Do I need previous diving experience?

Yes, participants must be certified Open Water Divers before taking the Rescue Diver course.

How long does the course take?

The course typically spans 2 to 3 days, including classroom, pool, and open water dives.

Is the course suitable for beginners?

No, prior certification as an Open Water Diver is required, but the course is suitable for experienced divers seeking to improve rescue skills.

What if I’m nervous about open water dives?

Our instructors are experienced in supporting nervous divers; we tailor the experience to ensure safety and confidence.

Will I get certified after completing the course?

Yes, upon successful completion, you'll earn a Rescue Diver certification.

What safety measures are in place?

All sessions adhere to strict safety protocols, with instructor supervision and emergency procedures in place.

Rescue Diver | Water Activities in Norfolk |

Virginia Beach, a vibrant coastal city famed for its expansive beaches, lively boardwalk, and diverse marine life, provides a perfect backdrop for diving enthusiasts. Kraken Charters offers the Rescue Diver course—an essential program for certified divers aiming to sharpen emergency response skills and boost confidence underwater. This immersive experience is ideal for divers seeking to elevate their safety knowledge while enjoying Virginia Beach's rich aquatic environment. The course combines flexible e-learning modules with hands-on classroom instruction, pool sessions, and open water dives along the Atlantic coast, ensuring comprehensive training that prepares divers for real-world emergencies.

What makes Kraken Charters’ Rescue Diver course stand out is its focus on real-life scenarios tailored to Virginia Beach’s unique marine ecosystem. Participants learn critical rescue techniques, self-rescue skills, and situational awareness, all set against the backdrop of a lively port bustling with boats, pelicans, and curious dolphins. The course is practical yet engaging, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels looking to add a vital skill set.

Virginia Beach’s warm, inviting waters during summer and spring create an optimal environment for diving, while the vibrant marine life—such as striped bass, jellyfish, and shrimp—enhance the experience. Kraken Charters is committed to sustainable practices, emphasizing eco-friendly diving and marine conservation. Their expert guides prioritize safety and environmental stewardship, making each dive both fun and environmentally conscious.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, the Rescue Diver course offered by Kraken Charters provides essential skills, unforgettable ocean views, and the chance to connect more deeply with the Atlantic’s wonders. It’s a must-do for divers eager to enhance their safety skills and enjoy the dynamic waters off Virginia Beach.

About Kraken Charters - Virginia Beach

Kraken Charters - Virginia Beach operates out of Norfolk, Virginia, offering guided dive charters, shared fishing trips, and scuba training. The operation runs walk-on dive charters to sites such as the Cuyahoga and Brass Spike with depths from 50 to 130 feet and a maximum of six divers per trip. Fishing options include shared inshore, offshore, and wreck charters ranging from 4 to 12 hours and, on offshore trips, travel of over 35 miles to the continental shelf. Captain Tom leads shared fishing charters that target species like cobia, drum, Spanish mackerel, yellowfin tuna, marlin, tautog, black sea bass, triggerfish, and flounder. Training and certification offerings include Open Water Scuba classes (ages 10+), Nitrox, Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures, Intro to Tech, and Solo Diver courses. Many courses combine e-learning, classroom instruction, pool practice, and open water dives; some require personal gear and prior certification. Shared and walk-on formats make bookings accessible for solo anglers, small groups, and individual divers seeking guided experiences. Safety and skills development are emphasized through small group sizes, structured instruction, and experienced guidance. All shared fishing trips provide gear; divers are expected to bring required personal equipment when specified.

Kraken Charters - Virginia Beach serves recreational and technical divers as well as anglers on the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia Beach oceanfront, providing locally focused maritime experiences designed for maximum enjoyment, skill building, and safe exploration of regional wrecks and offshore waters. Booking information and current schedules are available online or by phone and email contact.