Rescue Diver Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In a world increasingly focused on safety and rescue operations, the role of a Rescue Diver has never been more crucial.

As natural disasters and emergencies escalate, the demand for skilled individuals who can navigate, operate, and ensure safety in underwater environments intensifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Rescue Diver?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core duties of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of rescue diving,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Rescue Diver job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Rescue Diver Duties and Responsibilities

Rescue Divers are responsible for performing life-saving rescues in various water environments.

This role requires strong physical fitness, quick-thinking, and exceptional problem-solving skills.

The duties and responsibilities of a Rescue Diver include:

• Conducting search and rescue operations in diverse aquatic environments
• Administering first aid and CPR, both on land and in water
• Assessing the situation quickly and effectively to determine the best rescue approach
• Performing underwater rescues and recovery of victims
• Maintaining and operating rescue equipment such as diving suits, oxygen tanks, and communication devices
• Working closely with emergency personnel and other agencies during rescue operations
• Training and educating other divers on rescue techniques and safety procedures
• Ensuring compliance with all safety regulations and standards
• Participating in routine training and drills to enhance rescue skills and physical endurance

 

Rescue Diver Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly skilled and competent Rescue Diver to join our team.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for performing various underwater tasks, such as search and rescue, recovery, and providing emergency treatment to those in distress.

The successful Rescue Diver will have a thorough understanding of diving safety procedures, demonstrate superior physical fitness, and be prepared to respond effectively to emergencies.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform underwater searches and rescue operations
• Provide emergency medical treatment to victims of diving accidents
• Perform recovery tasks, including the retrieval of bodies and evidence
• Participate in training exercises to maintain skills and fitness levels
• Work with law enforcement or other emergency services as required
• Help maintain diving equipment and gear
• Follow all safety regulations and procedures
• Record and report on each diving operation

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Rescue Diver or similar role
• Advanced diving certification, such as PADI Rescue Diver or equivalent
• Excellent physical fitness and ability to pass a medical examination
• Ability to work under pressure and make quick decisions
• Basic first aid and CPR certification
• Strong swimming skills and comfort in various water conditions
• Knowledge of diving equipment and maintenance
• High school diploma or equivalent. A degree in marine biology or a related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Rescue Diver
• Work Environment: Varies by assignment, but can include harsh outdoor conditions and underwater environments. This role requires physical fitness and the ability to work in potentially stressful situations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Dive Team Leader or Emergency Services Coordinator.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Rescue Diver Do?

A Rescue Diver is a professional diver who specializes in underwater rescues, often in emergency situations.

This role is commonly found within emergency services, the military, or professional diving companies.

Rescue Divers are trained to respond quickly and efficiently to diving emergencies, both above and below the water.

Their duties include identifying potential diving risks, performing rescues in different underwater environments, and providing first aid and emergency care.

They are skilled in advanced diving techniques, including navigation, deep diving, and search and rescue operations.

Their tasks often involve locating and recovering lost divers, assisting distressed divers, and implementing rescue procedures.

Rescue Divers also conduct safety briefings, equipment checks, and emergency drills, ensuring that both they and other divers are prepared for any potential difficulties or hazards.

In addition to their rescue duties, they may also be involved in underwater inspections, recovery operations, and other underwater tasks.

Their role requires a high level of physical fitness, mental resilience, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

 

Rescue Diver Qualifications and Skills

A proficient rescue diver should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Proper certification from a recognized diving organization, such as PADI or NAUI, to ensure knowledge and understanding of diving principles and safety protocols.
• Strong swimming skills and physical endurance to cope with potentially strenuous and challenging rescues.
• Highly developed observational skills to identify potential hazards, locate victims swiftly and monitor the overall safety of the diving scenario.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills to quickly respond and adapt to unforeseen circumstances or complications during a rescue.
• First aid training to provide immediate medical assistance to victims if needed, including CPR and oxygen administration.
• Strong communication skills to effectively coordinate with team members and other emergency personnel, both above and below water.
• Emotional resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure in order to make sound decisions in high-stress situations.
• Knowledge of equipment maintenance and repair, as well as familiarity with a variety of diving gear, to ensure operational readiness.

 

Rescue Diver Experience Requirements

Rescue Divers usually start their journey with a basic Open Water Diver certification, which requires no prior scuba diving experience.

This initial step helps them gain a fundamental understanding and hands-on experience of underwater diving.

After gaining the Open Water Diver certification, the next step is getting the Advanced Open Water Diver certification.

It requires you to complete a set number of dives and gain more in-depth knowledge about diving under various conditions.

