Ready to up your diving skills? Join the Rescue Diver Certification course in St Thomas and learn to handle underwater emergencies with confidence while exploring vibrant Caribbean marine life.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3–5 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition with basic swimming skills and stamina for extended training dives.
Wildlife
History
St Thomas has a rich maritime history with many shipwrecks nearby that provide unique diving opportunities.
Conservation
Local dive operators actively promote reef conservation and support marine protected areas to preserve the delicate ecosystem.
Aqua Marine Dive Center
Ready to up your diving skills? Join the Rescue Diver Certification course in St Thomas and learn to handle underwater emergencies with confidence while exploring vibrant Caribbean marine life.
Aqua Marine Dive Center is a dive operator based in St. Thomas, VI, offering guided dives, certification courses, and private charters across the U.S. Virgin Islands. The center runs beginner experiences and full professional-level training, including Open Water Dive Certification, Scuba Diver Certification, Open Water Referral, Rescue Diver Certification, and an Instructor Development Course (IDC).
Instruction and guided trips are delivered by certified instructors and professional guides who lead shore and boat dives, including morning 2-tank dives, sunset and night dives, and pool-based introductions like Try Scuba and Intro to Snorkeling at Limetree Pool. Equipment is provided on certain programs; the Open Water Referral notes provided dive gear and a shorty wetsuit.
For customized outings, Aqua Marine operates a 42-foot custom boat for full-day private charters that include up to three dive or snorkel sites and a lunch stop at a floating restaurant. Short-format options suit limited schedules: the Scuba Diver Certification can be completed in one day, and the Try Scuba pool session runs about 1.5 hours.
The center emphasizes safe, enjoyable underwater experiences and teaches skills from basic breathing in confined water to advanced rescue techniques. Courses align with recognized certification standards and the operation offers both PADI and SSI certification pathways where noted. Aqua Marine Dive Center focuses on local marine environments around St. Thomas to create reliable, well-supported diving and snorkeling experiences for visitors and aspiring professionals. Courses span introductory pool sessions to instructor-level programs, providing clear progression from first dive to professional training.
Location
St Thomas, VI
Caribbean dive destination
Certifications
PADI & SSI
Courses from beginner to instructor
Tours Offered
11 Trips
Dives, courses, charters, snorkel
Private Charter
42-ft custom boat
Private full-day itineraries
Reserve a morning 2-tank trip, Try Scuba session, certification course, or a private full-day charter aboard a 42-foot custom boat.
Stay Hydrated Before and After Dives
Drinking plenty of water helps prevent dehydration, which can increase the risk of decompression sickness during dives.
Practice Calm Breathing
Maintaining steady, calm breathing underwater improves control and reduces stress during rescue simulations.
Check Your Equipment Thoroughly
Ensure all dive gear is inspected and functioning properly before each session to avoid technical problems underwater.
Follow Instructor Guidance Closely
Rescue Diver training involves complex skills; listening carefully to your instructor maximizes your learning and safety.
Full Scuba Diving Kit
A complete diving setup is necessary to safely participate in all training exercises.
Dive Computer
Helps track dive time and depth to manage safety stops during training dives.
Wetsuit (3-5mm)
Provides thermal protection in cooler spring and winter waters.
spring
Underwater Signaling Devices
Useful for practicing communication during rescue scenarios.