Can’t wait to get scuba certified on your upcoming vacation? Then why not get a head start on your PADI Open Water Diver Course with a PADI Open Water Referral (formally called a PADI Open Water Diver Course Referral). This handy alternative route allows you to eliminate study time from your vacation while maximizing available dive time.

What makes it even better is that you can get started today — right now! Ready to find out how? Then read on to discover more about how to complete a PADI Open Water Diver Course Referral.


What Is a PADI Open Water Referral?

A PADI Open Water Diver Course Referral allows you to undertake the majority of your scuba training at home before completing your certification dives anywhere in the world! 

A PADI referral also allows you to both support your local dive shop and avoid having to study during your vacation. You’ll complete all of the classroom theory in advance, so while you are on holiday you can focus on the fun part of getting under water and exploring everything to be found beneath the water’s surface! 

To put it simply, instead of spending 4-5 days of your holiday studying and practicing scuba skills in a pool, you’ll arrive with the majority of your PADI Open Water Diver Course already complete. 

So let’s get into the details of exactly how a PADI referral works.

two divers kit up to go scuba diving in front of a dive shop

What It Takes to Become a Certified PADI Open Water Diver

Before we look at how the PADI referral works, it’s important to understand what it takes to become a certified diver. Here’s a quick overview of the elements which make up the PADI Open Water Diver Course:

Phase One: Knowledge Development

This is the theory part of the PADI Open Water Diver Course. You can choose between learning in a classroom or using PADI eLearning®. While classrooms can be useful for anyone who prefers in-person learning, PADI eLearning® allows you to set your own pace and complete your studying at home or wherever you find yourself at the time.

Phase Two: Confined Water Skills

The confined water element of the course is where you’ll get to take your first breath underwater. You’ll practice using scuba gear in a pool (or pool-like environment) with your instructor until you’re comfortable. During the confined water sessions, you’ll learn the basic skills in a progressive order. Each skill, such as ascending or clearing your mask, builds on the ones previous to it. PADI training includes practice “mini dives” to help you build confidence in your new abilities and allow you to try out your skills in a variety of scenarios.

Phase Three: Open Water Dives

This is the best part – it’s what you’ve been waiting for! The open water section of the course includes four dives in open (unrestricted) water with your instructor. This could be an ocean, a lake or even a flooded quarry.

PADI Open Water Diver is the first level of scuba certification that allows you to dive independently (with a buddy but without an Instructor or other scuba diving professional). A highly-trained PADI Instructor will teach you to scuba dive in a relaxed, supportive learning environment. 

By the end of the Open Water Diver Course, you’ll have the knowledge and skills required to dive locally or abroad, wherever you decide to begin your underwater journey. If you’d like to learn more about each of the phases, watch the video below or check out our detailed article about how to become a scuba diver.


How to Complete a PADI Open Water Diver Course Referral

As mentioned above, the PADI Open Water Diver Course is made up of three phases. So what is a PADI Open Water Referral Course? During this alternate route to certification, you’ll complete the first and the second phases of the course locally. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Contact a local PADI dive center, shop or instructor (find yours here) and let them know you’re interested in completing a PADI Open Water Referral.
  2. Once you’re signed up, use the generated login information on the PADI website to access your PADI Open Water Diver Course eLearning® (Phase 1).
  3. Work through the knowledge development, reading the information and completing the knowledge reviews and tests along the way (if you have any questions or issues, don’t be afraid to contact your PADI instructor for help).
  4.  Once the PADI Open Water Diver Course eLearning® is complete, you can move onto the confined water skills (phase 2).
  5. Choose a convenient time and place (usually a swimming pool) to complete your in-water skills.
  6. Once phase 1 and phase 2 are complete, your instructor will provide you with your PADI Open Water Diver Course Referral form. Now you can take this form to any PADI dive center across the world within 12 months to complete the remaining part of your scuba course — the open water dives (aka ‘check out dives’). This final portion of the course typically takes a day and a half to complete. 
  7. Once certified, you can use the rest of your vacation time exploring and gaining additional dive experience.

Students learn dive theory in a classroom open water referral

PADI Open Water Referral FAQs

Still have queries regarding the PADI Open Water Diver Course Referral? Check out these commonly asked questions to see if the answer you’re looking for is here:

How long do I have to finish the course? 

An open water referral is valid for up to 12 months. However, it is better to complete your training as soon as possible after taking the theory and confined water sessions so your knowledge and skills are still fresh in your mind.

What if I run out of time to complete all theory and swimming pool sessions before traveling?

No problem. Your local PADI Instructor can fill out an official student referral form and check which skills you’ve completed and the date. You can give this form to any PADI Instructor worldwide and pick up where you left off.

Is PADI eLearning® the same as a referral?

PADI eLearning® allows you to start your knowledge development online, whether you plan to do a referral or complete your course from start to finish in the same place. This is an excellent idea if you plan to learn to dive as a family – you can study together at home and support each other as you progress.

Although eLearning® is the most popular option for knowledge development. You can also study with a book and DVD while attending classroom sessions if you want to.

Will I have time to practice before going into the ocean?

Yes, absolutely! The instructor at the receiving dive shop will have your gear up and review scuba skills in a pool (or pool-like environment) before taking you to open water. Let the instructor know if you have any questions or aren’t feeling comfortable.

Bahamas Learn to Dive - Open Water Referral
Why not finish your course in the Bahamas?
What are the advantages of an Open Water Diver Course Referral?

With a PADI referral course, you can take as much time as you need to complete your knowledge development and pool work. You won’t feel rushed or like you’re ‘cramming’ for a test. You’ll also support your local dive shop and be able to become part of your local diving community.

What are the disadvantages of an Open Water Diver Course Referral?

Sometimes students allow too much time to pass before finishing their course. You can take up to 12 months to complete your certification, but it’s better to meet your knowledge development and pool training closer to your holiday.

If you’ve gotten comfortable with a particular gear configuration, using different gear can be an adjustment – just like riding someone else’s bike or borrowing someone’s car. It’s basically the same, but the handling and placement of certain things may be unfamiliar at first. Also, you’ll probably end up using different brands of diving gear.

Owning your own scuba gear is a great way to increase your comfort underwater. If you’re not ready to invest in everything at once, consider purchasing a few pieces at a time.

What else do I need to know?

It’s a good idea to contact the dive shop where you want to finish your course in advance. Confirm your schedule availability and the price to complete your course, including training, certification fees, any rental gear, and boat dives (if applicable). Also, if your local dive shop asks you to obtain medical clearance from a doctor, bring a copy of your doctor’s sign-off to the referring dive shop.


Take a look at one of the skills you’ll be developing during your confined water skills training:


Ready to Get Started?

Signing up for a PADI Open Water Referral is easy. Start by finding your local dive shop and letting them know you’re interested in completing the course — it’s that simple. Also remember that you can begin your PADI Open Water Course at any time by signing up for eLearning® online.

Additionally, if you can’t decide on your right path or destination for learning to dive, get in contact with a PADI dive center for advice or check out all of the possible options available to you below.


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