AOW Q's What counts?

[ucrtwf]

Hi,
I'm curious what counts for the AOW dives? I've dove off of several boats, been deeper than 60 ft, I plan on doing a couple night dives on my next trip (early May). Would any of these dives count towards the AOW cert? Or do all of the dives have skills training as well? I'm not trying to cut any corners, or trying to get something for nothing- I'm just curious. I am planning on my AOW cert, and will do what ever it takes to learn more. Right now, I've only got 9 dives, OW and Nitrox cert.
Thanks in advance,
Tim

 

[rakkis]

AOW dives have to be made with an instructor. There are a number of skills that must be performed.

If you have some exposure, not all will be new information.

 

[gafftape42]

If you have experienced some of the specialties offered in the AOW course you could always ask to do ones which you have not experienced. The idea is you give you a taste of some areas of diving you have not encountered. The deep and nav are required, but the other 3 are open to choice.

 

[Walter]

They have to be made within the context of the course.

 

[ucrtwf]

Thanks guys! The info is much appreciated.
Tim

 

[Charlie99]

IMO the best way to approach AOW is that it is a tune-up or finishing school. You are certified and have done a few dives to practice the low level mechanics of breathing underwater and controlling your buoyancy. Now you can work with an instructor to improve your skills in things like underwater navigation, learn to plan multilevel dives, and better learn to plan how much air you need to have in reserve at different points in a dive.

Work with your instructor to see which available electives match up with your needs and desires.

When you look at from this point of view, even if you had done dives that would "count" for an AOW course, it would be better to repeat them while taking full advantage of the opportunity to learn more.

 

[Texasdivechick]

I recently dove with a guy who had logged over 600 dives, but was not AOW certified. He just never formalized his training, which is okay. His form was impeccable, but he had to do all the required skills just to get the AOW card. He ended up acting as an assistant to the instructor for all of us newbies and I certainly felt much more comfortable having him in the water next to me. He performed all the necessary skills without a hitch and gained his AOW card, just in time for his next trip that required advanced training.

 

[Rainer]

I recently dove with a guy who had logged over 600 dives, but was not AOW certified. He just never formalized his training, which is okay. His form was impeccable, but he had to do all the required skills just to get the AOW card. He ended up acting as an assistant to the instructor for all of us newbies and I certainly felt much more comfortable having him in the water next to me. He performed all the necessary skills without a hitch and gained his AOW card, just in time for his next trip that required advanced training.

Rather: Which required an "advanced card".