SSI Diver Stress & Rescue Course in Bahía Solano
You are already a competent diver—now it is time to look beyond yourself and ensure the safety of those around you. The SSI Diver Stress & Rescue course transforms how you dive. Over 2 to 3 days in Bahía Solano, you will learn to identify stress, prevent accidents, and manage emergency situations. You will leave this course with a profound sense of confidence, knowing you can handle yourself and help your dive buddies in the wild Pacific.
Where Adventure Runs on Fins
Unlock the full potential of the Pacific Ocean.
What Is The Diver Stress & Rescue Course?
It is a hands-on, scenario-based training program that takes your skills to the professional level. Instead of just focusing on your own buoyancy and air supply, you will learn the psychology of stress, panic recognition, and crisis management. Through controlled, realistic simulations in the ocean, your instructors will teach you how to assist tired divers, manage panicked divers at the surface, execute search patterns for missing divers, and bring an unconscious diver safely to the boat. It is intense, incredibly fun, and deeply rewarding.
How It Works (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Digital Learning (Home): Secure your spot and unlock your SSI Digital Learning materials. You will learn the theory behind accident prevention, stress management, and rescue equipment before you even arrive in Bahía Solano.
Step 2: Pool / Confined Water Skills: We start in calm water to safely introduce the new techniques. You will practice self-rescue, assisting a panicked diver, and handling an unconscious diver without the distraction of waves or currents.
Step 3: Open Water Rescue Scenarios: We head out into the Pacific! Here, your instructors will stage realistic rescue scenarios. You will apply your new skills to search for "missing" divers and manage complex surface emergencies near the boat.
Step 4: Certification: Once you successfully manage the final open water scenarios and complete your final exam, you will instantly receive your digital SSI Diver Stress & Rescue card!
Who it’s for (requirements)
- Prerequisite: Must be a certified Open Water Diver (or equivalent) and have an active CPR/First Aid certification (like SSI React Right or Red Cross) completed within the last 24 months. (Need CPR/First Aid? We can teach the React Right course alongside this one!)
- Age: Minimum 12 years old.
- Health: Standard Medical Questionnaire. (If you answer "Yes" to any condition, a doctor's clearance is required).
- Commitment: A willingness to work hard, act out scenarios, and take responsibility in the water.
New to the Pacific? We’ve got your back. We handle the navigation and currents so you can relax, drift at your own pace, and focus entirely on the magic around you.
Price & booking
Invest in your skills and confidence.
What’s included
- SSI Digital Learning Materials (Unlocked after 30% deposit)
- Digital Certification Card (recognized worldwide)
- Expert Instruction (SSI Certified Instructor)
- Confined Water Sessions (Pool/Shallow)
- Open Water Boat Rescue Scenarios
- Full Rental Gear (BCD, Reg, Wetsuit, Fins, Mask, Computer)
- Lunch & Drinks (Onboard during ocean trips)
- Ankla Azul Welcome Pack (T-Shirt, Cap, Stickers & Physical Log Sheet)
- Dive Insurance during the course
Stress & Rescue Course
One Day
1.860.000 COP
Next level:
Divemaster
You have mastered rescue skills; now become a leader. The SSI Divemaster rating is your first step into the professional diving industry. Learn to guide certified divers, assist instructors, and work in paradise.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a First Aid/CPR certification to take this course?
Yes. You must have a valid CPR and First Aid certificate (less than 2 years old) to become certified as a Rescue Diver. If you don't have one, don't worry! We offer the SSI React Right (First Aid/CPR/O2) course which you can complete right before your water training.
Is the course physically demanding?
It is more active than a standard fun dive. You will be swimming, lifting, and towing people in the water. However, the course focuses heavily on technique over brute strength, teaching you how to use your equipment and leverage to rescue divers of any size.
Is this equivalent to the PADI Rescue Diver course?
Yes! It is the exact equivalent and ISO certified. An SSI Diver Stress & Rescue certification is recognized by every dive shop and agency in the world, and it qualifies you to start a Divemaster course with any agency.
What gear is provided?
We provide high-end rental gear, including everything you need for the course. We highly recommend having your own pocket mask (CPR mask), which you can purchase at our dive center.
Need Help Starting Your Journey?
It's normal to have questions before your trip. Here's what we can help with:
- React Right: Need to bundle your First Aid and Rescue courses together?
- Scheduling: Trying to fit the course into a specific travel window?
- Groups: Coming with a buddy you want to practice rescues with?
Send us a message, and our instructors will put your mind at ease.
What Divers Say
400+ Reviews
Vinha Damanta
"I did 3 dives with the guys from Ankla Azul and all three were great... The diveshop gives much attention to safety and following the right procedures which gives you a very safe feeling. They have excellent gear almost new do they kit you out like a pro."
Magda K
"The dive center impressed us a lot – the equipment was top quality, making every dive comfortable and safe... Besides scuba diving, we had the chance to try freediving, which at the waterfall was an absolutely unique experience."
Nicole Reynolds
"I spent three days with the Ankla Azul team for scuba diving and it was an incredible experience... Ja, the main dive master and instructor, takes pride in his diving excursions and it's clear he has a huge love for Bahia Solano and the wildlife here."
Gloria Guillin Cuello
"This time, I did my first dive with Ankla Azul and three other friends. The experience was spectacular, from the beginning of the training to the practice session. Our instructor demonstrated kindness and knowledge, providing us with a safe guide."
Adèle B
Absolutely amazing experience! The dive was unforgettable, we could hear the whales singing underwater the entire time... The team at Ankla Azul is super professional, the equipment is top quality, and everything felt very safe and well-organized."
Dayana Jamaica
Excelente experiencia, Andres y Victor son unos duros, muy amables, atentos, cuidadosos, nos hicieron sentir seguras todo el tiempo y disfrutar del buceo aun nosotras sin saber nada, la pasamos muy bien, 100% recomendado
More Than Kicking Your Fins
At Ankla Azul, diving is more than kicking your fins. It's patient teaching, sharp safety, and real care for the place we call home. As an SSI Instructor Training Center and an SSI Blue Oceans Center (2025 award), we blend skill-building with ocean awareness—Fish ID, coral nursery work, community education, and rescue support—so every dive grows confidence and respect for Bahía Solano's wild Pacific.