SSI Stress & Rescue Course in Koh Tao

Learn Essential Rescue Skills — React Right First Aid Training Also Available

The SSI Stress & Rescue course on Koh Tao is the next step for certified divers who want to become safer, calmer and more reliable dive buddies. Often searched for as a Rescue Diver course, this programme teaches you how to recognise diver stress, prevent problems before they escalate and respond to realistic rescue scenarios with confidence.

Is This the Same as a Rescue Diver Course?

SSI calls this programme Stress & Rescue because the course focuses on recognising stress, preventing incidents and responding effectively when a diver needs help. Divers often search for this level of training as a Rescue Diver course, but the certification issued here follows the SSI training programme.

What You’ll Learn

  • Identify diver stress early
  • Prevent accidents before they happen
  • Manage dive emergencies calmly
  • Perform structured rescue techniques
  • Strengthen your situational awareness

At Chalok Reef Divers, we follow official standards set by Scuba Schools International (SSI) to ensure your certification is internationally recognised and aligned with global dive safety protocols.

Course Price, Duration and Requirements

Duration
Approximately 2.5 days of training across 3 calendar days, including four open-water dives.
SSI Stress & Rescue
10,000 THB
React Right including Oxygen Provider
5,500 THB
React Right without Oxygen Provider
4,000 THB
React Right + Stress & Rescue
14,000 THB
Approximately 3.5 days of training across 4 calendar days.
Saving
Save 1,500 THB
Minimum age
12
Certification
SSI Open Water Diver or recognised equivalent
Other requirements
Medically fit to dive. Current React Right certification or a recognised equivalent is required where applicable.
Book Your Stress & Rescue Course
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Course Schedule

Stress & Rescue only:
Approximately 2.5 days of training across 3 calendar days, including four open-water dives.

Typical schedule:

  • Day 1: Theory review and confined-water/pool sessions.
  • Day 2: Typically two afternoon open-water dives.
  • Day 3: Typically two morning open-water dives, with schedule flexibility if additional skill work is needed.

The schedule includes some flexibility in case additional skill practice is needed.

React Right + Stress & Rescue:
Approximately 3.5 days of training across 4 calendar days. This comprises one separate React Right training day and approximately 2.5 days of Stress & Rescue training across three calendar days.

scuba-diving

Equipment and Safety

You will train using standard scuba equipment along with specialised rescue tools, including:

• Rescue breathing masks
• Emergency oxygen units
• Surface signalling devices

The course also emphasises dive safety, accident prevention, and proper emergency protocols to ensure you are fully prepared for real-world scenarios.

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Certification

Upon successful completion, you will receive the SSI Diver Stress & Rescue certification, demonstrating your ability to recognise stress, prevent incidents, and manage dive emergencies confidently.

This certification is internationally recognised and is a required step toward professional levels such as Dive Guide, Divemaster, and Instructor.

Practical Rescue Scenarios

The Diver Stress & Rescue Course focuses on practical rescue procedures for real-life diving situations. It includes theory review, confined-water or pool rescue training, and four open-water rescue dives around Koh Tao. You will practise responding to tired, responsive, unresponsive, unconscious and panicked divers while building calm decision-making and accident-prevention habits.

Key Components

SSI Diver Stress and Rescue Course Theory Stress und Rettungskurs

Knowledge Development

  • Complete flexible online e-learning modules.
  • Build theoretical rescue knowledge before water sessions

Stress and Rescue course

Practical Skills Training

  • Train in confined and open water environments.
  • Practice realistic rescue simulations
  • Develop calm decision-making under pressure

Rescue Exercises

Rescue Exercises

  • Perform structured rescue drills.
  • Respond to simulated emergency scenarios
  • Manage unresponsive and distressed divers

Stress & Rescue + React Right Emergency Situations

Emergency Situations Handling

  • Provide secondary emergency care.
  • Use rescue breathing equipment correctly.
  • Understand accident response protocols

React Right First Aid and Oxygen Provider Training

React Right First Aid Course

React Right is a separate 1-day course when required. It prepares you to respond confidently to medical emergencies at the surface and on land and can be completed before the Stress & Rescue training.

