By Madison Kane, Expedition Manager, Andavadoaka, Madagascar
“Diver! Diver! Are you okay?” … ”Someone call for help, I have an unconscious diver!” were the things being yelled from Half Moon Beach in Andavadoaka, but no need to be alarmed, it was just a group of volunteers and staff participating in the PADI Rescue Diver course.
Certified divers want flat seas, sunshine and great visibility (which we often have here in Andavadoaka), but the beginning of a tropical storm made perfect conditions for Rescue Diver training. The visibility was zero, the waves were >2m and it was raining, but Patty and Gui (two of the Blue Ventures boat captains), Brieuc (an expedition volunteer) and Bill (one of the Blue Ventures dive managers), didn’t let these harsh conditions overcome them. From tired diver tows to emergency exits, rescue breathing and CPR, these boys were well on their way to becoming PADI-certified Rescue Divers!
Volunteers who join a Blue Ventures expeditions in Madagascar have the option of participating in a course that PADI (and our staff) would refer to as challenging yet rewarding. Though hard work, the PADI Rescue Diver course can not only be a lot of fun, but also helps to make you a safer and more prepared diver. Due to the remote location in which our site is located, our dive protocols are extremely conservative, but why not be prepared for anything? The course allows you to build upon the dive skills you’ve already learned, and teaches you not only how to prevent problems but also how to manage them if they occur. The fun part lies in rising to challenges and then knowing that you can master them. Most divers leave saying it’s the best course they’ve ever taken.
The PADI Rescue Diver course is just one more thing that you can include in your expedition to walk away with on top of diving, science training, data collection, community education, sailing, cooking classes, supporting locally led marine conservation initiatives, aquaculture farms and much much more!
