I see some good points here. First of all as there are different requirements from agency to agency, the direct comparison across the board isn't totally fitting.
Intentionally hiding extra costs I find is a nasty way of doing business, and if it's not advertised, one should at least be up front with this prior to student enrollment.
Things like gas fills, charter fees and park fees are typically not included in course up here, but it's always nice to remind everyone of that. There's nothing like honesty, as even if you're not intentionally snowballing someone, it leaves a poor taste in their mouth if they find out after the fact.
Being crystal clear prior to exchanging money, and this includes expectations of both sides is ideal.
I'll go on record here, at least as far as a huge majority of AOW courses I have seen in our parts, is that it's an expensive proposition simply because all you really get is 5 guided dives.
I'd do that for half the price of my AOW course.
On the other hand, as Derek has pointed out, what you should be looking for is an education here. That generally but not always means a higher price tag.
I know for a fact that some Padi AOW courses in our area had no class time, did not take up or hand in the KR's, and were infact 5 guided dives with nothing else accomplished.
Of course that means little to QA dept's because I am nothing but a third party, so the practice continues unabated.
In speaking with many AOW students I find they generally tell me they got nothing from their AOW courses that was worth even half of what they paid for it.
Unfortunately since most boats require you to have AOW for trouble free diving, this is essentially a required course.
Since it may also be the last one many take, I find it to be of utmost importance, so should really be fitting its AOW moniker as best it can.
Not that I'm doing ANY personal advertising here
http://www.niagarascuba.ca/courses.html
LOL
Regards
