Depth
0m
diveshack Malta / Courses / Diver Stress and Rescue
Advanced · Rescue · 2 Days

When Everything
Goes Wrong.

The SSI Diver Stress and Rescue course makes you the diver that everyone wants in the water. Learn to identify, manage, and resolve dive emergencies: before they become disasters.

Book Your Course Download Syllabus
Certified by SSI
Course Price
€367
€265 course fee + €102 SSI eLearning
✓SSI eLearning licence: €102
✓Course fee inc. full equipment: €265
✓Confined water rescue scenarios
✓4 open water rescue scenarios
✓SSI Diver Stress and Rescue certification
Book via WhatsApp

or email info@divemalta.com

12
Min Age
OWD
Prerequisite
None
Min Dives (SSI)
2
Duration (Days)
1
Confined Water
4
Open Water Scenarios
Why Rescue Skills Matter

Be the diver who can make a difference.

The SSI Diver Stress and Rescue course is a serious step up: and one of the most rewarding courses you can take. You'll learn to spot the signs of stress in yourself and others before a situation escalates.

You'll practise in-water rescues on unresponsive divers, manage panicking buddies, and co-ordinate emergency responses on the surface. Malta's clear water and year-round diving make this the perfect environment to develop these critical skills. This certification is also required for SSI Divemaster: so if you're thinking about going pro, this is your next step.

  • Identify pre-dive and in-water stress signals early
  • Rescue a panicking diver at the surface
  • Manage an unresponsive diver underwater and at the surface
  • Search for a missing diver using a structured pattern
  • Provide in-water rescue breathing
  • Co-ordinate emergency procedures and first response
SSI

SSI Diver Stress and Rescue

Advanced recreational certification. The course that makes you a safer, more capable diver: and the prerequisite for Divemaster.

Level Advanced Recreational
Prerequisites SSI Open Water Diver or equivalent
Duration 2 days
Confined Water 1 (confined water rescue scenarios)
Open Water 4 rescue scenarios over 3 open water sessions
Required for SSI Divemaster
Certified by SSI (Scuba Schools International)
Marine Life

What You Might See

A sample of the species you might actually see at this course's depth. Click any card to read the full species guide.

Course Structure

Three phases. Two days.

The Diver Stress and Rescue course is structured in three sequential phases: knowledge development, confined water skills, then open water rescue scenarios. Each phase builds on the last.

Phase 01

Knowledge Development

  • Stress recognition theory and predive assessment
  • Self-rescue principles and awareness
  • Emergency action planning and communication
  • Legal and moral responsibilities of a rescuer
At your own pace via SSI app
Phase 02

Confined Water

  • Practise tired diver tow techniques
  • Assist a panicking diver at the surface
  • Remove equipment in water safely
  • In-water rescue breathing techniques
Half day · confined water
Phase 03

Open Water Scenarios

S1 Tired diver at surface: approach, assessment and assisted tow
S2 Panicking diver rescue: control, calm, and surface management
S3 Unresponsive diver at surface: remove from water and first response
S4 Missing diver: underwater search pattern and surface co-ordination
2 open water dives
What's Included

Everything you need for the course.

SSI Digital Course Materials

Full SSI digital learning programme via the SSI app. Complete theory at your own pace before the practical sessions begin.

Confined Water Rescue Session

Confined water skills session covering tired diver tow, panicking diver management, and in-water rescue breathing techniques.

4 Open Water Scenarios

Four structured rescue scenarios in Malta's open water: covering tired diver, panicking diver, unresponsive diver, and missing diver.

SSI Certification + All Equipment

Digital SSI Diver Stress and Rescue card issued on completion. All dive equipment provided: cylinder, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask and fins.

Requirements

What you need before you start

This course is designed for certified Open Water Divers with real dive experience before entering rescue training.

  • RequiredSSI Open Water Diver or equivalent (PADI OWD, BSAC Ocean Diver, CMAS *)
  • RequiredValid First Aid / CPR certification (within 2 years): mandatory
  • NoteNo minimum logged dives required by SSI
  • RequiredMinimum age 15 years
  • NoteMedical clearance: standard recreational diving medical (RSTC Medical Statement). Declare any conditions at booking.
Is This Right for You?

This course is for you if…

The diver who wants to be ready

You want to be a capable, self-sufficient diver who can handle a crisis rather than contribute to one.

