PADI Rescue Diver
Baja Diving in La Paz
The course that changes how you dive. Prevent a problem while it is small. Handle it if it is not.
This is the course divers talk about after they get home. Not because it is dramatic. Because it changes how you dive.
You learn to see a problem while it is still small, and to handle it if it is not. Tired diver. Panicked diver. Missing diver. Unresponsive diver at the surface and on the bottom. You practice it until it is a skill, not a hope.
At DiversInnMX we teach it in small groups, in the bay off El Comitán, with the same team that has already supplied rescue diving to aqua farms here in La Paz.
PADI Rescue Diver
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Adventure Diver or Advanced Open Water required
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FR or current CPR and first aid within 24 months
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Small group, bay off El Comitán
- Course Fee: $249
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10 rescue exercises and open-water scenarios
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Doorway course to Divemaster and IDC
- PADI Certification
Why this course?
PADI Rescue Diver at DiversInnMX will change the way you dive.
Why this course
Rescue Diver is the course most divers call the best one they ever took. It is also the required step before Divemaster, and Divemaster is the required step before the PADI Instructor Development Course. PADI lists it as a doorway offering for that reason. If you are coming to La Paz to move toward a professional rating, this is the door.
You do not have to want a career to take it. Most of our Rescue divers are on holiday. They leave better buddies than they arrived.
Investment: $1,700 per diver
Arrive: Sept. 27 and Depart: Oct. 2, 2026
Instruction: Sept. 28 thru Oct. 1
Maximum Participants: 8 divers* (*call about additional participants)
Minimum Enrollment: 2 divers for the class to confirm
PADI Rescue Diver Course
Knowledge development is PADI eLearning. Five sections, knowledge reviews, and the final exam. Do it at home before you fly, or at the inn. Either works.
In the water, in water too deep to stand:
- Self-rescue review. Cramp release, buoyancy at the surface, airway control, tired-diver tow, response to vertigo and overexertion.
- Tired diver.
- Panicked diver.
- Response from shore, boat, or dock.
- Distressed diver underwater.
- Missing diver search.
- Surfacing an unresponsive diver.
- Unresponsive diver at the surface.
- Exiting an unresponsive diver.
- First aid for pressure-related injuries, and emergency oxygen.
- Two open water scenarios: unresponsive diver underwater, and unresponsive diver at the surface.
Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care is required within the last 24 months. If you do not have it, we run it here before the scenarios. It can be part of the same stay.
This is the required step before Divemaster, and Divemaster is the required step before the PADI Instructor Development Course. You can stop at Rescue. A lot of divers do. If you want to keep going, the next course is here.
You leave able to:
- Recognize and manage your own stress
- Tow a tired diver
- Handle a panicked diver at the surface
- Respond from shore, boat, or dock
- Manage a distressed diver underwater
- Run a missing-diver search
- Surface, assist, and exit an unresponsive diver
- Give first aid for pressure-related injuries and use emergency oxygen
This course includes
Each day is skills first, then the scenario that uses them.
Daily structure
Before you arrive
PADI Rescue Diver eLearning. Five sections, knowledge reviews, and the final exam. Finish it before the first water day if you can.
Day 1
Self-rescue review. Cramp release, buoyancy at the surface, airway control, tired-diver tow. Emergency First Response if you do not already hold it.
Days 2 and 3
The 10 rescue exercises in water too deep to stand. Tired diver. Panicked diver. Shore, boat, or dock response. Distressed diver underwater. Missing diver. Surfacing an unresponsive diver. Unresponsive diver at the surface. Exit. Pressure-related first aid and emergency oxygen.
Final water day
Two open-water scenarios. An unresponsive diver underwater. An unresponsive diver at the surface.
What you need before you start
- PADI Adventure Diver or Advanced Open Water, or a qualifying certification from another agency
- Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care, or equivalent CPR and first aid, within the last 24 months. We can run this here.
- Age 12 or older. Ages 12 to 14 certify as Junior Rescue Diver.
- Current PADI medical form. Physician sign-off if any question is yes.
- Your own mask if you have one. Tanks, weights, air, nitrox, and the rest of the gear are on site.
Why take Rescue in La Paz
The Sea of Cortez is the right water for this course. Calm bay off El Comitán for the skills. Open water for the scenarios. Two to four divers, not a class of twelve.
This is also working water. DiversInnMX has supplied rescue diving to aqua farms here in La Paz. Nets, lines, pens, and people in the water every day. The skills are the PADI skills. The bay is the same bay the farms sit in.
Farm and commercial support is booked with Richard, not through the guest course page. On-call and scheduled rescue diver support, search and recovery, emergency response, site familiarization, and staff briefings.
Reserve your spot
Enrollment is limited so the exercises and scenarios stay small.
Book the $249 PADI Rescue Diver course. Complete the registration, waiver, and medical forms. Start eLearning. Airport and bus station pickup is included for resort guests.
What's Included (click to expand)
We’re happy to include:
- PADI Rescue Diver eLearning
- The 10 rescue exercises and two open-water scenarios
- Instructor, and boat, captain, and divemaster as the plan requires
- Tanks, weights, air, nitrox
- Emergency scenario equipment and oxygen for training
- Certification processing when you complete the requirements
Not in the $249: EFR if you need it, personal gear rental, a physician medical, and park fees on any scenario inside a protected area.
