Stress and Rescue
Be a safer, more confident diver with Aquatic Specialties' Diver Stress and Rescue course! Designed for divers of all levels, this course teaches you how to recognize, prevent, and effectively respond to diving emergencies - both for yourself and others. Whether it's managing stress, assisting a panicked diver, or performing real-world rescue scenarios, you will gain critical knowledge and hands-on experience to become a stronger, more aware dive buddy!
Availability: Contact us for booking information
Our specialty courses are completed in structured phases designed to build your knowledge, skills, and confidence every step of the way!
STEP 1: DIGITAL LEARNING
Begin your training with SSI's interactive digital learning materials, which you will complete at your own pace before attending your first class. These materials provide the foundation of scuba knowledge, including dive theory, equipment basics, and safety practices.
STEP 2: IN-PERSON TRAINING
In-person training may include classroom instruction, pool training, workshops, or practical exercises depending on the specialty. During this phase, you will work directly with an instructor to review key concepts, develop new skills, and receive personalized coaching. This blended approach allows participants to:
- Learn directly from an experienced instructor
- Ask questions and receive immediate guidance
- Develop a genuine connection with your classmates and instructor
- Facilitates collaborative work and learning
- Practice essential skills in a controlled environment
- Build comfort and confidence with the equipment and underwater techniques
In-Person Training Requirements for Stress and Rescue: One classroom session with hands-on training, followed by a separate pool session held on a different day, during which students complete three confined water dives
STEP 3: OPEN WATER DIVES
Many specialty courses include open water training dives where you will apply your new knowledge and skills in real diving conditions. These dives allow you to gain practical experience while demonstrating the requirements needed for certification.
Open Water Requirements for Stress and Rescue: Three open water dives, typically completed in a single day
Important: Course schedules are subject to change based on season, weather conditions, instructor availability, and student needs. If additional in-water training is required, students may be asked to attend additional pool sessions or complete extra dives outside of scheduled class time, which may be subject to additional fees. Please note that dives being conducted from a charter will also include additional fees.
COURSE INCLUDES:
The course fee includes:
- Digital learning materials
- Course registration and certification fees
- Lifetime access to the SSI digital logbook, digital certification cards, dive tables, and related resources
- All scheduled training sessions and open water dives included with the course (see above)
Additional costs, if applicable, may include but are not limited to charter or boat fees, park or site entry fees, required personal equipment, equipment rentals, custom or expedited class fees, private class fees, and/or any additional dives or training time required beyond the standard course. Please call the shop if you have any questions about what additional costs may apply to your specific course or training schedule!
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REQUIRED PERSONAL EQUIPMENT (Must Purchase/Own)
The following items must be purchased / owned by each participant before starting the course:
- Total diving system (Some components of the Total Diving System may be rented, see below):
- BCD
- Regulator
- Dive Computer
- Cylinders
- Weights and weight belt / pockets
- Wetsuit
- The "basics" (Not Available for Rent)**:
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Fins
- Hood
- Boots
- Gloves
- 2 Mouthpieces
We recommend purchasing your equipment at Aquatic Specialties so we can personally fit the equipment to you and your body type. We have many different brands, styles, and sizes, and having equipment that fits well will enhance your performance in the water and make your dive experience more enjoyable! We offer our students a 10% discount* on any required equipment that is purchased while actively enrolled in a course! Every customer matters and your support of your local dive shop is the backbone to our success. Your patronage motivates us to keep improving, and allows us to be able to provide you with the services that we do today - together, we will dive into great things!
*Some restrictions apply on select products
**This list of basic equipment would have been purchased for your Open Water certification and is not included in our rentals due to sanitation and fit.
RENTAL GEAR (Not Included in Course Fee)
Use of rental equipment for any open water dives conducted outside of the classroom is not included in the course fee; however, rental equipment may be available to rent.
Please Note: Students are responsible for picking up, transporting, and returning their own rental equipment. If transport is needed on our part, an additional surcharge may apply.
To ensure a safe, successful, and enjoyable dive experience, we ask that all students take the following responsibilities seriously throughout the course:
GEAR TRANSPORTATION
Students are responsible for transporting their own personal equipment and rental equipment to and from each class and dive session. If you are unable to do so, we may be able to assist with transport for an additional surcharge. Please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements.
PUNCTUALITY & ATTENDANCE
Arrive on time for all sessions. Diving requires structure and safety protocols - late arrivals may miss important briefings and could be asked to reschedule at an added cost. Full attendance is required for certification.
PRE-COURSE STUDY
If your course includes eLearning or textbook materials, they must be completed before your first in-person session. This ensures you understand the theory and can focus on skills during practical training.
MINDSET & FOCUS
Stay attentive and engaged throughout the course. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and support your fellow divers. Please be mindful that this is a classroom setting and we are all here to learn together. If you would like a private class, please contact the shop for more information. Teamwork is a key part of the experience!
MEDICAL & PHYSICAL READINESS
You must complete a medical questionnaire prior to starting the course. If any answers indicate a potential condition, a physician's clearance may be required. Being comfortable in the water and in reasonably good health is essential for completion of the prerequisites of this course. Swimming is involved.
COMMUNICATION
Keep in touch with us if anything changes - whether it is scheduling conflicts, health concerns, or gear issues. We are here to help, and clear communication ensures a smoother experience for everyone!
Need help preparing or have questions? Reach out to our team at any time - we are here to support you at every step of your diving journey!
Check out some of our other courses we have available for our certified Open Water students to advance their skills!
Search and Recovery (Ages 12+): In this fascinating program, you will learn all the skills you need to safely and confidently conduct search and recovery dives. You will be taught how to use search patterns, specialized dive plans, and equipment such as lift bags, lines, and reels. By developing your search and communication techniques and practicing searches in a dive team, you will become a confident search and rescue diver in no time.
React Right (Ages 12+): This is an emergency response course that teaches primary assessment, CPR, first aid, and O2 administration. It prepares divers and non-divers to respond confidently and effectively in medical emergencies!
Nitrox (Ages 10+): The SSI Enriched Air Nitrox program provides students with basic knowledge and skills needed to safely dive using breathing gas with enriched gas mixtures. Have you ever dreamed of having longer no-decompression limits to take pictures or explore a wreck? Did you ever want to be safer while diving concerning the potential risk of decompression sickness? Nitrox is the key. In your enriched air nitrox class, you will learn all of the necessary rules for planning dives with nitrox and using nitrox in a safe way.
Please note: Some courses have other prerequisites or required equipment that is necessary to complete the class. Please see the "prerequisites" and "required equipment" tabs for each individual class for more details.
