How do I become a PADI Open Water Diver?
The PADI Open Water Diver course is the world’s most popular scuba diving certification. Once certified, you will be qualified to dive anywhere in the world to a maximum depth of 18 metres with a buddy.
Millions of people have learned to scuba dive through the PADI Open Water Diver course and gone on to explore coral reefs, wrecks and incredible underwater environments across the globe.
Choose your training route
Two ways to complete the same certification
Standard Route
Complete Part A and Part B separately
Build your knowledge and pool skills first, then complete the open-water dives with us or abroad.
Part A — PADI Open Water Referral
Course Details
Part A is one pool training day of approximately 5 hours, held at London School of Diving in Chertsey.
Before you book
You’ll need to be at least 10 years old, but no experience is required. You’ll also need to swim 200m at any pace and float for 10 minutes. The final certification fee is included and, as this is a performance-based course, times are approximate.
Part B — PADI Open Water Completion
Course Details
Part B runs over two days, Thursday–Friday or Saturday–Sunday, with both days at Surrey Hills Dive Lake. We meet at the lake at 10:00 midweek or 09:00 at weekends.
Before you book
The minimum age is 10 from May to October and 15 from November to April. If you completed Part A more than six months ago, you’ll need a Scuba Review (£135) first — get £20 off when booked at the same time as your course with code SR20.
In winter (November to April), your course includes a dry suit orientation on site at the lake, with in-water training on several skills before your first course dive, and the suit for both course days. Lake entry is £20 each day. You’ll need two air fills in total: the first is included and the second is £8 cash, paid at the lake. Do bring food and drinks, or buy them on-site. Transport isn’t included unless specifically arranged with LSD.
Lake Locations
Surrey Hills Dive Lake
Surrey Hills Diving is based at Tapwood Lake, a large inland scuba diving venue near Reigate. The lake is a former silica sand quarry with clear water, good visibility and depths suitable for diver training and progression. Exact arrangements will always be confirmed in your booking email.
Can I start my theory in advance?
If you would like to start the online theory before selecting a date with us, or get a head start before a trip abroad, you can purchase the Open Water Theory course.
We will send you a code to register with PADI, giving you access to digital media, high-resolution videos, knowledge development and exams.
This option does not include any LSD training. It is online eLearning only.
Why choose LSD?
We aim beyond helping you pass
Choosing where to complete your PADI Open Water Diver course is important for both value and teaching quality. London School of Diving is a CDC-rated PADI centre, the highest level possible for teaching recreational scuba diving. Our professional and friendly staff will support you throughout your qualification. Our aim is not simply to help you pass the course, but to make you a great diver.