Description

Can’t decide whether to get your scuba certification while on holiday or at home before you travel? With a PADI referral, you don’t have to choose.

A PADI referral allows you to complete most of your scuba training at home and finish your certification dives anywhere in the world. Avoid studying during your vacation and support your local dive store at the same time. You can also ask your current PADI Instructor for referral regardless of reason to another Instructor within the same city of residence. Here’s what you need to know:

Finishing a course has multiple phases (listed below). If you’d like more info on each phase, watch the video below.

As an example, PADI Open Water Diver Course has three phases.

Phase one: knowledge development
Phase two: confined water
Phase three: open water.

What is a PADI Referral Course?

With a referral, you’ll complete some of the phases before leaving home. Then finish the remaining parts of your scuba course certification requirement anywhere in the world.

To put it another way, instead of spending 4-5 days on your holiday studying and practicing skills in a pool, you’ll arrive with the majority of your course done. The final portion of the course typically takes less time to complete. Once certified, you can spend the rest of your time exploring with your dive buddy and gaining additional dive experience.

Referral FAQs

How long do I have to finish the course?

A referral is valid for up to 12 months, but it’s better to complete your training as soon as possible (while your knowledge and skills are still fresh).

What if I run out of time before I travel?

No problem. Your local PADI Instructor will fill out an official student referral form and check off which skills you’ve completed and the date. You then give us this form 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. PADI eLearning is the most popular option for knowledge development, but you can also study with a book and DVD and attend classroom sessions instead.

What are the advantages of a referral?

With a PADI referral course, you can take as much time as you need to complete as much as you can from your course requirement. You won’t feel rushed or like you’re “cramming” for a test. You’ll also support the nice people at your local dive shop and become part of your local diving community.

What are the disadvantages of an open water referral?

Sometimes students allow too much time to pass before finishing their course. You can take up to a year to complete your certification, but it’s better to complete your remaining course requirement as soon as possible.

What else do I need to know?

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

What PADI courses can I request referral for?

Every PADI Course can be referred to another Instructor.