PADI Open Water Referral Diver Training Course in North Devon

A PADI Open Water Referral course offers you the chance to complete the theory, equipment and pool training parts of the Open Water course, before jetting off on holiday and completing your remaining 4 open water dives somewhere hot and sunny!  This globally-recognised qualification opens up the seas for you to dive with a buddy or join guided groups anywhere around the globe.

Our course is your first step into the vast, breathtaking world beneath the ocean's surface. Designed for beginners and those looking to get certified, our programme combines theory and pool practice, ensuring you're fully prepared and confident to explore.

Key Details

• Location: Theory and pool training in Ilfracombe, North Devon. 
• Age Requirement: 12+
• Certification Depth: Up to 18 metres (12 metres for divers aged 12-15).

Key Skills

Throughout the course, you'll learn:

• Fundamental diving theory.
• Essential scuba diving skills and safety procedures.
• How to manage your diving equipment underwater.
• Open water diving techniques and navigation.

What to Expect

Choose a timeframe that works for you - we run the course 10am-2pm over 2 days, but can design a course to suit you, leaving you time to hike the South West Coast path or try your hand at surfing, kayaking or paddleboarding, all available in the local area.  

This course is the Open Water Referral, sometimes referred to as 'Part A'. This will include 8-10 hours of self-guided e-learning with supplied materials. You will also have one theory review session which will include physically using the equipment in the pool. You will also have an additional two pool training sessions in our heated outdoor pool, with a maximum of 5 students per instructor to ensure you get the most out of your session. 

After completing our Open Water Referral, you will need to complete your four open water dives to become a fully certified Open Water Diver. By choosing our Open Water Referral, you can get the theory out of the way, and do your Open Water dives at any PADI Centre worldwide. 

Where to Stay

We offer bespoke packages to suit your requirements, including on-site accommodation at our highly-rated guest house (extra cost).  We are very flexible, so you can build an active staycation to suit you – if you’re short of time ask for a 1 day intensive or we can build a course in bite size chunks, so you have time to enjoy the rest of what’s on offer in the beautiful area of North Devon where we are located. 

We are 5 minutes from the South West Coast Path and Ilfracombe is a hub for coasteering, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, or there is easy access to the world-famous surfing beaches at Woolacombe and Croyde.

Prerequisites

• Age 12 or above.
• Completion of the PADI Medical Form and GP sign-off if required - please make sure that you review the PADI medical form before booking a course as you may need a doctor's sign off before we can take you diving.
• Ability to swim 200m unaided and tread water for 10 minutes.
• Completion of a swimming pool Try Dive is recommended, but not mandatory.

Why Choose Us

As a dive centre committed to providing memorable and enriching diving experiences, we offer:

• Small group sizes for personalised attention.
• Warm, friendly, and professional instruction.
• A heated outdoor pool for comfortable learning.
• The flexibility to complete your open water dives locally or at a PADI Dive School of your choice on holiday within a year.

Start your diving adventure with us and unlock the door to the world's most spectacular underwater sites. Booking online is easy, and we're here to guide you through every step of your diving journey. Let's dive in!