SDI open Water Referral Course
SDI Open Water Referral Course
Start your journey & explore the ocean with the SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Referral Course – your gateway to the thrilling world of scuba diving!
- Dive into online learning at your own pace.
- Learn the needed skills in the confined pool sessions.
- Finish up the 4 open water dives abroad experiencing the excitement and beauty of our underwater world.
Get ready for a transformative adventure were learning meets passion, leading to a certification that not only unlocks the wonders of the underwater realm but also fosters personal growth and connects you with the global diving community. With SDI, it’s not just about certification; it’s about gaining access to an exclusive world of underwater marvels!
Upon completion of the Open Water Referral Course you will be ready to embark on the 4 open water dives anywhere in the world with the dive centre of your choice.
Our Global Referral Program currently allows divers from all around the world to continue their education without having to worry about “agency politics”. We have created the Global Referral Program so that resorts and instructors from other agencies listed with our referral program can sign off on our diver’s open water dives while maintaining their SDI rating.
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Book your Training with Divexplore in South Wales
SDI open Water Referral Course Prerequisites
- Be 10 or more years old
- Be able to swim 200m (or 300 meters with mask, fins, and snorkel) There is no time limit.
- Be able to tread water / float for 10 minutes
- Complete a fit to dive medical. Downloadable PDF
Course duration
Course beginning to completion is spread over one month:
- eLearning to be done in your own time
- Online / in person theory review (2-3 hours)
- 4 pool sessions of 6 hours total in water time (Mondays 7 till 9.30)
SDI open Water Referral Course
Price £385
Or
This price includes:
- SDI e-Learning Open Water Diver materials
- Theory tuition & course instruction
- SDI eCertification
- Full scuba kit hire
- Air fills
- Log book
- The 4 Open Water Dives
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the SDI Open Water course price include?
The course price includes the following:
- SDI eLearning Open Water Diver materials
- Theory tuition & course instruction
- SDI eCertification
- Full scuba kit hire
- Air fills
- 4 Pool sessions (6 hours min)
- 4 Open water dives
- Log book
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to learn to scuba dive with SDI?
Before receiving your SDI Open Water Diver certification, you will need to successfully complete a water skills assessment, which includes the following requirements.
- Swim 200 meters/yards without stopping: You can use any swimming stroke you are comfortable with, and there is no time limit for this requirement. Alternatively, you have the option to swim 300 meters/yards continuously using a mask, fins, and snorkel.
- Float and tread water for 10 minutes: You will need to demonstrate your ability to stay at the surface of the water without using any swimming aids. You can use any method that allows you to comfortably remain afloat.
What is the minimum age to be a SDI Open Water Diver?
The minimum age to participate in a PADI Junior Open Water Diver course is 10 years old.
- For children aged 10-11: They can earn the Junior Open Water Diver certification, which allows them to dive to a maximum depth of 12 meters (40 feet). However, they must dive with a certified SDI Professional or a certified parent/guardian.
- For teenagers aged 12-14: They can also achieve the Junior Open Water Diver certification and are allowed to dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet). They may dive with any certified adult as their dive buddy.
- Once the student turns 15 years old they will need to upgrade to a full SDI Open Water Diver certification free of charge.
I have some health/medical conditions, can I still Scuba Dive?
It depends on the severity of the medical condition;
Unfortunately there are some medical conditions that would prevent you from taking part in scuba diving activities, but not all medical issues would stop you from pursuing scuba diving.
Before taking part in any scuba training you will be asked to complete a Medical Questionnaire.
If you answer ‘Yes’ to any of the listed conditions, you would need to take all three parts of the medical to your GP to get signed approval or alternatively go to a specific diving physician.
How long does it take to get a SDI Open Water Diver certification?
To gain the SDI Open Water Diver certification with DivExplore, it will take around a month.
- We only offer high quality training with safety being our number one priority.
- Our aim is to give every student the knowledge, skills and confidence to dive safely with a high understanding of dive theory to keep them and there dive buddies as safe as possible whilst enjoying the under water world.
What are the prerequisites for enrolling onto the SDI Open Water Diver course?
To enrol on the SDI Open Water Diver course you must:
- Be at least 10 years old.
- Be in good physical health and complete a fit to dive medical. Downloadable PDF
- Demonstrate adequate swimming skills (swim 200m), and be able to float or tread water for 10 minutes.
- Be comfortable in water.
Can I scuba dive if I wear glasses or contact lenses?
YES, absolutely! – There are 3 ways in which you are able to enjoy the vibrant under water world.
- Contact Lenses: You are able to wear contacts during diving but be careful they don’t float away if your mask floods. During mask skills on the open water course you are able to close your eyes and the instructor will signal you once you have cleared your mask.
- Prescription Dive Masks: Investing in a dive mask with prescription lenses that are specifically tailored to your vision needs is another excellent and reliable solution. This is the best option if you have astigmatism or a more complex prescription. This can also be an expensive option so be sure you will get use out of them; and try not to lose them.
- Stick-on Magnifying Lenses: If your primary need for vision correction is for close-up viewing, such as reading your dive gauges, you can utilize stick-on magnifying lenses that can be easily applied to the inside of a standard dive mask.
How deep can I dive as a SDI Open Water Diver?
Upon completion of the SDI Open Water Diver Course specific depth limits will apply depending on the age of the diver.
- Aged 10 & 11 – Depth limit of 12 metres with either a parent/guardian or a Dive Professional.
- Aged 12 to 14 – Depth limit of 18 metres with a certified adult diver.
- Aged 15+ – Depth limit of 18 metres with another certified diver.
How long does my SDI certification last?
Your SDI certification will last a lifetime so once you’ve completed the course you’ll never have to do it again.
However, if you go a period of 6 months or longer without diving it is recommended that you take a refresher session with a dive professional. After long periods of diving inactivity your diving skills and knowledge can become rusty, so this is a great way to polish up on those potentially life saving skills.
Everyone forgets things when not done in a while, so best be safe.
Give us a call on 07522 493132 Or email us at info@divexplore.co.uk
