Why should I bother to get rescue cert?

[rawls]

You just said all that you need to. So, when are you taking Rescue?

Excellent!!!!

 

[Sveta]

I think about taking rescue classes too. I am a geek and always hungry for knowledge. But i'm going to wait till my next trip to Australia next year. I want my first DI be my Rescue instructor too ( he was the only man who could convince me to do something )

 

[ReefHugger]

Outside of your self help training, the next important safety factor in scuba diving is the buddy system. All divers should be trained in basic rescue and tows (that is why I am not a fan of PADI). This should not be a speciality course. You are short changing your buddy if they are so trained. If both divers are not trained, then they are together merely for company, or one can be a witness in the event of incident/accident.
Just do it.

 

[EvaL]

I know enough has been said to take the rescue Course, but I'll add my 2 cents. I'm a DM-certified recreational diver. The rescue class was the most valuable scuba course I've taken. It trained me to check for signs that may cascade into something that would later require self-rescue or for someone on my dive boat or dive group. The list of standard things to do in an emergency was strongly ingrained into my mind and I find myself going over them each time before a dive. The rescue scenarios were tried out to see how each of us would respond to an emergency (list og local police/medic numbers, UW search and rescue, CPR, call for help, arrange for medivac etc) and the later debrief was immensely helpful. The Medic First-Aid/CPR course was also very helpful not only for diving, but for other non-diving situations as well.
In short, it makes you a better, safer diver. If you still need convincing, PM me.
Dive safely.