Rescue Diver

The PADI Rescue Diver course at Buceo Pichicuy is widely described by divers as the hardest course they've done — and the most rewarding. That reputation holds here. The course teaches you to anticipate problems, manage stress, and assist another diver in difficulty, and the skills are drilled until they become automatic rather than something you have to think through under pressure.

A valid Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care certification (CPR and first aid) within the last 24 months is required. The center can deliver this as part of the course for those who don't already have it. The PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider specialty can also be added at the same time.

Three packages are available. The Clásico (CLP $260,000) uses a physical manual. The Rescue + Emergency Responder package (CLP $320,000) adds eLearning lite and the EFR/DAN bundle, saving CLP $40,000. The Full Experience (CLP $460,000) includes full eLearning, the O2 Provider specialty, and EFR/DAN — saving CLP $80,000.

Completing this course also fulfills a key requirement toward the PADI Master Scuba Diver rating, which requires Rescue Diver certification, five specialty certifications, and a minimum of 50 logged dives.