I'm new to diving, I've had my OW cert since the end of August.
In Sept. I took my AOW, and my EAN certs. I took the EAN as a recommendation of my dive buddies because they both dive EAN, and it makes a better buddy if you all/both dive using the same air.
Because I am still new at diving, I am trying to get as much "Real-Life" experance as possible. I'm trying to dive every, or at least every other weekend. On weekends that I can't go out and dive the the springs here in FL, or take a charter out for a two tank dive, I've been going over to a friend of mine's house and jumping in the pool with full gear on, to practice my bouancy, mask/reg clearing, taking on and off my gear while in the water. If I learned it in my OW class, I'm practicing it.
Althought my overall goal is to be a "Master Diver," I'm in no hurry to get it.
I caught the diving bug the first time I put my regulator in my mouth and put my face underwater and started breathing. However, if I don't ever get my "Master Diver" ranking - I could care less. Get me wet, and I'll be happy!
So if some people believe that they need to take a cert class to get the them in the water. Let them.
If some people don't need the a cert class to get them in the water, Great!
As long you continue to enjoy diving, that's all that matters here isn't it people?
Get wet & stay safe!