Automatic Upgrade of JOWD to OWD?

[Marek K]

As we know, upon reaching 15 years old, a Junior Open Water diver can be "upgraded" to normal Open Water by getting a new c-card issued.

But is it necessary to get a new card (for $30 through PADI, in this case)? Or will a kid who had gotten his JOWD, and is now over 15, be recognized as an Open Water diver with his old JOWD card just by virtue of his birth date?

Why does it matter? Because of the 40 ft. JOWD depth limitation.

--Marek

 

[CenTexDivin]

I'd save the $30 and go enroll in a AOW class if you feel they're ready. I did this a number of years back, but only cause I was working at the LDS and was ready to do more than jump in the local river.

 

[fisherdvm]

That's a good idea. Get another card, rather than paying $30.

 

[String]

Officially:

Junior Diver Upgrade Procedures
To upgrade a Junior Diver when the diver reaches 15 years of age (such as Junior
Scuba Diver, Open Water, Adventure Diver, Advanced Open Water or Rescue
Diver), use the following procedures.
1. Submit a PIC envelope to the appropriate PADI Office and indicate that it is
for a replacement card – upgrade for junior certification level. Include as
much original certification information as possible – certification date, level
of training and diver number. Have the diver fill out the student diver portion
including a current address, and enclose a photo.
OR
2. Submit a Certification Card Replacement Form to the appropriate PADI Office.
Include a copy of the diver’s PADI Validation Card (if possible), fill in as
much original certification information as available, and include a photo and
processing fee.

 

[CenTexDivin]

I think, but not sure, that if you have a JOW and can provide proof of age by drivers license or other government issued photo id, then it should be accepted as a normal OW cert

 

[Marek K]

I'd save the $30 and go enroll in a AOW class if you feel they're ready.

Good idea. But that would be in the mid-term. I'm unfortunately thinking in the immediate short-term.

Officially:
Junior Diver Upgrade Procedures [...]
include [...] processing fee.

Yeah. But if you don't upgrade (and care to pay the extra $30 fee)... is a 17-year-old kid, in our case, still technically a JOWD diver if they haven't upgraded or gone on to AOW? If that's still the card they're carrying?

I think, but not sure, that if you have a JOW and can provide proof of age by drivers license or other government issued photo id, then it should be accepted as a normal OW cert

Or if he's taller than I am, and growing a beard. That's exactly what I'm wondering. It would make sense...