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BECOME A RESCUE DIVER & EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONDER
PADI Rescue Diver + EFR Koh Tao With Simply Scuba

Master dive safety with Koh Tao’s top-rated Rescue Diver course. Led by Dave Webber, this hands-on program includes stress management, emergency drills, and real-life scenarios. Enroll today!

Rescue Diver EFR Koh Tao PADI Simply Scuba

Course Details

  • Duration: 2 – 3 days
  • Price: 10,000 THB (Rescue Diver only)
  • Price With EFR: 14,000 THB (Includes Emergency First Responder Course)
  • What’s included:
    • PADI Rescue Diver e-manual
    • All scuba equipment rental
    • Dive computer usage
    • PADI certification card
    • Professional instruction
    • Boat trips and refreshments
    • Dive insurance during the course

Prerequisites

✅  Minimum Age: 12 years old

✅  PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent

✅  Completed EFR Primary & Secondary Care training within the last 24 months

✅  Medically fit for diving (medical questionnaire required)

We have certified more than  3,000 divers 

4.9

5 star reviews tripadvisor simply scuba koh tao

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4.8

5 star reviews tripadvisor simply scuba koh tao

Google Reviews

Elevate Your Diving Skills with the PADI Rescue Diver Course in Koh Tao

The PADI Rescue Diver Course is a pivotal step in your scuba diving journey, designed to enhance your awareness, confidence, and ability to manage dive emergencies. Conducted in the vibrant waters of Koh Tao, Thailand, this course combines theoretical knowledge with practical rescue scenarios to prepare you for real-world diving situations.

The PADI Rescue Diver Course at Simply Scuba Koh Tao is designed to elevate your diving skills by teaching you how to prevent and manage dive emergencies. This challenging yet rewarding course enhances your confidence and prepares you to handle real-world diving situations effectively.

Throughout the course, you’ll engage in both theoretical and practical sessions, covering topics such as self-rescue techniques, recognising and managing stress in other divers, emergency management, and equipment usage. You’ll also participate in rescue scenarios that simulate real-life situations, providing hands-on experience in handling dive emergencies.

Completing the PADI Rescue Diver Course is a significant step towards becoming a more responsible and capable diver. It also serves as a prerequisite for the PADI Divemaster Course, should you choose to pursue a professional diving career.

Why Choose the PADI Rescue Diver Course in Koh Tao?

Comprehensive Training: Gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills to handle dive emergencies confidently.

Experienced Instructors: Learn from seasoned PADI professionals dedicated to your safety and education.

Optimal Learning Environment: Benefit from Koh Tao’s ideal diving conditions, perfect for practicing rescue scenarios.

Career Advancement: Fulfill a key requirement for the PADI Divemaster Course and other professional-level certifications.

  • Comprehensive Training: Engage in five knowledge development sessions, ten rescue exercises, and two open water rescue scenarios.

  • Emergency Preparedness: Learn to handle situations like panicked divers, unresponsive divers, and missing diver searches.

  • EFR Certification: Gain or renew your Emergency First Response certification, covering primary and secondary care.

  • Expert Instruction: Benefit from personalized guidance by experienced PADI instructors in small group settings.

With flexible options and expert instruction from our certified PADI professionals, this course offers unmatched value and adventure for those diving in Koh Tao.

Embark on the journey to becoming a more skilled and confident diver with the PADI Rescue Diver Course at Simply Scuba Koh Tao. Enhance your diving capabilities and prepare yourself to handle emergencies effectively.

The course includes:

  • Five knowledge development sessions

  • Ten rescue exercises

  • Two open water rescue scenarios

You’ll learn to handle various emergency situations, including:

  • Self-rescue techniques

  • Recognising and managing stress in other divers

  • Emergency management and equipment

  • Rescuing panicked and unresponsive divers


Why Choose Simply Scuba Koh Tao?
  • Prime Location / Beachfront Dive Center: Beachfront dive center near Koh Tao’s best nightlife, dining, and sunset views, with short boat rides to 25+ dive sites​

  • Top-Rated Dive Sites: Discover the rich biodiversity of Koh Tao’s underwater ecosystems, home to colorful coral formations, tropical fish, and, with a bit of luck, sea turtles or even whale sharks.

  • No Prior Experience Required: This program is designed for individuals aged 10 and above, with no previous diving experience necessary.

  • Flexible Scheduling: With daily departures, we accommodate your travel plans, making it easy to fit this unforgettable experience into your itinerary.

  • Award-winning Facilities: Two custom dive boats, two training pools, air-conditioned classrooms, and equipment included for safety and comfort
  • Experienced Instructors: Our team of certified PADI professionals ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for your child.

  • Small Group Sizes: We maintain low student-to-instructor ratios to provide personalised attention.

  • Family-Friendly Environment: Our facilities are designed to accommodate families, making it a perfect activity for everyone.

  • Reputable Dive Center: As a PADI 5-Star Dive Center, we adhere to the highest standards of diver education and safety.

  • Community Engagement: We actively participate in marine conservation efforts, offering specialties like Dive Against Debris.

WHY IS KOH TAO THE PERFECT PLACE TO LEARN TO DIVE?

Koh Tao offers the ideal setting for your first scuba diving adventure. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine biodiversity, it’s no surprise that diving in Koh Tao is considered some of the best in Thailand. Whether you’re gliding alongside colorful reef fish or catching a glimpse of a sea turtle, every dive is an unforgettable experience.

As a top destination for PADI courses, Koh Tao is perfect for beginners and certified divers alike. Our dive trips include renowned sites such as Sail Rock—famous for its dramatic underwater pinnacle and abundant marine life—or Chumphon Pinnacle, a favorite among divers seeking thrilling encounters in the Gulf of Thailand.

