PADI Referral Open Water Diver Course
The PADI Referral Course lets you Complete the theory portion and pool sessions with a local dive shop back home. Then you can finish your PADI Open Water course with us in El Nido.

The PADI Open Water Referral program is ideal for those who have already started their Open Water Diver course completed the theory and confined water sessions but haven’t finished the certification dives yet.

With the referral option, you can complete your four required open water dives here in stunning El Nido, Palawan. It’s a great way to avoid spending your vacation in a classroom and still earn your certification in a world-class diving destination.

Whether you trained with a local dive center or while traveling, we’ll help you complete your journey to becoming a certified diver comfortably and confidently.

How to Become a Certified PADI Open Water Diver

Becoming a certified diver involves three key phases, designed to build both your knowledge and confidence in the water:

1. Knowledge Development

This is the theory portion of the PADI Open Water Course. You can choose to study through PADI eLearning, allowing you to learn at your own pace anytime, anywhere. This phase covers essential diving principles such as safety, equipment, and the underwater environment.

2. Confined Water Dives

Time to get wet! During the confined water sessions, you’ll practice basic scuba skills in a pool or pool-like environment. Each skill builds progressively, helping you become confident and comfortable underwater.

3. Open Water Dives

This is what it’s all about diving in open water! You’ll complete four open water dives in a natural environment such as the ocean, where you’ll demonstrate the skills you’ve practiced and explore the underwater world as a student diver. After this, you’ll be a PADI certified diver, ready to dive anywhere in the world.

What is a PADI Open Water Referral Course?

The PADI Open Water Referral Course is designed for those who have already started the PADI Open Water Diver certification but haven’t completed it. With a referral, you can finish your remaining open water dives at a different PADI dive center like here at Submariner Diving Center in El Nido.

This means you complete the Knowledge Development and Confined Water training at home with your local dive shop, then head to your vacation destination to complete the final step: the Open Water dives, also known as the “check-out dives.”

Instead of spending 3 to 4 days of your holiday in theory sessions and pool training, you’ll arrive with the bulk of the course completed. The remaining dives typically take just a day and a half, giving you more time to enjoy fun dives and explore the underwater world once certified.

Open Water Referral – FAQs

How long do I have to finish the course?

Great news, PADI referrals are now valid for life.
Still, it’s best to complete your training as soon as you can, while the knowledge and skills are fresh.

What if I don’t finish the theory and pool sessions before traveling?

No worries. Your local PADI Instructor will complete an official student referral form showing what you’ve already done. Bring it with you, and any PADI dive center (like ours) can help you pick up right where you left off.

Is PADI eLearning the same as a referral?

Yes! PADI eLearning is a form of referral, it allows you to complete the theory portion of your course online at home before traveling. You can then finish your confined and open water dives at your chosen dive center. It’s flexible, convenient, and perfect if you want to save time on vacation.

Will I have time to practice before diving in the ocean?

Definitely. Your instructor will review key skills with you in confined water before taking you to open water. It’s important you feel confident and ready so just let us know if you need extra time or have any questions.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Referral?

The biggest issue is waiting too long to finish. While referrals are now valid for life, it’s still recommended to complete your course within a reasonable timeframe so the theory and skills stay fresh.

Also, using different diving gear in a new location might take a little adjustment, it’s like driving someone else’s car. Everything works the same, but the feel and placement of controls may vary. If you’re not quite ready to buy all your own gear, consider investing in a few pieces over time to build comfort and familiarity.

By the end of the day, you’ll have successfully completed the practical requirements to become a certified PADI Open Water Diver!

 Ready to Take the Next Step?

Join Submariner Diving Center and start your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course in beautiful El Nido where skill, safety, and adventure come together.

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Trip Advisor 5 star rated dive center for 8 consecutive years

Submariner Diving Center is a PADI 5 Star Dive Resort

We are the first PADI 5 Star IDC and TecRec Resort in El Nido, Palawan Philippines.
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PADI Open Water Course Referral

Php 16,500
  • 4 Dives over 2 Days
  • E-Learning
  • 3:1 Instructor to Student ratio
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