PADI Open Water Diver Referral

PADI OPEN WATER DIVER REFERRAL

Did you know you can start your PADI Open Water course in a swimming pool at home, and finish the qualifying open water dives with us here in Malta? This is perfect for those who are here in Malta for just a few days, or want to make the most of their time on holiday. This is known as the PADI Open Water Referral. 

The open water referral dives of your course in Malta normally takes 2 days to complete. Our schedules are flexible to make sure you're getting the most out of your time diving in Malta. After completing the course, you will be qualified to dive to 18m (or 12m on the Junior Open Water course).

Malta diving is widely considered to be the best warm-water diving in Europe. Join us to see what all the fuss is about, with our marine life and beautiful reefs.

What will I do on the course?

With the PADI Open Water Referral option, you start the course back home and complete before arriving in Malta:

• Knowledge Development (Online Theory with PADI eLearning)
• 5 Confined Water Dives to learn basic scuba skills (normally in a swimming pool)

Once you have completed your training dives with your local PADI Dive Centre they will issue your Referral Document. All we need is a copy of this form, your eLearning record and a completed medical form. 

When you arrive in Malta, on the first day of the course, we meet in the morning at the dive centre, introduce ourselves, get your equipment sorted out and have a dive briefing. Then we'll head straight down to the water's edge for a skills review, before embarking on the first of your four qualifying open water dives! This is the fun part - while these dives still do have some skill requirements, this is where you really start to explore and have fun diving. We will visit a variety of dive sites during your course (weather conditions permitting) to make sure that you experience the best that Malta has to offer.

Our course fee includes everything you need:

• A skills review to check the basics
• 4 open water qualifying dives to use your skills and explore
• Full Scuba Equipment rental and gas fills
• Certification costs
• Transportation to dive sites

Please note - your eLearning code includes a pre-paid PADI certification fee. If you have used a paper manual instead of eLearning for your theory, there will be an additional €30 charge (per person), which covers your PADI certification fee.

Before any in-water activities, you will complete a pre-dive medical. Please read the Medical Form carefully to verify whether you will need a doctor's approval of fitness to dive before getting into the water.

We also offer a free hotel pick up/drop off service if you are staying in the St Pauls Bay, Bugibba, Qawra or Xemxija areas. 

Our dive instructors have worked in the UK completing the pool section of the Open Water referrals, as well as here in Malta. We understand the process of taking divers from a pool to the open sea. 

Certification

Once you have completed the 4 open water dives with us, you will receive your PADI Open Water certification, allowing you to continue your underwater adventures. 

Book to secure your space:

If you are planning your PADI Open Water Diver Referral course in advance, you will need to pay a €50 deposit, which secures your place on the course (you may also pay in full if you prefer to have everything paid before you arrive). Click the button below to pay your deposit.

PAY DEPOSIT

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I send the dive centre my PADI Open Water referral forms and eLearning codes?

These can be emailed to our instructors at ndsmalta@gmail.com.

What should I bring with me to the dive centre?

A towel, swimwear and water/snacks (or some cash to buy them). We will provide the rest.

How do I book / when can I start?

As we keep all our group sizes small, our course schedules are flexible to suit your needs. Email us to discuss your schedule requirements. Once we've agreed on the course dates, then you just need to pay your deposit to secure your space.

I've only paid a deposit - when do I pay the balance of the course?

When you arrive at the dive centre – we accept card or cash. If you’d prefer to pay the full amount ahead of time instead of a deposit, that is also fine.

How many people will I dive with?

We keep our groups small, so we can focus on everyone's safety and enjoyment. We don’t have more than 3 divers with one instructor.

Can I have a pick up from my hotel?

Yes, if you are staying in St Pauls Bay, Qawra, Bugibba or Xemxija we can pick you up/drop you off free of charge at your hotel. 

What happens if I have forgotten any skills from my pool dives?

Not a problem, we understand that skills can get rusty between dive sessions. Our instructors are patient and happy to repeat any skills you may need before we start your open water dives.