PRO-II Swiftwater Rescue
Advanced river-rescue systems, rope integration and fast-paced problem solving for experienced professionals working in austere and low-resource environments.
Build beyond the PRO-I foundation.
PRO-II is an intensive advanced course for professionals who have completed PRO-I or an approved equivalent and are ready to integrate complex river and rope-rescue systems.
There is no traditional classroom block. Students begin with a practical evaluation on the first morning and move directly into river-based training focused on technical execution, group problem solving, decision-making under pressure and personal risk management.
Complex systems applied in moving water (course site dependent).
01
Mechanical Advantage
Construct and apply 5:1 and 7:1 systems while evaluating anchors and operational loading.
02
Tensioned Diagonals
Build tensioned and hasty diagonal systems with optional retrieval methods.
03
Moderate-Slope Rescue
Integrate access, patient packaging and raise-or-lower operations on complex terrain.
04
Advanced In-Water Rescue
Practice in-water cut-outs, tethered rescue swimming and double-shore foot-entrapment response.
05
Craft & Rope Integration
Apply V-lowers, tethered-craft rescue and optional tag lines.
06
Operational Judgment
Use GAR calculations, stress guidance and disciplined team decisions during demanding scenarios.
Advanced training requires a solid base.
- Previous SSI PRO-I course or an SSI-approved equivalent
- ACA Level 4 or 5 lifetime training accepted when completed within four years
- Pass the required online training with a minimum score of 80%
- Be physically capable and meet SSI’s Essential Eligibility Criteria
- Bring all required Personal Protective Equipment
Arrive prepared to demonstrate proficiency.
Students are evaluated on a 3:1 mechanical advantage system, multi-point shore and boat-based self-equalizing anchors, two accurate 50-foot throw-bag deployments within 20 seconds and common swiftwater knots.
PRO-I and PRO-II are not NFPA compliant. Only PRO-SAR is NFPA compliant. PRO-II is designed for advanced professional river-rescue capability in austere and low-resource environments.
Prepare online. Prove the foundation. Advance in the river.
Before the Course
Online Preparation
Complete approximately two hours of self-paced training, review required systems and pass each module exam with at least 80%.
Day 01
Evaluation & Advanced Systems
Complete the morning practical evaluation, enter the water immediately and develop advanced rope, swimming and rescue systems.
Day 02
Integrated Scenarios
Apply technical systems, group leadership and risk-based decisions during fast-paced, complex river scenarios.
Bring advanced personal equipment.
- Drysuit
- Type V PFD with rescue-release belt
- Waist throw bag, whistle and one-hand-accessible knife
- Four meters of 1-inch tubular nylon webbing
- Personal hardware for a 3:1 mechanical advantage system
- Proper helmet, footwear and thermal layers
Expand the technical toolbox.
- Moderate-angle raise and lower
- Box cinch and V-lower with optional tag lines
- Tethered-craft rescue
- Deep dive into physics (statics)
- Swiss seat with optional chest harness
- Stainer access and operational considerations
Fast-paced advanced training with measurable standards.
Advanced certification must be earned.
Students complete the online exams before attending and must satisfy the morning practical evaluation before advancing into the field course.
Successful participants receive SSI’s internationally recognized PRO-II Certificate of Course Completion. Certification may be issued for one, two or three years based on proficiency. A participant who does not demonstrate the required competencies may be recommended for PRO-I recertification while still receiving the benefit of the advanced training.
Take your river-rescue systems further.
View upcoming PRO-II dates or contact SSI to determine whether this fast-paced advanced course is the right fit.