Was reading through this and thought I'd chime in... I'm a PADI IDC Staff Instructor.
To confirm - calling for help during the PADI rescue course is a requirement. It doesn't actually matter what you say as long as you call for help. PADI recommend that you use the number for local EMS in that area - be it 911 or a private service.
THe philosophy behind it is exactly as JimLap stated - people tend to respond in an emergency based on their training. Remember we're talking recreational Rescue Divers here, NOT trained emergency service personnel.
PADI also recommend that all other users of the dive site are informed that a rescue course is being conducted: This is extracted from the PADI Instructor Manual:
A concern in some training locations is that bystanders
may not be aware that there’s a class in progress.
Although an approach is to have students yell something
like, “Go for pizza,” that’s not the best way to train. In this
case, a prudent method is to have a staff member (or the
equipment handler in applicable exercises) first yell, “This
is a practice drill!” The student calls for help, and the staff
member follows with, “There is no emergency, this is only a drill!”
Signs stating “diver rescue training in progress” posted around the site
also help.]
IMHO there is no real reason for a Rescue class - when conducted correctly - to be seen as anything other than a rescue class by other divers at the site. Unfortunately, not everybody follows recommendations...
Cheers folks, Keep it safe,
Crowley
