Sunlover Reef Cruises Sunlover Dive: Diver Stress & Rescue Course

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Become a certified SSI Diver Stress & Rescue diver over 2 days at Moore Reef: 5 training dives plus 1 fun dive, learning to prevent and manage diver emergencies.

Days

2 days

Age

12+, Open Water certified

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Cairns / Cairns

Return

See itinerary for details

Accommodation

Not included — stay in Cairns

Transport

Boat transfers from Cairns to Moore Reef Pontoon each day

Meals

Buffet lunch each day

Route

Map of Sunlover Reef Cruises Sunlover Dive: Diver Stress & Rescue Course

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Included experiences

Moore Reef — 5 rescue training dives
Rescue scenarios, from a distressed buddy to an unconscious diver
One fun dive on the reef
SSI Diver Stress & Rescue certification

Sunlover Reef Cruises Sunlover Dive: Diver Stress & Rescue Course

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Itinerary

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BEFORE YOU ARRIVE: THEORY AND PAPERWORK

Complete SSI's online learning before day one, and bring your Open Water card and proof of current oxygen provider, first aid and CPR training from the last two years. Without that proof the certification card can't be issued. Each course day travels on Sunlover's Moore Reef day trip from the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns, with briefings from your instructor on the crossing.

DAY 1: SPOTTING STRESS BEFORE IT BECOMES TROUBLE

Most dive accidents begin as small problems: a leaking mask, a tired diver, a buddy who has quietly stopped enjoying it. Your first training dives at Moore Reef, about 47 km offshore on the outer Great Barrier Reef, teach you to read those signs in yourself and others and to step in early. You practise scenarios at the surface and below it, with a buffet lunch on the pontoon between dives. This course asks more of your body than Open Water or Advanced, so expect to work.

DAY 2: RESCUE SCENARIOS AND A DIVE FOR FUN

The scenarios build up to helping a panicked diver at the surface and bringing up an unconscious diver, a skill practised no deeper than 9 metres. After five training dives in all, the last dive is just for fun. Coral gardens lie close to the pontoon and a wall drops away a short swim from it, and the resident Maori wrasse, a fish that can grow to 2 metres, often comes to look.

BACK IN CAIRNS: A MORE CONFIDENT DIVER

You return on the afternoon boat certified as an SSI Diver Stress and Rescue diver, to 18 metres. The digital card arrives through the SSI app. Most divers say the real change is how calm they feel on every dive after this one.

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Good to know

Meeting point: 1 Spence St, Cairns City, each day.
Minimum age: 12.
Fitness: Challenging — you must be physically able to complete the rescue skills. This is more physically demanding than Open Water or Advanced.
Please note: You need an Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) and current O2 Provider, First Aid and CPR training from the last 2 years; the card can't be issued without proof of both. Ratios are 8 students to 1 instructor for 15+ and 6 to 1 for ages 12–14. Expect 10–15 hours of diving and training across the two days.

What to bring

Your Open Water Diver certification card (SSI or equivalent) — physical or digital
Proof of current O2 Provider, First Aid and CPR training (within the last 2 years) — SSI's React Right certification counts
Swimwear (worn under the wetsuit or stinger suit provided)
Towel
Reef-safe sunscreen
Photo ID
A smartphone or laptop to complete the SSI digital learning before day 1

What is included

SSI digital learning and all training materials
SSI Diver Stress & Rescue Specialty Instructor for the full course
All scuba equipment for the course
Transfers to and from Moore Reef Pontoon each day
5 training dives and 1 fun dive
Buffet lunch each day
SSI Diver Stress & Rescue digital certification card (on successful completion, once first aid and CPR prerequisites are confirmed current)

Not included

Accommodation
Dive medical assessment, if the medical questionnaire calls for a Physician's Evaluation
O2 Provider, First Aid and CPR training, if you don't already hold it
Underwater photos or video
Gratuities

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.