If you’re interested in enrolling for an AQ Voyage like Neptune or Dolphin that includes advanced scuba, but are not already scuba certified, consider completing a PADI Scuba Diving Referral before summer.

This is a great option for those who know it’s not feasible to complete the full Open Water Diver certification course prior to the start of the voyage.

Padi Logo

Before explaining how a PADI referral works, let’s start by explaining the training phases that make up the PADI Open Water Diver Certification.

  • Phase 1: Academic Knowledge Development
    Designed to introduce the basic principles of scuba diving, this section is split into five modules that culminates with a final exam that’s intended to test your understanding.
  • Phase 2: Confined Water Dives
    A series of five training dives completed in a swimming pool or shallow environment similar to a swimming pool. These confined water sessions help you develop the practical skills necessary to dive safely in open water. All five dives can easily be completed in a single weekend.
  • Phase 3: Open Water Dives
    Combine all of your experience and knowledge during four open water dives to hone your skills and explore the underwater world!

How the PADI Open Water Referral works

Start by locating a PADI dive store or instructor that’s convenient for your location and tell them you need to complete a PADI Open Water Referral

They’ll provide you with log-in information to the PADI website which allows you to learn at your own pace and complete all of the Academic Knowledge Development (Phase 1) as an online home study course. Your work will be supported and reviewed by your instructor who’ll explain any concepts you need help with in more detail.

The next step to getting your PADI referral is the Confined Water Dives (Phase 2)! Your instructor will work with you to a time and place that works with your schedule to complete these in a local public or private swimming pool. Typically this can be achieved over a series of evenings or a more intensive weekend.

Your instructor will verify completion of each section as you go, then provide you with a document that shows you’ve completed the PADI Open Water Referral. Send us a copy of this document, and you are good to go! We’ll be waiting for you on the dock when you arrive to finish the certification by completing the four Open Water Dives (Phase 3) over the first couple of days of the trip.

Get started today!

Locate a PADI dive store near you

If you can’t find a PADI dive store near you, but locate a store or instructor from another agency like NAUI, SSI, BSAC or CMAS please give us a call to discuss how we might be able to accept an open water referral from a different agency.