Planning your holiday? The Open Water Referral
What Is an Open Water Referral in Scuba Diving?
If you’ve ever thought about getting scuba certified but didn’t want to spend your entire vacation in a classroom or pool, the Open Water Referral system might be just what you need.
An Open Water Referral allows you to complete part of your PADI (or another agency’s) Open Water Diver course in one location—often close to home—and finish it in another, usually at your holiday destination. It’s a flexible and popular option for new divers who want to make the most of their time.
How Does It Work?The full Open Water Diver course consists of three components:
With an Open Water Referral, you complete the first two parts—knowledge development and confined water dives—at home with a local dive shop. Once that’s done, you receive a referral form or documentation, which you bring with you to your travel destination. There, you complete the final four open water dives with a certified instructor to earn your certification.
If you’ve ever thought about getting scuba certified but didn’t want to spend your entire vacation in a classroom or pool, the Open Water Referral system might be just what you need.
An Open Water Referral allows you to complete part of your PADI (or another agency’s) Open Water Diver course in one location—often close to home—and finish it in another, usually at your holiday destination. It’s a flexible and popular option for new divers who want to make the most of their time.
How Does It Work?The full Open Water Diver course consists of three components:
- Knowledge Development – Classroom or eLearning to understand dive theory and safety.
- Confined Water Dives – Practicing essential skills in a pool or pool-like environment.
- Open Water Dives – Four training dives in an actual open water setting like the ocean, lake, or quarry.
With an Open Water Referral, you complete the first two parts—knowledge development and confined water dives—at home with a local dive shop. Once that’s done, you receive a referral form or documentation, which you bring with you to your travel destination. There, you complete the final four open water dives with a certified instructor to earn your certification.
Why Choose a Referral?
Things to Keep in Mind
An Open Water Referral is a smart and flexible path toward becoming a certified diver. It combines the best of both worlds: the convenience of training at home and the excitement of finishing in the ocean, surrounded by vibrant marine life.
- Save Vacation Time: Do the academic and pool work in advance so your trip is focused on real diving.
- Comfort and Convenience: Learn at your own pace in a familiar setting before hitting the open water.
- Better Use of Resources: Local dive centers often have more time and flexibility to support beginners.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Your referral is valid for 12 months, though it’s best to finish sooner to keep your skills fresh.
- Make sure the dive centers involved are compatible—most major agencies like PADI, SSI, and NAUI honor each other's referrals, but always double-check.
- Bring all your paperwork and proof of completed training with you.
An Open Water Referral is a smart and flexible path toward becoming a certified diver. It combines the best of both worlds: the convenience of training at home and the excitement of finishing in the ocean, surrounded by vibrant marine life.
