Complete Your PADI Open Water Referral
Start Your Open Water Training Here. Take Your Qualifying Dives Wherever You Choose.
The PADI Open Water Referral course covers the eLearning review and confined-water pool sessions with Wiltshire Scuba. Once those are complete, you take your four qualifying open water dives separately — on holiday, at a dive resort, or with any PADI professional anywhere in the world.
Our experienced PADI Professionals will make sure you leave fully prepared, with everything you need to continue your certification wherever suits you.
What Is A Referral Course?
The PADI Open Water Diver course is made up of three parts: Knowledge Development, Confined Water (Pool) Training, and Open Water Qualification Dives.
Many people choose to complete the theory and pool sessions close to home before finishing their open water dives elsewhere. This is known as an Open Water Referral.
With this course, you complete those first two stages — the eLearning review and your confined-water pool sessions — with Wiltshire Scuba here in Swindon. You then take your four qualifying open water dives at a separate time and place, with any PADI professional worldwide.
Is This Course Right For Me?
This course is for you if:
- You plan to take your four qualifying open water dives on holiday, abroad, or with another PADI centre
- You want to complete the theory and pool training close to home, here in Swindon
- You’d like the flexibility to choose where and when you complete your qualification dives
Not sure if this is the right route for you? Contact us and we’ll help you find the best path to your PADI Open Water Diver certification.
Before You Book
Before your first session you’ll normally need:
- A completed diver medical questionnaire
- Medical clearance where required
- Any personal equipment specified at booking
Questions about what to prepare? Contact us before booking and we’ll walk you through the process.
What Happens During The Referral?
Before entering the water your instructor will review your referral paperwork, discuss your previous training, answer any questions and complete the required safety briefing.
Your pool sessions give you the chance to practise each skill until it feels natural, at a pace that suits you. Once all pool skills have been signed off, your instructor will prepare your PADI referral documentation so you’re ready to take your qualifying dives with any PADI professional worldwide.
Your Qualifying Dives
Once your eLearning and pool sessions are complete, Wiltshire Scuba will issue you with PADI referral documentation. You then take your four qualifying open water dives separately — on a diving holiday, at a PADI dive resort, or with another PADI centre anywhere in the world — and earn your PADI Open Water Diver certification there.
PADI referral documentation is recognised by PADI Dive Centres and resorts worldwide, giving you the flexibility to choose where and when you complete the final stage of your training.
Course Requirements
To join this course you should:
- Be at least 10 years old.
- Have completed the required PADI eLearning (knowledge development).
- Be medically fit to dive.
What Is Included?
- Instructor-led briefing
- Air fills during training
- PADI referral documentation for your qualifying dives
Equipment
Equipment requirements are determined by the booking page. If equipment hire is available it will be shown during booking. If you already own equipment, you’re welcome to use it provided it’s suitable and in good working condition. If you’re unsure whether your equipment is appropriate, we’ll happily advise before your course.
Duration
Sessions are scheduled over the dates shown on the booking page. Please refer to the booking calendar for the latest availability.
Classroom Sessions
Pool Sessions
Private Training
We can offer 1:1 teaching and private pool sessions by enquiry for many of our PADI courses.
This is ideal if you would prefer a quieter learning environment, want extra support, or need training arranged around your availability.
Private training is subject to instructor and pool availability, so please get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk through the best option for you.
Contact UsWhy Complete Your Referral With Wiltshire Scuba?
Choosing where you complete your qualification dives is just as important as where you started. Wiltshire Scuba provides:
- Experienced PADI Professionals
- Small group sizes
- A friendly, supportive learning environment
- Flexible scheduling where possible
- Clear guidance throughout the referral process
- Continued support after certification
We’re committed to helping you become a confident diver, not simply signing off the remaining dives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start my course abroad and finish it in the UK?
Yes. Many divers complete their theory and pool training while on holiday before finishing their open water dives with us.
Can I complete my referral after returning from holiday?
Absolutely. Provided your referral documentation is valid under current PADI standards, we’ll happily complete your remaining training.
What if I’ve lost my paperwork?
Contact us before booking. In many cases we can help determine what records exist and discuss the most appropriate next steps.
Will I have to repeat my pool sessions?
Not usually. However, your instructor may ask you to demonstrate certain skills before continuing with your qualification dives to ensure you’re comfortable and safe.
How long is a referral valid?
Referral documentation has a validity period under current PADI standards. If you’re unsure whether your referral is still valid, send us your details before booking and we’ll advise.
What qualification will I receive?
Once you’ve successfully completed all required dives and skills, you’ll receive your internationally recognised PADI Open Water Diver certification.
Related Courses
Where Could Your Diving Journey Take You?
-
Complete Your Certification — you are here
Complete your open water qualification dives and become a certified diver.
-
Build Confidence
Build confidence with the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course.
-
Continue Learning
Expand your skills with Enriched Air (Nitrox), Dry Suit Diver or Peak Performance Buoyancy.
-
Become A Rescue Diver
Develop your awareness and confidence through Rescue Diver and Emergency First Response.
-
Go Professional
Take your first step towards Divemaster and professional-level training with Wiltshire Scuba.
Ready To Complete Your Certification?
If you’ve already completed your classroom and pool training, you’re only a few dives away from becoming a certified diver. Book your referral today or contact us if you’d like us to check your referral paperwork before booking.