Diver Stress & Rescue Training with Paragon Diving in Big Pine Key
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate fitness to manage multiple dives, swim confidently, and perform rescue techniques.
Overview
Paragon Diving in Big Pine Key delivers an intensive Diver Stress & Rescue course that prepares divers to manage emergencies confidently. Gain hands-on experience in Florida’s vibrant reef ecosystem while earning an important specialty certification.
Diver Stress & Rescue
Ages 12+ • 3 Days • Learn scuba emergency management!
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Duration
3 days
About
The SSI Diver Stress and Rescue specialty program teaches you the skills you need to protect yourself and other divers.
You will learn how to identify stress, how to prevent accidents and be taught practical techniques to conduct rescues and provide emergency care. With a combination of pool and open water practice sessions, you will become well prepared and confident at handling emergency and rescue situations.
Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Diver Stress and Rescue Specialty certification.
More Info
The Diver Stress & Rescue specialty course is comparable to other training agencies Rescue Diver certification. This course is a prerequisite for many other recreational and professional courses. Once you have booked your course, you will receive your online academic materials (typically within 24 hours) and a course introduction letter laying out schedule and expectations for the course.
To become certified as an SSI Diver Stress & Rescue specialty diver you must hold a current CPR and 1st Aid certification (within the last 2 years). If you don't have this certification or it has been greater than 2 years since you were certified, you can bundle it with this course. Please see the Emergency Bundle for more information.
This course includes 1 boat trip (2 dives) to the reef.
Prerequisites
- 12 years of age
- Certified as an Open Water Diver
- Current CPR and 1st Aid certification
Adventure Tips
Prepare CPR & First Aid Certification
Bring proof of current CPR and First Aid certification or sign up for Paragon Diving’s emergency bundle to meet course requirements.
Hydrate and Rest Before Sessions
Ensure proper hydration and rest before pool and open water sessions to maintain focus and physical readiness.
Check Weather and Reef Conditions
Big Pine Key's weather can affect boat and dive plans; verify with Paragon Diving for any last-minute changes.
Bring Your Dive Gear or Rent Locally
Use well-maintained personal dive equipment or rent quality gear from Paragon Diving to ensure safety during practice dives.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Hawksbill sea turtles
- Southern stingrays
History
Big Pine Key is home to the endangered Key deer, with a rich history of marine navigation and fishing dating back centuries.
Conservation
Paragon Diving emphasizes reef-safe practices and supports local conservation efforts to protect Florida Keys’ fragile marine ecosystems.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Key West
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Mask and Snorkel
A well-fitting mask and snorkel ensure comfort and efficiency during safety drills and dives.
Dive Computer
Critical for monitoring depth and dive time during open water rescue practice.
Exposure Suit (Wetsuit)
Protects against cooler water temperatures, especially in winter and fall.
fall|winter specific
Surface Signaling Device
Vital for locating divers and simulating rescue scenarios in open water.