To qualify for participation on the course, a person must be at least 12 years old, (Students between the ages of 12 and 15 earn the Junior Rescue Diver qualification), and be certified as a Advanced Open Water Diver. An individual who does not hold either of these certifications may take the course if he can prove equivalent competency. Equivalency in this case would be defined as proof of experience in the areas of night, deep and navigational dives.

Proficiency in fundamental diving skills is also required. A skills review session is included, to sharpen diving skills in preparation for learning rescue techniques.

Rescue Diver candidates are expected to provide the equipment specified by the instructor. This should include an exposure suit 5mm thick, a regulator with a full assortment of gauges, an alternate air source, an adequate BCD with a low-pressure inflator hose, weight system, dive knife, compass, recreational dive planner (table or wheel format) and a timing device.

Prior to awarding a Rescue Diver Rating to an individual, he/she must have successfully completed the Medic First Aid Course (or equivalent CPR and first aid training) within the past two years.