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 | PADI Open Water Referral Course with Diving Sports Canada
Looking to learn scuba diving in Vancouver? Start your underwater journey with our top-rated PADI Open Water Diver Referral Course. At Diving Sports Canada, we specialize in providing beginner divers with a safe, fun, and professional introduction to scuba diving. Our PADI-certified instructors help you build confidence and master essential diving skills through hands-on classroom and pool training in Vancouver.
Unlike most dive shops, we go beyond the PADI minimums—our small-group scuba classes include extended pool time, in-depth theory lessons, and personalized feedback. Our students train in modern, fully equipped facilities and use high-quality rental gear. Once you're ready, you can complete your ocean dives on vacation or upgrade to our full PADI Open Water Diver course in Vancouver with dives at Whytecliff Park, one of the best cold water dive sites in British Columbia.
Whether you're planning a tropical dive vacation or want to explore the incredible marine life right here in BC, Diving Sports Canada offers the best scuba certification programs in Vancouver. We also offer continuing education and specialty diving courses to support your growth as a diver.
Student Experience: PADI Open Water Diver Course in Vancouver
Watch a real student share their full experience taking the PADI Open Water Diver Course at Diving Sports Canada. Get an inside look at our Vancouver scuba program, from pool sessions to ocean dives, and see how we support beginners every step of the way.
Introduction to Cold Water Scuba Diving in Vancouver
What’s it like to scuba dive in Vancouver’s cold water? In this video, we walk you through drysuit training, local marine life, and what makes British Columbia one of the world’s most exciting dive destinations. Cold water diving is more accessible than you think—and it starts here.
Why Choose the PADI Open Water Diver Referral Course?
If you're unsure about cold water diving or already have a tropical trip planned, the PADI Open Water Diver Referral Course lets you complete your theory and confined water skills here in Vancouver and finish your ocean dives anywhere in the world. It’s the most flexible path to becoming a certified diver.
Our Referral Course includes full classroom instruction and pool training in a small group setting. Whether you're diving locally or abroad, this course sets the foundation for safe, confident diving with a globally recognized PADI certification.
Course Highlights:
- Expert PADI-certified scuba instructors in Vancouver
- Hands-on scuba training in small, personalized groups
- Extended pool and classroom sessions for real skill development
- Top-quality rental equipment and modern dive facilities
Course Prerequisites:
- Minimum age: 12 years old
- Ability to swim 200 meters and float for 10 minutes
- Medical clearance if applicable
PADI Open Water Diver Referral Course in Vancouver
Looking to get your scuba certification in Vancouver? Start with the PADI Open Water Diver Referral Course at Diving Sports Canada. This course is the perfect first step for anyone who wants to learn to dive locally and complete their ocean dives on vacation in warm water. With small class sizes, top-quality rental gear, and experienced instructors, you'll receive expert dive training in a fun and safe environment.
Why Choose Diving Sports Canada for Scuba Certification?
We are Vancouver’s top choice for PADI scuba training. Our courses focus on small groups to give you personalized attention, ensuring that you master each skill with confidence. Located on Main Street in Vancouver, we specialize in cold water diving and prepare you for tropical dive vacations as well. Our PADI-certified instructors help you gain the knowledge and skills to become a safe and competent diver anywhere in the world.
Learn to scuba dive in Vancouver with a dive shop trusted by locals and travelers. Book your PADI Referral Course today and take the first step toward exploring the underwater world.
Referral Course Prerequisites
- Must be 12 years or older
- Swim 200m without stopping
- Tread water or float for 10 minutes
- Complete medical questionnaire (physician approval may be required) – Download Here
- Have your own mask and snorkel
- Complete PADI eLearning before the course
All requirements must be met before training begins. Review our rescheduling policy here.
What’s Included in Your Vancouver PADI Dive Referral Course
- Official PADI Open Water eLearning course
- One evening classroom session for orientation and equipment fitting
- Two full pool training days (confined water dives) on the weekend
- Transportation between dive shop and pool
- Use of rental scuba gear: wetsuit, drysuit, regulator, BCD, dive computer, and tanks
What’s Not Included
- Mask and snorkel (must be purchased separately)
- Optional extra pool/ocean training (available for an additional fee)
Course Overview: Learn to Dive in Vancouver
This referral course includes the full classroom and pool portion of the PADI Open Water Diver certification. Once completed, you’ll receive referral documents to finish your ocean dives anywhere in the world, including tropical destinations or local BC sites like Whytecliff Park and Porteau Cove.
- 1. Online eLearning: Complete your scuba diving theory online before the course starts.
- 2. Classroom Session: Get a full course orientation, equipment fitting, and knowledge review in person.
- 3. Confined Water Training: Learn and practice all core dive skills in a controlled pool setting.
- 4. Referral Certification: Receive official paperwork to complete ocean dives at your convenience.
What You’ll Learn During Your Training
During your referral scuba diving course, you will:
- Become familiar with all standard scuba gear and how to use it
- Develop essential skills such as mask clearing, regulator recovery, buoyancy control, and emergency procedures
- Learn to plan and execute safe dives with a buddy
- Gain confidence to complete your ocean certification dives on vacation or in BC
This course is ideal for travelers looking to get certified before heading to warm-water destinations like Mexico, Hawaii, or the Caribbean.
Continue Your Scuba Journey
After completing your referral, we recommend these next steps:
- Complete the Full PADI Open Water Diver Course
- Take the PADI Drysuit Specialty Course to explore cold water diving in BC
- Browse All Scuba & Freediving Courses
Safety & Instructor Commitment
At Diving Sports, safety is our top priority. All of our instructors are certified in emergency first aid and oxygen delivery. We follow strict PADI standards and always adapt training based on conditions and student comfort. Whether you’re preparing for cold water diving in BC or a tropical adventure, we make sure your experience is fun, safe, and educational.
