I think it the most challenging and rewarding class I have taken, out of 4 courses and 5 specialties.
Rescue Diver Course
- Thread starter cocobello
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DDennis is correct in that it is a thinking class. Lots of routines to do plus the scenarios at the end--Anything can happen here--I've done the course and played the "victim", and in both cases it seemed the instructor made up stuff to suit the conditions, etc. Book work: seemed to me about the same amount of info. as in the OW manual--not a hard test, 25 questions I recall, and not the usual PADI "trick" ones. Physical part: Seemed easy to me (I was 52 at the time), but I'm sure this also varies per instructor.
blue sky
Contributor
I have 180 dives AOW, Nav, Search & Recovery specialties. The good news is you only have to spell your name. Middle C student. Did not miss any questions. Wife B+ student missed one question (long time before she lives that one down).
The course essentially took my confidence level for a 5+ to a 9 out of 10. All of the other training focused on self survival. RD moved that focus to helping others while protecting your own well being. Exercises not practiced since OW training came naturally. Remove the reg, automatically blow tiny bubbles. Mask off, no problem. BC off and back on more than 10 times, no problem now. Drag an unconscious person what felt like half way across the state while giving rescue breaths, that kicked my butt because I sink in saltwater. Many of the OW exercises I just won't do 10 miles offshore in 60 feet of water. My feeling is if you do it there you are creating an "emergency" in the name of honing your skills. That's another topic.
I did a search for a lost "victim" and had the "victim" back at the starting point long before the other team even found the vic.
It was the best course I have taken. I got the most out of it because I put my very best effort into it. I would recommend the course for anyone that wants to be a better diver.
BTW did I mention carrying an unconscious diver through the shifting sands of the surf. It really was a great experience. Have fun!
The course essentially took my confidence level for a 5+ to a 9 out of 10. All of the other training focused on self survival. RD moved that focus to helping others while protecting your own well being. Exercises not practiced since OW training came naturally. Remove the reg, automatically blow tiny bubbles. Mask off, no problem. BC off and back on more than 10 times, no problem now. Drag an unconscious person what felt like half way across the state while giving rescue breaths, that kicked my butt because I sink in saltwater. Many of the OW exercises I just won't do 10 miles offshore in 60 feet of water. My feeling is if you do it there you are creating an "emergency" in the name of honing your skills. That's another topic.
I did a search for a lost "victim" and had the "victim" back at the starting point long before the other team even found the vic.
It was the best course I have taken. I got the most out of it because I put my very best effort into it. I would recommend the course for anyone that wants to be a better diver.
BTW did I mention carrying an unconscious diver through the shifting sands of the surf. It really was a great experience. Have fun!
RockRover
Registered
I honestly was let down by the exam. I studied like crazy...Checked my knowledge reviews, highlights and self-study portions of the book, then took the exam. Halfway through the 50 questions I felt like it was dumbed down compared to the details discussed during the vid and in the chapters. That said I still missed two on the exam!
While the knowledge reviews are important, as others have said, it's ALL about the practical solution application to simulated emergencies that make the course soooooo worth while.
Have FUN!
While the knowledge reviews are important, as others have said, it's ALL about the practical solution application to simulated emergencies that make the course soooooo worth while.
Have FUN!
I honestly was let down by the exam. I studied like crazy...Checked my knowledge reviews, highlights and self-study portions of the book, then took the exam. Halfway through the 50 questions I felt like it was dumbed down compared to the details discussed during the vid and in the chapters. That said I still missed two on the exam!
While the knowledge reviews are important, as others have said, it's ALL about the practical solution application to simulated emergencies that make the course soooooo worth while.
Since the idea of studying is to learn the material, rather than just to pass the exam, I say mission accomplished !
luckydays
Contributor
Great class but don't do it in a dry suit. To much drag and you will get tired. At least I did. Water temps warranted the drysuit but the class was harder with it than if I would have been in my 7mil.
It was the best course I have taken, mainly because the instructor made it so. He added a lot of "what if's" into the practical applications, came to life and became agressive during the unconcious diver recovery, pulled my mask off and I thought he was trying to drown me! He had way too much fun! I thought he was going to have a heart attack as he was laughing uncontrolably after the session. The whole idea is to be able to think through issues because no two scenarios will ever be the same! Task loading can be extreme depending on the situation you are placed in, but I would do it again in a heartbeat and I was 57 when I took it.
He had way too much fun! I thought he was going to have a heart attack as he was laughing uncontrolably after the session. The whole idea is to be able to think through issues because no two scenarios will ever be the same! Task loading can be extreme depending on the situation you are placed in, but I would do it again in a heartbeat and I was 57 when I took it.
It doesnt matter how hard it is. Every diver should go through Rescue....IMO....
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