Develop Self-Rescue and Buddy Rescue
IANTD Rescue Diver is a safety-focused course for divers who want to become more capable teammates. The official IANTD page describes the program as developing proficiency in self-rescue and buddy-rescue. That emphasis matters because many diving problems are best managed early, calmly, and by a diver who recognizes stress, communicates clearly, and understands basic rescue priorities before the situation grows.
This course is intended for divers who have already moved beyond entry-level training. IANTD lists a minimum age of 15 and requires IANTD Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent, or proof of at least 10 logged dives. Students also need IANTD Diving First Aid, Oxygen Administrator, and CPR or equivalents. IANTD notes that those programs may be taken concurrently with the Rescue Diver course, and AED certification is recommended.
Training includes academic sessions, confined-water sessions, and open-water sessions using the IANTD Rescue Diver Student Kit. At Extreme Exposure in High Springs, Florida, the course gives divers a more practical understanding of prevention, self-rescue, assisted rescue, and the responsibilities of being part of a dive team. It is a strong next step before leadership training, more demanding specialty diving, or simply becoming a more reliable buddy on everyday recreational dives.
