OPEN WATER REFERRAL
PADI OPEN WATER REFERRAL
Complete Your Pool Training in London, Finish Your Dives Anywhere
The PADI Open Water Diver Referral option is perfect if you want to begin your scuba training in London and complete the final dives on holiday.
You complete the PADI eLearning theory and all confined water pool training with us at Scuba Academy. Once you are comfortable with the skills, we provide a PADI Referral form, allowing you to finish your four qualifying open water dives with a PADI Dive Centre anywhere in the world.
Training at our Surbiton facility means you can learn the skills in a calm, controlled environment before heading off to warmer waters or a holiday destination to complete your certification.
By the end of the referral stage, you will have mastered all the essential scuba skills needed to safely complete your open water dives and become a certified diver.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR OPEN WATER REFERRAL TRAINING?
PADI Open Water Diver eLearning knowledge development
Confined water scuba training sessions with a PADI Instructor
Step-by-step guidance through essential diving skills
Buoyancy control, mask clearing, regulator recovery, and underwater movement
Equipment setup and dive preparation
All core scuba equipment provided during training
Your PADI Open Water Referral paperwork
WHAT HAPPENS DURING YOUR SESSION ?
Before entering the water, you will complete the PADI Open Water Diver eLearning programme. This online course explains the principles of scuba diving, equipment use, safety procedures, and dive planning. You can complete this at home in your own time.
Once the theory is complete, your instructor will guide you through a series of confined water training sessions, where you will learn the practical skills needed for safe scuba diving. These sessions are designed to build confidence step by step, covering everything from breathing underwater to buoyancy control and basic problem-solving skills.
After successfully completing the confined water sessions, you will receive a PADI Referral form. This allows you to travel to another PADI Dive Centre anywhere in the world to complete your four open water training dives, which will finalise your certification as a PADI Open Water Diver.
Questions You May Have
WHAT IS A REFERRAL COURSE?
A referral course means you complete the classroom and pool training with us, then finish your open water dives with another PADI dive centre, often while on holiday.
HOW LONG IS A REFERRAL VALID?
Your referral paperwork is valid for 12 months, giving you plenty of time to complete the final dives.
WHERE CAN I COMPLETE MY OPEN WATER DIVES?
You can complete them at any PADI dive centre worldwide. Many students choose warm-water destinations during holidays.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I COMPLETE THE COURSE?
Once your open water dives are finished, you will become a certified PADI Open Water Diver, allowing you to dive worldwide to a depth of 18 metres (60 ft) with a buddy.
Many divers then continue their training with the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course to expand their skills and experience.
HOW LONG DOES THE SESSION LAST?
A typical Bubblemaker experience lasts around 2 hours, including briefing, kitting up and time in the pool.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
f they love Bubblemaker (most do!), they can progress to the PADI Seal Team and start learning real scuba skills through AquaMissions.
DO I NEED A MEDICAL FORM?
Yes. All participants complete a short medical questionnaire. If anything is flagged, you may need a doctor’s clearance before diving.
OPEN WATER REFERRAL HIGHLIGHTS
Prefer to complete the full PADI Open Water Diver course with us in the UK?
You can finish both the pool training and the open water dives with Scuba Academy.