Outside of your non-training dives you can expect spontaneous real-life Rescue scenarios, to further develop your Rescue skills. These scenarios will range from panicked divers on the surface, missing diver searches and in-water resuscitation of unconscious divers. Rescue divers will be briefed on emergency procedures for man overboard, radio operations, oxygen use, life raft and distress flare operations as well as the operation of Rescue boats and diver recall.