Meet your instructor
Richard Musselman
Richard and Kristi Musselman own DiversInnMX, a PADI 5-Star Dive Resort on the bay in El Comitán. Richard has spent more than a decade running Sea of Cortez diving here, and the resort has already supplied rescue diving to aqua farms in La Paz.
Rescue is taught the same way the farm work is done. Small group. Skills first. Scenarios only after the skills are solid.
Baja Diving Events & PADI Workshops in the Sea of Cortez
Explore World-Class Baja Diving in La Paz
Throughout 2026–2027, DiversInnMX hosts curated Baja Diving Events & PADI Workshops including advanced training, underwater photography intensives, and guest-led dive adventures. Each event pairs professional instruction with intentional dive planning in the extraordinary waters of the Sea of Cortez.
Jacques Cousteau called it “The Aquarium of the World”—and for good reason. Divers encounter vast schools of fish, sea lions, seasonal pelagics, and pristine reef systems just off La Paz.
Each event includes:
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Small group sizes
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Expert PADI instruction
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Custom dive planning
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Boutique accommodations
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Gourmet dining
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Access to premier Baja dive sites
These Baja Diving Events & PADI Workshops are offered on select dates in 2026–2027. Space is intentionally limited to maintain quality, safety, and an elevated dive experience.
Review upcoming dates and reserve your place.
WE CREATE GREAT PADI DIVERS!
Dive into Adventure
DiversInnMX Is Fantastic!
PADI Scuba Diving
Plunge into the vibrant waters of the Sea of Cortez near La Paz, Mexico, famously dubbed the "Aquarium of the World" by Jacques Cousteau. Home to playful sea lions, whale sharks, and colorful reef fish, this marine paradise offers stunning underwater landscapes and diverse sea life. Dive with us and explore the breathtaking beauty of this aquatic sanctuary, where every dive reveals new wonders of the deep.
PADI Training
Rooms, Meals & Cocktails
Relax in luxury at our stylish accommodations. After diving, unwind in your air-conditioned room and savor gourmet meals made with fresh, local ingredients. From seafood to sweet pastries, every dish delights. Enjoy a craft cocktail by the pool or under the stars, all with our personalized service for an unforgettable stay.
Expertise Above and Below the Water!
Meet the Team at DiversInnMX
At our 5-Star PADI Resort, our dive instructors are passionate pros who love the ocean. Whether you're new to diving or an experienced adventurer, they’ll guide you through amazing underwater experiences. Our inn staff ensures your stay is smooth and enjoyable, with delicious meals and top-notch service. At DiversInnMX, we create unforgettable memories in and out of the water!
Richard Musselman
Kristi Musselman
Omar Guerrero
Rave Reviews
What Guests are Saying
Our guests can’t stop raving about DiversInnMX! From expert dive lessons to jaw-dropping views of the Sea of Cortez, we deliver 5-star experiences that keep them coming back for more. Personalized service, unforgettable adventures—it's no wonder we’re a diver’s dream!
What an awesome vacation!!! Kristi and Richard went overboard to provide us with amazing accommodations, food and diving. The rooms were really nice, best mattress I ever slept on! The food was incredible, and Kristi even catered to my mom who is on a gluten free diet. The day we went diving was perfect. Richard took such great care to make sure we were all safe and explained everything in detail before getting in the water. This was by far our best vacation EVER!! We will certainly be back. Thank you Kristi and Richard!! DiversInnMX is truly 5 star.
Kathy Hoffman
Guest
My husband and I got our PADI certifications here and Richard was very knowledgeable and patient with me even when I got super nervous under the water. Literally the sweetest couple in the world, they went above and beyond for us. It felt like we went scuba diving with a close friend.
He took us to scuba with the sea lions and we got to see so many fish and tons of sea lions. Not to mention thin they are also very affordable, we can’t recommend them enough! Best decision we’ve made since traveling here in Baja.
Virginia Miller
Guests
Divers Inn MX totally rock. Richard and Kristi were my instructor and hosts while I did my open water dive ticket. I'm a real fuss pot when it comes to food, however Kristi met all my dietary requirements with some amazing food. Richard taught and guided me through my course which made the whole experience really enjoyable. I would recommend Divers Inn MX La Paz to all divers new or old, equipment was in great condition and your hosts Richard and Kristi have a great place with everything covered. We'll definitely be back for more. Cheers guys.
Brendon Hughes
Guest
About our 5 Star PADI Resort
Where Top-Notch PADI Training Meets the Best Gear in the Game!
From top-tier gear to expert training, we’ve got you covered. Our PADI-certified pros make sure you're safe, skilled, and ready for adventure. With high-quality equipment and a peaceful, upscale vibe, we create diving experiences that go beyond the ordinary!
10 Years Experience on Sea of Cortez
With over 30 years of diving experience, Divers Inn MX has established itself as a trusted destination for diving enthusiasts.
Behind The Bubbles...
Dive Into Our Stories!
Catch up on our latest adventures, tips, and tales from the deep! Stay tuned for exciting blog posts and articles that dive into everything from unforgettable dives to behind-the-scenes stories at our 5 Star PADI Resort.
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