Andark Scholars 2026 PADI Rescue Diver Course Overview

Before this year I was a non-diver, and have steadily been developing my skills as a scuba diver, and the Rescue Diver course has been a big part of that development. This course, combined with EFR training, lasted 3 days with 2 days honing practical skills in Andark Lake with Hannah and Harry (fellow scholars). Thiswas our first real opportunity to meet and dive together, and it was really fun to see how we worked as a team and problem solved to manage the various training scenarios! 

The first day dealt with developing our awareness during dives, making sure we not only focussed on ourselves and our buddies, but the whole dive group. Key scenarios included; vertigo simulation, DSMB deployment, managing panicked divers at the surface and underwater, and how to begin emergency response while still in the water. All of these scenarios have helped me to become a better diver, understanding what I am looking for in myself and others to maintain safety. 

Day two continued to develop our skills, honing in on our navigation skills (which still need a bit of work!) and managing unresponsive diver first aid. These dives have showed me that I am able to remain calm under stress. Our eagerness to enter the water during the search and rescue scenario resulted in our stirring up the bottom of the lake and causing a ‘black-out’ in the visibility. This was my first time experiencing this kind of disorientation, and it was a bit worrying! But we managed to remain calm, together and on task - and succeeded in rescuing our 'unresponsive’ diver underwater. 

On day two we were able to participate in mock scenarios, which were really fun! Testing our learning, our skills and our teamwork was hugely beneficial and established how far we had come since starting on day one.

As a non-diver, I would recommend this course to newer divers as it has really taken my diving to the next level. Understanding how to look after both myself as a diver and others has equipped me with greater awareness while diving and has actually enabled me to enjoy my dives more. I’m excited to continue my training with Andark, leveraging the instructors' years of experience, and continue working with the other scholars!