Koh Tao is renowned for offering some of the best dive sites in Thailand, attracting divers from all over the world. Here are four reasons why scuba diving in Koh Tao stands out:

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Testimonials

January 2025 | Alex h

Amazing diving school thanks to Meg and Dave. They were really helpful and also really funny and made the whole experience really fantastic to be honest. If you’re wondering where to go definitely go to this school and ask for Dave or Meg to be your instructor, you can’t go wrong.

Dec 2024 | Lotte

Out of all the places to do your open water course in Koh Tao, which are a lot, I am so glad I got to do mine at Simple Life Divers, with Dave as my instructor. During this three-day course you thoroughly learn all the skills that are needed for open water diving. Dave’s patience and laid-back way of teaching really amplified our confidence, which made the experience in general a very positive one. A welcoming community during the dives and outside of it, as we got to join them for Christmas dinner as well. When in Koh Tao, I’d definitely recommend starting or continuing diving as the diving sites are absolutely stunning and the crew of Simple Life Divers so supportive, an unbeatable combination.

Dec 2024 | Sean V
There’s an overwhelming number of options when choosing a diving school on Koh Tao, but these guys were seriously awesome! Dave was an amazing instructor with a perfect blend of fun but knowledgeable. The group size was also fantastic. Can’t recommend enough!
Nov 2024 | Anna M
Nailed my OWD course with Dave and I couldn’t be happier about it. Classes were focused on mastering practical skills with a lot of advice, attention, comfort and care. Thanks for all the support and encouragement provided – I have felt so safe and seen, Dave and Nathan were always there for me whenever I had any doubts or needed extra assistance. Proud to be a part of divers’ community since today!
April 2025 | Cruiser18442934740

I did my Open Water and Advanced Scuba Diving Certifications back-to-back with Dave as my instructor. The whole time he made me feel super safe and confident in everything I was doing, whilst also being such a good laugh. I learnt so much from him, he’s so knowledgeable in the industry, and he really tried to impart as much of that knowledge as possible. He made the experience so enjoyable for the group.

It’s quite nerve-wracking being a new diver, but all the Simple Life Divers are so friendly and helpful whether it’s in the dive shop or out on the water. I’d like to give a huge shout-out to Billy, in particular, who helped out on both my courses.

I really recommend Simple Life as the dive shop of choice in Koh Tao.

March 2025 | Sophie D

Had a great time with Dave doing my open water course. Never dived before, everyone was very nice and welcoming and made me feel comfortable in the water. Very relaxed, great dive sites, highly recommend!

March 2025 | Dreamer30663427746

My Instructor Dave was funny and knowledgable as always, did my Open water diver last year and came back this time to do the Advanced course. Cant do much wrong booking here.

March 2025 | Albert C

Just finished my open water qualification with Simple Life Divers! – My instructor Dave Webber is a class act. Great banter, very knowledgable and easy to learn from! I originally discovered Simple Life via word of mouth (friend at home) and can safely say anyone who wants to learn scuba on Koh Tao this is the only place you need to go to.

March 2025 | Olivia W

The experience was nothing short of phenomenal, not just because of the beautiful reefs of Koh Tao, but our instructors Dave and Jake. Both created a super safe space for learning and asking questions. Dave’s delivery of the course was beyond expectations and supplemented by his wealth of experience, having been diving for 32 years all over the world. He prioritizes safety in his teaching and during training dives, frequently checking in with each student and taking the time to thoroughly explain tough concepts or key points. I’d come all the way back to Koh Tao from Canada to do my advanced level cert just because of Dave, he’s an absolute legend.

March 2025 | Tessa L

With so many dive schools on the island, I took my time and visited six different ones to find the perfect fit. I wanted not just a professional and safe diving school, but also a place where I would feel comfortable and supported.

What made this experience truly special was the way Dave and Jake shared their passion for diving with such patience and enthusiasm. They created a relaxed and supportive learning environment where I felt completely safe and confident in the water. Taking my first breath underwater and floating among the stunning marine life of Koh Tao was absolutely magical.

Frequently asked questions

The PADI Rescue Diver Course is an advanced training program that focuses on developing your ability to prevent and manage dive emergencies, both minor and major, through knowledge development and practical rescue exercises.

Certified PADI Advanced Open Water Divers or those with an equivalent certification who have completed the Underwater Navigation Adventure Dive can enroll. Participants must be at least 12 years old.

Yes, you need to have completed CPR and First Aid training within the past 24 months. If you haven’t, you can complete the Emergency First Response (EFR) course alongside your Rescue Diver training.

The course typically spans 3 to 4 days, including both the EFR and Rescue Diver components.

You’ll learn to handle various emergency situations, including:

  • Self-rescue techniques

  • Recognising and managing stress in other divers

  • Emergency management and equipment

  • Rescuing panicked and unresponsive divers

The course includes:

  • Five knowledge development sessions

  • Ten rescue exercises

  • Two open water rescue scenarios

Yes, upon successful completion, you’ll receive the PADI Rescue Diver certification, recognising your ability to manage dive emergencies and assist other divers.

All necessary scuba equipment is provided during the course. However, if you have your own gear, you’re welcome to use it.

Yes, you can begin with PADI eLearning, allowing you to complete the knowledge development portion at your own pace before arriving in Koh Tao for the practical sessions.

You can book directly through our website, contact us via email, or call us to reserve your spot. We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred dates.

Contact

Need help? Call us or message us (WhatsApp)

+66 808 295006


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