Most agencies also have Equipment Specialist specialty that gives you a better understanding of how the equipment works as well as routine maintenance. Again, can be done online and in a shop.
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Hello. Not definitive. But a fair definition of "Solo diving."Speaking from experience (I was in OP’s shoes a year and a half ago)...it’s difficult to “dive, dive, dive” when you can’t find a buddy. In my area at least...not a whole lot of folks want to buddy up with a brand new diver. Why? Locally...most everyone that I run into are tech divers. They don’t want a buddy that they’re going to have to babysit. They hear OW cert and x < 20 dives and are like “nope.”
Once I got an AOW cert and 20+ dives under my belt, I had no issue findIng a buddy. Sure...I got a lot out of AOW and I enjoyed the course, but one thing it did for me was open up doors. In terms of finding buddies and opening up diving opportunities. Ex. Deeper stuff.
I agree that divers shouldn’t get caught up in the “buy a card” thing with certs that you haven’t thought over thoroughly, but I think there are a number of good reasons to get your AOW cert early on.
Hello. Not definitive. But a fair definition of "Solo diving."
Cheers.
Hello. Sounds good. There was a thread not long ago in regard to "Solo diving." Something about how your solo career began. I'd like to read it. My first solo dive....was the day I got certified.Unfortunately, the only places that I readily have access to require a solo cert to dive solo (access is strictly controlled). A solo cert is my eventual goal.
I’ve had a regular buddy for a while now, but it would be nice to be able to fall back on a solo card if our plans happen to fall through.
Hello. Sounds good. There was a thread not long ago in regard to "Solo diving." Something about how your solo career began. I'd like to read it. My first solo dive....was the day I got certified.
I got my "Self-Reliant." certification just this year. Only to get people to shut the f@(% up.
Cheers.
Hello. I highly recommend this. I took this course at Divers Market in Plymouth, Mass. Mainly, because I wanted to Overhaul/Service my own gear to save money. Unbeknownst to me....I would end up working in a shop authorized to service, U.S. Divers, Seaquest, Poseidon.Most agencies also have Equipment Specialist specialty that gives you a better understanding of how the equipment works as well as routine maintenance. Again, can be done online and in a shop.
Thanks very much. Saved me some time.