This internationally recognised certification includes:

  • Primary assessment and structured emergency response
  • CPR training
  • First Aid Provider certification
  • Emergency Oxygen Provider training for diving-related injuries
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training

Prerequisites and React Right Requirements

Ready to descend to the dive site
  • Minimum age: 12 years
  • Certification: SSI Open Water Diver or recognised equivalent
  • Other requirements: medically fit to dive
  • React Right: current React Right certification or a recognised equivalent where required

If you already hold current first-aid training, see the FAQ below and contact us so we can confirm whether it meets SSI requirements.

After Stress & Rescue: Dive Guide and Divemaster

Many divers complete Stress & Rescue after their Advanced Diving Course and after gaining more confidence in different diving conditions. The course is also an important step towards SSI Dive Guide or the SSI Divemaster course on Koh Tao, where rescue awareness, problem prevention and emergency-response skills become essential.

See the full course hub to compare other SSI training options.

Choose Stress & Rescue only (approximately 2.5 days of training across 3 calendar days), React Right only (a separate 1-day course), or React Right + Stress & Rescue (approximately 3.5 days of training across 4 calendar days, comprising one React Right day and approximately 2.5 days of Stress & Rescue training).

Planning your stay? View our accommodation and hostel options.

Book Your SSI Stress & Rescue Course

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stress & Rescue physically demanding?

The Rescue Diver Course in Koh Tao involves realistic emergency scenarios, but it is structured, supervised, and taught progressively. While you will practise assisting tired or unresponsive divers, exercises are performed in controlled conditions with instructor guidance at all times.

You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable in the water and able to swim confidently. The focus is on awareness, technique, and calm decision-making rather than physical strength.

To complete your SSI Stress & Rescue certification, you must have the appropriate current first aid, CPR and emergency oxygen provider training, or accepted equivalent qualifications.

If you don’t already hold suitable certifications, you can complete SSI React Right alongside your Stress & Rescue training. Chalok Reef Divers offers a combined course, allowing you to complete both programmes during your stay on Koh Tao.

Already certified in first aid? Contact us before booking so we can confirm whether your existing qualifications meet SSI requirements.

Stress & Rescue only: Approximately 2.5 days of training across 3 calendar days, including four open-water dives.

Typical schedule: Day 1 covers theory review and confined-water/pool sessions. Day 2 typically includes two afternoon open-water dives. Day 3 typically includes two morning open-water dives, with schedule flexibility if additional skill work is needed.

The schedule includes some flexibility in case additional skill practice is needed.

React Right + Stress & Rescue: Approximately 3.5 days of training across 4 calendar days. This comprises one separate React Right training day and approximately 2.5 days of Stress & Rescue training across three calendar days.

Yes. The Rescue Diver certification is a mandatory prerequisite before enrolling in Dive Guide, Divemaster, or Instructor training.

If you are planning to progress to Divemaster training, completing the Rescue Diver Course in Koh Tao is an essential step in your progression.

What if I already have first aid?

Divers who hold a current, recognised first aid certification (such as medical professionals or equivalent qualifications) may not need to complete React Right.

Eligibility depends on the validity and scope of your existing certification. Please contact us before booking so we can confirm whether your qualification meets SSI requirements.

The Rescue Diver Course is considered challenging in a positive way. It requires focus, situational awareness, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

However, the course is structured progressively, meaning skills are built step by step. Most divers find it extremely rewarding and often describe it as the course that truly changes how they think and dive.

Absolutely! One of the biggest benefits of the SSI Stress & Rescue course is developing the confidence to recognise potential problems and respond calmly when unexpected situations arise.

During your training, you’ll develop important skills including:

  • Stress recognition: Identify signs of stress in yourself and other divers before situations escalate.
  • Situational awareness: Become more attentive to your surroundings, dive buddies and potential hazards.
  • Emergency response: Practise assisting distressed, panicked and unresponsive divers through realistic rescue scenarios.
  • Communication and teamwork: Improve your ability to communicate clearly and coordinate rescue efforts.
  • Decision-making: Learn to assess situations, prioritise safety and respond effectively under pressure.

Many divers find that Stress & Rescue changes how they approach diving. Rather than simply concentrating on their own dive, they develop a greater awareness of the safety and wellbeing of everyone around them.

Still have questions about the Rescue Diver Course in Koh Tao? Contact Chalok Reef Divers and we’ll be happy to help.