Rescue Diver Course in Playa del Carmen (PADI/SDI)

PADI  or SDI Rescue Diver Course in Playa del Carmen – From $450 USD 

 The Most Challenging and Rewarding Course in Recreational Diving

Stop being just a good diver and become the diver everyone wants as a buddy. The PADI / SDI Rescue Diver Course with Mandala Divers is serious, fun, and completely changes how you dive. You will learn to prevent problems before they happen, recognize diver stress, assist divers at the surface and underwater, and manage real emergency scenarios with confidence and calm.

This is the course where divers say: "Now I really feel like a diver."

Book Your Rescue Diver Course

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How long does the Rescue Diver Course take?

3-5 days depending on your schedule and First Aid training status. 

What are the prerequisites for the Rescue Diver Course?

You need Advanced Open Water certification. And minimum age 15 years old.

Do I need EFR / First Aid for Rescue Diver?

Yes, EFR Primary and Secondary Care within last 24 months for PADI. SDI requires CPR/First Aid and O2 provider. 

If you need CPR and First Aid training, contact us to arrange it before your Rescue Diver course.

EFR Primary + Secondary Care Course: $170 USD.

Is the Rescue Diver Course difficult?

The Rescue Diver Course is challenging, rewarding, and often a lot of fun. It asks you to look beyond your own dive, recognize stress in others, and make thoughtful decisions during simulated emergencies. Some exercises can be physically demanding, especially when assisting another diver at the surface.

At Mandala Divers in Playa del Carmen, you develop your skills step by step with personalized guidance from Luis Velasco before combining them into realistic rescue scenarios. You will have opportunities to ask questions, practice techniques, and improve your teamwork. Being comfortable with your basic diving skills helps you focus on learning to become a more aware, capable, and confident dive buddy.

What is the difference between PADI and SDI Rescue Diver?

PADI and SDI Rescue Diver courses share the goal of helping you prevent diving problems and assist divers who need help. Both cover self-rescue, stress recognition, diver assistance, and emergency management, with open water rescue scenarios at the end of the course. 

Each agency follows its own course standards, learning materials, and assessment requirements.

One practical difference is first-aid preparation. PADI requires CPR and first-aid training completed within the previous 24 months, such as Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care or a qualifying equivalent. SDI requires current adult and child CPR/first-aid and oxygen administration certifications, or accepted equivalents.

At Mandala Divers, both options include personalized instruction with Luis Velasco. We will review your existing certifications, experience, and training goals to help you choose your course and confirm any additional requirements before booking.

What’s Included

• PADI or SDI Rescue Diver instruction

• Practical rescue exercises and open-water scenarios

• Scuba equipment for the training

• Professional instructor supervision

• Certification upon successful completion of the course requirements

What’s Not Included

• PADI or SDI learning materials / eLearning, when applicable

• EFR/CPR First Aid Course Training-Available for $170 USD if needed

• Meals during the course

• Underwater photo session

Written by Luis Velasco

PADI MSDT #230707

SDI/TDI Instructor #43504

Ready to Become a Rescue Diver in Playa del Carmen?

Become the buddy everyone trusts. The Rescue Diver Course is from $450 USD + PADI/SDI materials. Small private groups, all equipment included.