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.

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Certified by SSI

Course Fee From

^€397+^€120SSI eLearning

Total all-inclusive: €517

✓SSI eLearning licence: €120

✓Course fee inc. full equipment: €397

✓Pool rescue scenarios (confined water)

✓4 open water rescue scenarios

✓SSI Diver Stress and Rescue certification

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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 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) + valid First Aid certification

Duration 2 days

Pool Sessions 1 (confined water rescue scenarios)

Open Water 4 rescue scenarios over 2 open water dives

Required for SSI Divemaster

Certified by SSI (Scuba Schools International)

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

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

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

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.

Pool 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 recreational divers. You need an Open Water Diver certification and a valid First Aid certification before entering rescue training.

RequiredSSI Open Water Diver or equivalent
RequiredValid First Aid certification (e.g. SSI React Right or equivalent)
RequiredMinimum age 12 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

All Inclusive

Diver Stress and Rescue Course

^€397+^€120SSI eLearning

Total all-inclusive: €517

✓SSI eLearning licence (€120)
✓Full equipment included
✓3 pool/confined water sessions
✓3 open water dives
✓SSI certification card
✓diveshack instructor

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Private Instruction

^€794+^€120SSI eLearning

Total all-inclusive: €914

✓SSI eLearning licence (€120)
✓Everything in standard course
✓Dedicated one-on-one instructor
✓Flexible scheduling
✓Priority site selection
✓Personalised debrief

Enquire

Group Booking

POA

Discounts available for 3 or more divers

✓SSI eLearning included for all
✓Full equipment for every diver
✓Dedicated group instructor
✓Flexible group scheduling
✓Group rates confirmed on enquiry
✓Private debrief session

Enquire for Rates

All prices include VAT · 50% deposit required to book 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.

Do I need to be Advanced Open Water certified?▾

No. You need SSI Open Water Diver (or equivalent) and a valid First Aid certification. Advanced Open Water is not required. 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 in the pool. Day 2 runs the four open water rescue scenarios over two dives.

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 pool practice before moving to open water scenarios. Most divers find it challenging, manageable, and highly rewarding.

Enrol

Book Stress & Rescue

Locationdiveshack, Sliema, Malta

Duration2 days, 4 open water rescue scenarios

Group SizeMax 4 per instructor

Price from€397 course + €120 eLearning

Deposit50% to book your place

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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.

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+356 9999 3483 · WhatsApp

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When EverythingGoes Wrong.