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Pro Dive Cairns

Rescue Diver course on the reef

A day of pool and classroom training in Cairns, then three days on the outer reef putting it into practice. Serious fun, and an important step in your dive education.

  • 4 days1 day in Cairns + 3 on the reef
  • From $1475*Per person, AUD
  • Up to 11Dives on the trip
  • FridaysCourse starts
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Divers over hard coral on the Great Barrier Reef

Watch before you choose · 3:31

Rescue Diver course on the reef

Underwater footage is illustrative. Marine life varies by site, season and conditions.

Book your course

Prerequisites: Advanced Open Water and a current First Aid certificate.
  • Rescue Diver

    PADI Rescue Diver course

    Starts every Friday: 1 day in Cairns, then the 3 Day / 2 Night liveaboard

    $1475*

    • A morning of theory and an afternoon of pool skills in Cairns
    • Up to 11 dives on the trip, with rescue skills on 7 of them
    • Rescue scenarios on the reef, in real wind, waves and current
    • All dive gear, including a dive computer and 5 mm wetsuit
    Book now

    Terms and conditions

* Prices are per person in Australian dollars (AUD) and can change by date. Your booking shows the price for the date you choose.

Same boat, same dates This course runs on our 3 Day / 2 Night liveaboardSame boat, dates and cabins as the trip, so friends at any level can come too.See the trip →

See all pickup points See the boat

Dates

Choose a date to see prices and spots left, then book.
  1. Fri, 9 OctFrom $1475Check availability
  2. Fri, 16 OctFrom $1475Check availability
  3. Fri, 23 OctFrom $1475Check availability
  4. Fri, 30 OctFrom $1475Check availability
  5. Fri, 6 NovFrom $1475Check availability
  6. Fri, 13 NovFrom $1475Check availability
  7. Fri, 20 NovFrom $1475Check availability
  8. Fri, 27 NovFrom $1475Check availability
  9. Fri, 4 DecFrom $1475Check availability
  10. Fri, 11 DecFrom $1475Check availability
  11. Fri, 18 DecFrom $1475Check availability
  12. Fri, 25 DecFrom $1475Check availability

Prices are per person and can vary by date and option.

What you’ll learn

  • Self-rescue and diver stressRecognise problems before they happen
  • Emergency managementMissing-diver searches, surface rescues and in-water resuscitation
  • Dive first aid and equipmentOxygen use and emergency procedures on board

Your theory is assessed with a 60-question multiple-choice exam, completed on the trip.

What’s included

  • PADI Rescue Diver manualPlus passport photos if you need them
  • TransfersFrom Cairns City accommodation
  • Up to 11 divesWeather permitting
  • 2 nights on boardTwin cabins, with bed linen
  • All meals on boardDuring the trip
  • All dive equipmentIncluding a dive computer, 5 mm wetsuit and prescription masks if needed
  • Night-dive torchesTorch batteries and cyalume sticks

Not included

  • Dive medicalIf you need one.
  • First Aid certificateYou need a current one before the course starts
  • Northern Beaches pickups$25 each way, as far as Palm Cove
  • Reef levy and fuel levyPaid at check-in, per person. They’re set each year: see the current reef levy and fuel levy.

Your four days

  1. Day 1Training centre, Cairns

    8:00 am Free pickup from your Cairns city accommodation (Northern Beaches pickups, as far as Palm Cove, are $25 each way)
    8:30 am Classroom theory: self-rescue and diver stress, diving first aid and equipment, emergency management, and diving equipment
    1:00 pm Pool session: build your rescue skills in a controlled environment before you take them into the ocean

  2. Day 2Out to the reef

    6:00 am Free pickup from your Cairns city accommodation
    6:20 am Check in at the Pro Dive Cairns shop
    7:00 am Depart Cairns, with a light breakfast on board
    11:00 am Dive 1: tired diver, panicked diver, response from the boat
    2:30 pm Dive 2: tired diver, panicked diver, response from the boat
    4:30 pm Dive 3: distressed diver underwater, surfacing an unresponsive diver
    7:45 pm Dive 4: night dive

  3. Day 3On the reef

    7:00 am Dive 5: non-swimming rescues
    11:15 am Dive 6
    3:15 pm Dive 7: missing-diver search
    7:30 pm Dive 8: night dive

  4. Day 4Rescue scenarios, back to Cairns

    6:30 am Dive 9: rescue scenario 1
    9:00 am Dive 10: rescue scenario 2
    11:00 am Dive 11, finished by midday
    4:00 pm Free return transfer to your Cairns city accommodation

Bring on day 1: your Advanced certification, First Aid certificate, log book, voucher or payment, swimwear and a towel.

Requirements

Certification

  • An internationally recognised Advanced Open Water certification.

First Aid

  • A current First Aid and CPR certificate before the course starts.

Medical

  • Complete the medical questionnaire. A yes to any question means you need a doctor’s certificate before diving.

Dive training starts with the standard recreational diver medical questionnaire, the same wherever you train. What it involves, and when you need a doctor. Each trip operator’s own medical and waiver requirements are emailed with your booking confirmation.

Frequently asked questions

How deep will we dive?

The Great Barrier Reef isn’t a deep-dive destination. Our sites range from 10 to 25 metres, and the best diving is usually between 10 and 15 metres.

How many people will be in my class?

Never more than 8 students per instructor, and usually 6 or fewer.

How many people are on the boat?

Up to 32 passengers plus 6 crew, with a mix of snorkellers, certified divers and students.

Can you cater for allergies?

We can cater for food allergies and most dietary requirements. Tell the crew at check-in about any dietary needs.

Are there power outlets in the cabins?

Yes, every cabin has a 240 V outlet.

Can I fly a drone on the trip?

Yes, with the skipper’s permission.

Terms and conditions