Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Rescue Diver Ready Day™
Event & Prerequisites
Who can attend Rescue Diver Ready Day™?
The event is designed for Advanced Open Water certified divers or current Rescue Divers. You'll need proof of certification at check-in.
What's the difference between the ticket options?
Rescue Diver (2 days) is for Advanced divers earning their PADI Rescue Diver certification. Rescue Refresher (1 day) is for current Rescue Divers refreshing their skills. Diver Victim Experience (1 or 2 days) is for divers who want to experience rescue scenarios from the victim's perspective.
How much time does each ticket require?
Rescue Diver: 2 full days. Rescue Refresher: 1 full day. Diver Victim Experience: 1 or 2 days (your choice). Optional add-ons (EFR, Emergency Oxygen Provider): ½ day each, scheduled flexibly.
What's the age requirement?
Participants must be at least 15 years old and hold a valid Advanced Open Water certification (or higher).
What should I expect at the event?
You'll rotate through hands-on rescue scenario stations led by PADI instructors. Expect coaching, repetition, realistic problem-solving, and a supportive community. On-site pavilions include safety partners (USCG, law enforcement), equipment demos (Garmin, Shearwater, Big Blue), food trucks, and media partners.
PADI Courses & Add-Ons
Can I add PADI certifications to my ticket?
Yes! You can add PADI Emergency First Responder (EFR) and/or Emergency Oxygen Provider certifications as optional add-ons. Both are ½ day and can be scheduled flexibly around your main ticket.
What if my EFR is expired?
EFR must be current per PADI standards for Rescue Diver certification. If yours has expired, you can renew it before the event or complete it at the event as an add-on.
Do I need to complete any prerequisites before the event?
Yes. Rescue Diver ticket requires Advanced Open Water + current EFR. Rescue Refresher requires current Rescue Diver certification. Diver Victim Experience recommends Advanced Open Water.
Will I be fully certified after the Rescue Diver ticket?
Yes! The 2-day Rescue Diver ticket includes full PADI Rescue Diver certification. You'll complete all required scenarios, skills, and knowledge reviews.
How are the training stations organized?
You'll rotate through 10 instructor-led scenario stations in small groups. Each station focuses on a specific rescue skill (e.g., panicked diver management, unresponsive diver response, emergency action planning). Expect hands-on practice, coaching, and repetition.
Tickets & Registration
Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?
Yes—tickets are transferable. Contact us to update the attendee name.
What's your refund policy?
Refund terms are posted at checkout.
Can I change my ticket option after purchasing?
Contact us as soon as possible if you need to change your ticket type. We'll do our best to accommodate changes based on availability.
Training & Scenarios
What is the Diver Victim Experience?
It's an opportunity to experience rescue scenarios from the victim's perspective. You'll participate in realistic rescue situations, helping other divers practice their skills while gaining a deeper understanding of what it's like to be rescued. Available as 1-day or 2-day options.
Will I be certified in Rescue Diver after the Refresher ticket?
No. The Refresher ticket is for current Rescue Divers who want to refresh their skills and practice scenarios. It's not a certification course, but it's an excellent way to keep your skills sharp and your confidence high.
Why should I refresh my Rescue skills if I'm already certified?
Rescue skills fade without practice. Regular refreshers keep your confidence high, your techniques sharp, and your muscle memory strong. This event is designed to normalize ongoing practice as part of being a responsible diver.
Sponsorship & Partnership
What is Founder Advantage?
Optional sponsor benefits for Florida 2026: right of first refusal for future cities (as announced), price lock protection, category exclusivity by tier, and permanent Founding Sponsor recognition. Future participation is optional—there's no obligation to participate in future events.
How can my organization become a safety partner?
We're looking for organizations like U.S. Coast Guard, law enforcement marine units, DAN, and other safety-focused groups. Contact us to discuss partnership opportunities.
How can my brand become an equipment partner?
We're partnering with dive equipment manufacturers (Garmin, Shearwater, Big Blue, etc.) for on-site demos and product showcases. Contact us to explore sponsorship tiers and benefits.
Are there media partnership opportunities?
Yes! We're working with dive publications, photographers, and videographers to document the event and share the rescue-ready message. Contact us to discuss media partnership options.
Store & Products
What products are available in the Rescue Ready Store?
We offer curated rescue gear from trusted brands: emergency essentials (pocket masks, SMBs, cutting tools), dive computers with GPS (Garmin, Shearwater), and dive lights (Big Blue). All products are selected for their role in rescue readiness and diver safety.
Can I buy Garmin and Shearwater products at the event?
Yes! Our sponsor pavilion will feature hands-on demos and product showcases from Garmin, Shearwater, Big Blue, and other equipment partners. You'll be able to try gear and make purchases on-site.
What is the Garmin inReach?
The Garmin inReach is a GPS communicator that allows you to send and receive messages, share your location, and trigger an SOS to emergency responders—even when you're off the grid. It's a critical safety tool for divers, boaters, and adventurers.
Accessibility
Is the event accessible for divers with disabilities?
We're committed to inclusivity and want to make the event accessible to as many divers as possible. Contact us early so we can discuss accommodations and ensure you have a great experience.