Course overview

Build the skills to prevent and manage in-water emergencies with the SSI Diver Stress & Rescue course in Coron, set against Palawan's wrecks and reefs. Using SSI's digital learning and practical sessions on sheltered sites such as the Lusong Gunboat in warm 27-29C water, you learn to recognise stress early and respond decisively. The rating is a key step toward SSI leadership and professional training.

What you’ll learn

• Identify diver stress before it becomes an emergency
• Manage tired, panicked and unresponsive divers at the surface
• Perform underwater searches and controlled ascents with a casualty
• Deliver in-water rescue breaths and safe exits
• Build and follow an emergency action plan
• Apply self-rescue techniques and improve personal awareness

Prerequisites

• Minimum age 12 (with junior considerations) or 15 for standard certification
• SSI Advanced Adventurer or equivalent certification
• Current CPR, first aid and oxygen-provider training (e.g. SSI React Right)
• Diver medical clearance signed by a physician
• Comfortable and competent in open water

What's included · What's not

Probability of sightings · month-by-month

What you're likely to see each month, based on historic operator logs.

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day1
   Theory & stress recognition

   Complete the SSI digital modules and learn to spot and prevent diver stress, with self-rescue practice.
2. Day2
   Rescue skills

   Practise the rescue exercises, including surfacing and exiting an unresponsive diver, on a sheltered site.
3. Day3
   Rescue scenarios

   Apply your skills in full rescue scenarios on local Coron sites and complete certification.

Verified through iDive

Every partner school in the iDive network is vetted on safety, instructor credentials, equipment standards and student feedback. Talk to a iDive dive pro on WhatsApp for current availability and reviews specific to Coron.

Frequently asked questions