A Travel Referral Open Water dive certification, often used with PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) courses, allows you to complete the theory and confined water (pool) portion of your open water diver training locally, and then finish the open water dives at a different location, typically during a vacation. This means you can focus on the fun part of the course - the open water dives - while traveling and enjoying your destination, instead of spending time on the initial training at your local dive shop.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Knowledge Development and Confined Water Dives at Home: You complete the online learning and pool training with a PADI dive center in your area. This typically includes learning about dive theory, gear, and basic skills in a pool. 

2. Travel and Open Water Dives: Once you've completed the initial phases, you travel to your destination and complete the four open water dives with another PADI dive center. These dives are the final step in the certification process and involve practicing your skills in the ocean. 

3. Certification: Upon successful completion of the open water dives, you receive your PADI Open Water Diver certification, allowing you to dive independently up to a maximum depth of 60 feet (18 meters) with a buddy.