Before becoming a Rescue Diver, individuals must have the Emergency First Response (EFR) certification, which provides training for first aid and CPR.

This equips them with the necessary skills to handle medical emergencies both in and out of water.

Finally, the PADI Rescue Diver course is undertaken, which requires a minimum age of 12 years and prior experience of at least 20 logged dives.

This course provides an intensive understanding of rescue procedures, emergency management, and first aid related to diving accidents.

In terms of practical experience, many rescue divers gain additional experience by volunteering in dive operations or participating in local search and rescue missions.

Some divers also gain experience through roles in the military, marine biology studies, or commercial diving.

Those with over 5 years of professional experience as a Rescue Diver may be eligible for roles such as Dive Master or Dive Instructor.

These positions often require additional certifications and a significant number of logged dives.

It is important to note that the exact experience and certification requirements may vary depending on the specific rescue diver role and the organization.

 

Rescue Diver Education and Training Requirements

To become a Rescue Diver, one must first achieve an Open Water Diver certification, followed by an Advanced Open Water Diver certification from a recognized scuba diving organization such as PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) or SSI (Scuba Schools International).

After obtaining the Advanced Open Water Diver certification, an individual can pursue the Rescue Diver course.

This course focuses on managing and understanding the psychological aspects of rescues, recognizing and managing stress, emergency management and equipment, rescuing panicked divers and unresponsive divers.

In addition to the diving certifications, a Rescue Diver must also complete a first aid and CPR course within the past 24 months.

A course that includes emergency oxygen administration is also highly recommended.

Being a proficient swimmer is a requirement, and good physical fitness is essential due to the physical demands of the job.

Most professional rescue organizations also require their divers to undergo regular fitness tests and continuous training sessions to keep their skills sharp.

Although not always required, many Rescue Divers choose to pursue a Master Scuba Diver certification or a Dive Master certification to further improve their skills and increase their employment opportunities.

Specialized training in areas such as wreck diving, deep diving, and search and recovery can also be beneficial.

To work professionally, many regions require Rescue Divers to be licensed and insured.

The exact requirements can vary greatly depending on the location and the specifics of the job.

 

Rescue Diver Salary Expectations

A Rescue Diver can expect an average salary of $50,000 (USD) annually.

However, the actual earnings may fluctuate based on experience, location, and the nature of employment – whether it’s commercial, military, or for a non-profit organization.

 

Rescue Diver Job Description FAQs

What skills does a rescue diver need?

Rescue divers need a strong swimming ability and physical fitness to execute rescue operations in often challenging conditions.

They should be adept at using diving equipment and techniques, and possess a thorough understanding of safety procedures.

They should also have strong problem-solving skills, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and good communication skills to coordinate with their team and potentially distressed individuals.

 

Do rescue divers need a degree?

While rescue divers don’t necessarily need a degree, they must have professional certification from a recognized diving organization like PADI or NAUI.

In addition, a certification in CPR and First Aid is essential.

Some rescue divers may choose to pursue degrees in fields like marine biology, oceanography, or emergency medicine to enhance their career prospects.

 

What should you look for in a rescue diver resume?

Firstly, make sure the resume includes the necessary certifications for the job, such as a professional diving certification and CPR/First Aid certification.

Experience with rescue operations or challenging dives is a plus.

Look for evidence of physical fitness, teamwork skills, and experience with diving equipment maintenance and repair.

Any additional skills or experiences that could be applicable to a rescue scenario, such as experience in an emergency medical field, should be noted.

 

What qualities make a good rescue diver?

A good rescue diver should have exceptional physical fitness and endurance, as the job is physically demanding and often performed in challenging conditions.

They should be calm under pressure, able to think quickly and make sound decisions in emergency situations.

Good communication and teamwork skills are crucial for coordinating with their team and reassuring individuals in distress.

A passion for diving and a commitment to safety are also important traits.

 

How risky is the job of a rescue diver?

Rescue diving is one of the more challenging and risky careers in diving.

Divers often work in difficult and unpredictable conditions, and the nature of their work means they are often responding to emergencies or dangerous situations.

However, proper training, adherence to safety protocols, and physical fitness can greatly reduce these risks.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve surfaced the realities of what it means to be a rescue diver.

Guess what?

It’s not just about swimming in deep waters.

It’s about saving lives and ensuring safety, one dive at a time.

With our comprehensive rescue diver job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to dive into a new career.

But why stop at the water’s surface?

Plunge deeper with our job description generator. It’s your lifeline to creating detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every rescue mission is part of a bigger purpose.

Let’s dive into that future. Together.

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