You're planning to become a Divemaster: this certification is a mandatory prerequisite for the SSI Divemaster programme.

You've been diving for a few years and want to sharpen your emergency awareness and practical rescue skills.

You dive regularly with family or friends and want the confidence of knowing you can manage a real emergency.

Pricing

Course options

Most Popular
Stress & Rescue Diver
€367

€265 course fee + €102 SSI eLearning. Full 2-day course with all equipment included.

  • ✓SSI eLearning licence (€102)
  • ✓Course fee inc. full equipment (€265)
  • ✓Confined water session
  • ✓4 open water rescue scenarios
  • ✓SSI Diver Stress and Rescue certification
Book via WhatsApp
Private / Semi-Private
€632

€530 course fee + €102 SSI eLearning. Private instructor, flexible schedule, all equipment included.

  • ✓SSI eLearning licence (€102)
  • ✓Full course fee (€530)
  • ✓Dedicated private instructor
  • ✓Flexible start date and schedule
  • ✓Faster progress, more personalised
  • ✓SSI Diver Stress and Rescue certification
Enquire

All prices include VAT · Deposit of €80 required to secure your place · Balance due on Day 1 · See cancellation policy in FAQ

Why diveshack

Malta's SSI Diamond Instructor Training Centre

SSI
DIAMOND
ITC

diveshack Malta

SSI Diamond Instructor Training Centre · TC #735644 · The highest SSI facility rating, awarded for outstanding instruction, safety, and student satisfaction.

MTA
LIC.

Malta Tourism Authority Licensed

Fully licensed dive operator. All instructors hold current SSI ratings and valid first aid certifications.

IDN
GROUP

IDN Group Member

Part of the IDN dive centre network. Emergency oxygen and first aid equipment on site and at every dive.

FAQ

Common questions

What is the Diver Stress and Rescue course?▾
The course trains recreational divers to identify stress, manage dive emergencies, and rescue other divers. It covers surface rescues, unresponsive diver management, and missing diver search procedures. It is SSI's rescue-level certification and is equivalent to PADI Rescue Diver or BSAC Rescue Diver.
What certification do I need?▾
You need SSI Open Water Diver certification (or an equivalent from another agency such as PADI, BSAC, CMAS, or NAUI). SSI sets no minimum logged dive requirement. Bring your certification card and logbook.
Is this the same as a rescue diver course?▾
Yes: SSI Diver Stress and Rescue is SSI's rescue-level certification. It is equivalent to PADI Rescue Diver or BSAC Rescue Diver. All major dive agencies recognise these courses as equivalent at the rescue level.
How long does it take?▾
Two full days. Day 1 covers the knowledge development (which you can begin via the SSI app before you arrive) and the confined water skills session. Day 2 runs the four open water rescue scenarios over three open water sessions.
Is it required for Divemaster?▾
Yes. SSI Diver Stress and Rescue is a mandatory prerequisite for the SSI Divemaster programme. Most dive centres: including diveshack: require it before starting Divemaster training. Completing the rescue course first gives you the emergency management skills that Divemaster candidates need from day one.
Is it physically demanding?▾
It can be: you're towing, lifting, and supporting other divers in the water. You need to be a competent and comfortable swimmer. That said, the course is structured and progressive: we build up the skills gradually through confined water practice before moving to open water scenarios. Most divers find it challenging, manageable, and highly rewarding.
Continue Your Training

What comes next

30m · Advanced Zone

SSI Advanced Open Water

The prerequisite for Diver Stress and Rescue. Certifies you to 30m and introduces specialty disciplines across Malta's best dive sites.

View Course →
Leadership

SSI Divemaster

The first professional level in diving. Diver Stress and Rescue certification is a mandatory prerequisite: once you have it, Divemaster is your natural next step.

View Course →
40m · Deep Rec Limit

SSI Deep Diver

Extend your certification to 40m and access the full depth of Malta's famous wrecks: Um El Faroud, MV Karwela, and more.

View Course →

Book or enquire

Ready to dive?

Fill in the form and we will get back to you with availability, pricing confirmation, and everything you need to know before arrival.

Usually within a few hours. We confirm your dates, answer questions, and send full joining instructions.

Prefer to talk first?
+356 9999 3483  ·  WhatsApp

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