PADI OPEN WATER DIVER
Searching Availability...
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.
To enrol in the PADI Open Water Diver course you must:
Be at least 10 years old
Have basic swimming ability
Be in good health
No previous scuba diving experience is required.
At London School of Diving, we offer two ways to complete your Open Water certification depending on your schedule and preferred learning style.
Choose Your Training Route
You can complete your Open Water Diver certification in one of the following ways:
Flexible Route – Complete Part A and Part B separately
Expanded Course – Complete the entire course over four structured training days
Both routes lead to the same internationally recognised PADI certification.
Option 1 – Flexible Route (PART A + PART B)
This is the traditional and most flexible way to complete your Open Water course.
You begin with Part A, where you learn the fundamental scuba diving skills in our heated training pool in Chertsey. Once this is completed, you move on to Part B, where you complete your qualifying dives at Wraysbury dive lake.
Many students choose this route as it allows them to spread the course over several weeks if needed.
How it Works
Step 1 – Complete your PADI eLearning at home
Step 2 – Attend Part A pool training at London School of Diving
Step 3 – Complete Part B open water dives at Wraysbury Lake
Upon completion of both parts you will be certified as a PADI Open Water Diver.
PART A - PADI Open Water Referral
PART B - PADI Open Water Completion
Additional Costs
This 2.5-hour pool session must be completed before Day 1 of the course. You will learn essential skills and buoyancy techniques to effectively use a drysuit in colder conditions. Sessions are available on Wednesdays and Fridays at 09:30. Saturdays maybe be available upon request. Please ensure you add this to your booking during our low season months (winter).
Option 2 – 4 Day Expanded Open Water Course
Our 4 Day Expanded Open Water Course is designed for students who prefer a more structured learning experience with additional instructor time and extended training.
Instead of completing the course over separate sessions, this programme runs across four consecutive training days, allowing you to progress through the course with the same instructor guiding you throughout.
This expanded format allows for:
More classroom discussion alongside the PADI eLearning
Pool training spread over two days instead of one
Additional time to practise and refine skills
A more relaxed learning pace for beginners
It is ideal for students who want a complete and immersive learning experience from start to certification.
PADI Open Water Diver – Expanded
10 years old during peak season
15 years old during low season (due to lake temperatures and dry suit sizing)
Additional Costs
Can I start my theory in advance?
For those who would like to get started with the online theory before selecting a date with us, or maybe they want a head start before a trip abroad then please purchase the Open Water Theory course. After purchasing the online theory, we will send you a code to register with PADI. This will allow you access to a full array of digital media from high resolution videos to knoweldge development and to take your exams.
This option does not include any LSD training. It is just the online eLearning. Click here to purchase your Open Water Theory now.
Why choose LSD?
Deciding on where to do your PADI Open Water Diver course is extremely important as you need to make sure that you get the best value for your money and that those teaching you have right experience. The London School of Diving is a CDC rated PADI centre which is the highest level possible when it comes to teaching recreational scuba diving. Our professional and friendly staff will assist you in every way possible to help you achieve your dream diving qualification so you can scuba dive THE WORLD. Our aim is beyond making you pass the course, it is to make you a great diver.