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 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. You can even choose to complete Part B abroad on an upcoming holiday.
Expanded Course – Complete the entire course over four structured training days.
Both routes lead to the same internationally recognised PADI 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
Start your training in our heated on-site training facility in Chertsey, using two dedicated pools to progressively build your skills and confidence before moving to open water.
Course Details
- Price: £350
- Complete your PADI eLearning at home, approximately 10 hours
- One day of pool training at our Chertsey centre, approximately 5 hours
- Progress to Part B for your open-water dives
Important Information
- Minimum age: 10 years
- No experience required
- 200m swim at any pace and a 10-minute float
- Performance-based course; times are approximate
- Final certification fee included
Part B — PADI Open Water Completion
Complete your training with four open-water dives at Surrey Hills Dive Lake.
Course Details
- Price: £325
- Two open-water training days at Surrey Hills Dive Lake
- Day 1: meet at LSD at 08:00, then travel to Surrey Hills Dive Lake
- Day 2: meet at Surrey Hills Dive Lake at 09:30
- Two dives per day
- Skills assessment, real dive experience and final certification
Important Information
- Minimum age: 10 from May to November; 15 from December to April
- If Part A was over six months ago, a Scuba Review is required (£135)
- From December to April, Drysuit Orientation is required (£80): a 2.5-hour pool session before Day 1
- Lake entry: £20 each day
- Air fills: £8 cash per fill; two required in total
- Bring food and drinks or buy them on-site
- Transport is not included unless specifically arranged with LSD
Lake Locations
Our Open Water Part B and Expanded Open Water courses currently use Surrey Hills Dive Lake for all open-water training dives. For Open Water Part B, Day 1 normally starts at London School of Diving at 08:00 before travelling to the lake, and Day 2 normally meets directly at Surrey Hills Dive Lake at 09:30.
For the Expanded Open Water course, Days 1 and 2 take place at London School of Diving from 10:30–16:00, with Days 3 and 4 taking place at Surrey Hills Dive Lake. Exact arrangements will always be confirmed in your booking email.
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.
Surrey Hills Diving, Tapwood Lake, Reigate Road, Buckland, RH2 9RE
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.