I have been flamed for having the label DM candidate on SB for the last 10 years. Assuming that the DM status gives you un fathomed wisdom. But it doesn’t. It was just a class, and I am just a diver - non professional. But - these are the classes that impacted me: Intro to GUE - a weekend course, but we drilled on buoyancy skill, kicks, and alot of skills. Have to make time for the full fundamental course. TDI solo - although there was no formal instruction in the water, the content does imprint the necessity of reserve gas in addition to the pony when you can not trust your instabuddy or the environment is new or different. It should be a mandatory course for all divers who dives with blonds, photographers, children, hunters or instabuddy. DM course - a good exposure and reinforcement of basic skills. Assisting in 4 classes gave me opportunities to practice rescue skills in real life, and witnessed true emergency like dealing with free flow regulator at depth in an aow class. Where else in Michigan can you dive in the winter? Sign up for a DM class! Better ask stupid questions in a class than on SB - you do not get flammed alot. I just carry an aow card when I dive. That is my level of diving - no more, no less.