Referral Diver Course

Becoming a certified diver in Costa Rica is an exciting journey, and at Rich Coast Diving, we make it simple, safe, and enjoyable. Here’s what to expect: Step 1: Knowledge Development Once you enroll in the Open Water Diver Course, you’ll gain access to engaging online digital learning. This allows you to study at your own pace from home or anywhere you like. The interactive lessons include fun videos and clear explanations, giving you a solid understanding of what it means to become a certified scuba diver. Step 2: Confined Water Skills Next, you’ll move on to the confined water portion of the course — your first experience breathing underwater! Guided by one of our experienced instructors, you’ll practice essential scuba skills in a pool, including mask clearing, buoyancy control, and other fun exercises. These sessions build your confidence and prepare you for your first open water dives. Step 3: Open Water Dives Finally, the most exciting part: four open water dives at some of Costa Rica’s most stunning dive sites. You’ll explore pristine underwater environments and encounter amazing marine life along the way. The Open Water Diver certification is your first step into the world of independent diving. With this certification, you can dive anywhere in the world with a buddy, without the need for an instructor. By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to dive safely, locally or internationally.

The following 4 steps will guide you through completing your Open Water Course with using the Referral option. Here’s how to do it: 1. Contact your local SSI dive center and tell them that you are interested in completing a SSI Referral Diver Program. 2. Once you’re signed up, access your Open Water Diver Digital Course Materials. Work through the chapters, reading the information and completing the knowledge reviews and tests along the way (if you have a questions or issues, you can ask your shop / instructor for help). ​ 3. When you finish your online theory and exam, you will start the confined water skills. You will plan these pool sessions together with your local dive center and dive instructor. When you complete the pool session you come to Costa rica and complete you four (4) open water dives with us, here at Rich Coast Diving at email info@richcoastdiving.com. Important note: All parts of the Referral Diver Course need to be completed with an SSI divecenter.

Within six (6) months Open Water Training Dives must be completed within six (6) months of the last academic or in-water training session. More than six (6) months If it has been more than six (6) months from the issue date of the Referral Diver ccertification, a qualified SSI Professional must conduct a re-evaluation (knowledge and skill review) to determine if the student is sufficiently proficient to continue to the open water training dives. More than twelve (12) months If it has been more than 12 months since the student's last in-water session, the student must complete a Scuba Skills Update and retake the Open Water Diver Final exam.

No problem ! Your local Instructor can fill out an official student referral form (PADI) or training record (SSI) and check which skills you’ve completed and the date. You send this form to us at info@richcoastdiving.com here in Costa Rica and we will finish the course with you.

Yes, you will practice and review all the important skills in a pool before diving in the ocean. Your instructor will make sure that you are comfortable underwater and confident in using your scuba equipment. This way you will fully enjoy the dives in the ocean.

With a Referral Diver course, you can take as much time as you need to complete your knowledge development and pool work. You’ll also support your local dive shop and be able to become part of your local diving community. The Referral Diver program provides students with the knowledge and training necessary to dive in a pool/confined water environment equivalent with their training until they can complete their open water training. This way you spend less time studying and training in the pool. And more time diving and exploring the incredible underwater world of Costa Rica !

Sometimes students allow too much time to pass before finishing their course. You can take up to 6 months to complete your certification, but it’s better to meet your knowledge development and pool training closer to your holiday. This way your memory and skills will be fresh. But do not worry because here at Rich Coast Diving you do a refresh pool session before diving in the ocean to make sure you feel comfortable with our equipment and your skills are up to date.

Contact us in advance to schedule your diving course and holiday. We will confirm availability, the price to complete your course and any other details you will need. For any questions about doing a Referral Diver Course or becoming a diver you can contact us at info@richcoastdiving.com