PADI Open Water Referral
Why train with us?
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Low student to instructor ratios : 3 or 4 students per instructor both in the pool and ocean
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Our retail store is located downtown.
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Diving courses available all year-round. Private courses available.
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We teach children 10 years and older.
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Passionate team of Instructors and Divemasters who love to teach.
Learn to Scuba Dive in Vancouver | Get PADI Certified with the Top Rated Dive School in BC
Ready to start your scuba diving journey? Our PADI Open Water Diver Referral Course in Vancouver is the most comprehensive way to earn your internationally recognized scuba certification. At Diving Sports Canada, we offer professional scuba diving lessons tailored for beginners looking to explore the ocean safely, confidently, and independently. Whether you’re training for cold water diving in British Columbia or preparing for tropical scuba vacations, our experienced instructors ensure you’re fully equipped to dive anywhere in the world. Complete all of your Class and Pool training in Vancouver and finish your Ocean Dives on your dive vacation!
We specialize in small group scuba diving courses with extended pool and classroom sessions that exceed PADI's minimum requirements because we believe divers deserve the time and attention to truly master their skills. Located in Vancouver, our dive shop offers full access to modern training facilities, top-quality rental gear, and in-depth drysuit instruction. All ocean dives for the Open Water Course are held at scenic Whytecliff Park, one of Vancouver’s best dive sites.
Our mission is to deliver the most reliable and enjoyable scuba training in Vancouver. Whether you're looking for beginner scuba diving classes, PADI certification courses, or private scuba instruction, Diving Sports is committed to helping you become a safe and confident diver. Join a passionate and supportive dive community and kickstart your underwater adventure with Vancouver’s most trusted dive school.
Student Experience: PADI Open Water Diver Course in Vancouver
In this video, one of our students shares their full experience taking the PADI Open Water Diver Course with Diving Sports Canada. You'll get a real look at what it's like to learn to dive in Vancouver, from pool training to ocean dives at Whytecliff Park, and see how we guide beginners every step of the way.
Introduction to Cold Water Scuba Diving in Vancouver
This video explores what it’s like to learn scuba diving in Vancouver’s cold water environment. Discover how we prepare new divers for local conditions, the benefits of drysuit training, and what makes British Columbia one of the most unique dive destinations in the world.
Why Choose the PADI Open Water Diver Referral Course?
If you have a tropical destination holiday booked, or are unsure if cold water diving in Vancouver is for you, the PADI Open Water Diver Referral Course is the perfect entry point for you. This course offers you the chance to learn essential skills and gain confidence in your diving abilities right here in Vancouver, before travelling somewhere Tropical to earn your PADI Open Water Diver certification, enabling you to dive globally.
The Open Water Diver Referral course includes comprehensive pool training and classroom sessions offering a thorough and immersive learning experience. Join us today at Diving Sports Canada, and take your first step toward becoming a certified diver.
Course Highlights:
- Hands-on training in small, personalized groups
- Comprehensive pool and classroom sessions
- Top-quality rental gear and experienced instructors
- Access to modern training facilities
Course Prerequisites:
- Ability to swim 200 meters
- Medical clearance if necessary
- Age: 12 or older
Why Choose Diving Sports Canada for Your PADI Certification?
Diving Sports Canada is the premier choice for beginner scuba diving certification in Vancouver. Unlike other dive shops, we emphasize small class sizes, allowing us to provide personalized, high quality instruction for every student. Our experienced and professional instructors are dedicated to ensuring you not only pass the course but also master the essential scuba skills to dive safely and confidently in both local cold water environments and tropical waters. Based in Vancouver, BC, we specialize in cold water diving, providing you with an unmatched opportunity to experience local marine life and dive conditions. With state of the art training facilities, top tier rental gear, and a welcoming diving community, you’ll gain more than just a certification you’ll embark on a lifelong adventure of scuba exploration.
Register now for your Scuba Diving lessons and learn how to scuba dive in Vancouver. Our PADI Open Water Diver Referral course is the gateway to a life changing experience. Get your scuba diving certification started and begin exploring the vibrant diving culture in Vancouver, Whyte Cliff Park, and tropical destinations worldwide.
Prerequisites for the Open Water Referral Training
- Ability to swim 200m non stop, any style, untimed
- Ability to tread water or float for 10 minutes non stop
- Medical form filled out and approved by a physician (if applicable). Review the Medical HERE
- Personal Mask and Snorkel are required for the course
- All eLearning course material must be completed before the start of the course
All prerequisites must be met before training begins, otherwise, students may need to reschedule. Please review our Rescheduling Policy HERE.
What is Included in the Course
- Open Water eLearning course material.
- 1 Evening classroom session for orientation, equipment fitting, and knowledge review.
- 2 Full days confined water pool training sessions (4 hours per day) the weekend prior to ocean dives.
- Transportation between pool and shop locations.
- All necessary scuba rental equipment: BCD, regulator, wetsuit, drysuit, dive computer, etc. (except mask and snorkel).
What is Not Included
- Mask and snorkel (students are required to own these items).
- Additional pool or ocean training (available for an extra fee). See our rates for private training.
Get started today and learn how to dive in Vancouver with the expert instructors at Diving Sports. The PADI Open Water course opens the door to an exciting underwater adventure. Obtain your Scuba Diving Certification and explore some of the most unique local dive sites like Whyte Cliff Park, Porteau Cove and tropical destinations around the world. Sign up for your Scuba Diving Course now!
Course Description
To enroll in the PADI Open Water Diver Referral course at Diving Sports, you must be 12 years or older. Students are required to demonstrate the ability to swim 200 meters without stopping and tread water for 10 minutes before any SCUBA training. Throughout the course, you will learn key skills to plan and execute dives without a Divemaster or Instructor. Upon completion, you will receive your referral paperwork to complete your ocean dives with any other dive shop and qualified instructor in the world!
The Open Water Referral course includes three main components:
- 1. eLearning/Knowledge Development: Complete all online theory sections and pass the final exam before the pool sessions. On the first evening, we provide a full orientation, equipment fitting, and theory review.
- 2. Confined Water Sessions: We spend a total of 8 hours in the pool to ensure you master the necessary skills before moving to ocean dives. Additional sessions can be arranged if needed.
- 3. Referral Paperwork: Your instructor will fill out all the necessary paperwork for you to complete your Open Water Dives on vacation with another dive shop or qualified dive professional.
What You Will Learn
At Diving Sports, you'll learn to safely use SCUBA equipment and plan your dives. After completing the Open Water course, you and your buddy will be certified to dive independently. You will learn all of the theory and confined water skills to confidently complete your ocean dives while on holiday.
Before signing up, please review the Diver Medical Form to ensure you are cleared to dive.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Commitment to Safety and Enjoyment
At Diving Sports, we prioritize your safety while ensuring a fun, unforgettable diving experience. Our instructors are trained in first aid and oxygen delivery, and our dive guides are experts in cold water diving. We ensure that all dives include first aid kits and DAN oxygen kits. Dive plans may change based on weather conditions or the group's experience level, ensuring your safety and enjoyment at all times.
Register Now
