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I think you can combine the two and save some money over the individual prices. Taking nitrox is a natural compliment to AOW.
PADI designed the courses to be taken in tandem and recommends students go directly from OW to AOW. I used to think that was not a good way to go, kind of along your line of reasoning, but then I saw many OW students go directly into AOW and come out in much better shape to dive on their own than they would have been had they just taken OW. The two courses together actually form a more reasonable (IMO) certification course.
Nitrox cost more and you would not gain much at this point from it! You should dive enough that your skills will allow you to approach the NDL limits on air before moving to the next level. What good does it do to be able to stay for 80min. at 80ft if you burn through your air supply in in 20min at 80ft???
I will join those who suggest both. Enriched Air is a non-diving (or diving optional) specialty that can be taken independently, and I would recommend that didactic approach, rather than making nitrox one of the adventure dives in AOW. Putting aside the issue sometimes raised about whether AOW is really 'advanced' or not, it is nonetheless a useful experience, provides a foundation for further certifications, is a helpful credential in some dive environments - in short, there is little reason NOT to take it, and a number of reasons TO take it. One caveat -WHERE you take AOW is important. In deciding where, discuss in advance with the particular LDS or dive operation you are considering, how they conduct AOW. In some cases, AOW is offered almost on a 'You do the skill, I will check it off' basis, with limited active teaching and more focus on (mere) supervision. In other cases, it can be a rich learning experience.For my next course, I'm debating between taking either enriched air or advanced open water. Which of those do you think I should take next (or would you suggest a different course)? Keep in mind that I have no specific goal right now other than gaining a lot of diving experience and becoming a better diver.
Here we go again, always somebody trying to get instructors to live off rice and waterAsk around, your LDS may be willing to throw in the Nitrox Class if you sign up for AOW or work out a discounted price for both.
Absolutely 100% agree.Without getting into the whole discussion of "should OW be improved?", I think taking AOW right after OW is a good idea and should make you a better diver.
A 100 A.While I agree with your logic, you are only looking at one of the benefits of nitrox. Anyone would benefit from the knowledge acquired from a nitrox class even if you are not reaching NDL on air. Also, during multiple dive days (3 or 4 or more a day) you'd enjoy longer bottom times from a shorter SI.
Well, I've seen air PDCs and nitrox FO2 programable PDCs but never seen a Nitrox computer....[/QUOTE]Specially diving with a nitrox computer.
[/quote]Well, I've seen air PDCs and nitrox FO2 programable PDCs but never seen a Nitrox computer....
Yes. Allows a whole range of gases, changing from one gas to another during use and monitors your buddies' gases too. Works at altitude up to 15,000 ft. Tends to be erratic from 130ft down unless connected to an adequate outside gas source with reduced nitrogen levels. Can work with metric or imperial measurements. Unfortunately the manufacturer tends to take little if any responsability when it screws up and customer service is lousy.Here's one of the more advanced nitrox computers on the market.
I've been PADI open water certified for a little over a year and have done over 25 dives so far, mostly tropical but some cold water. I'd like to build my skills by getting additional certifications; however, due to my work schedule, there could be a big time lag between my courses.
For my next course, I'm debating between taking either enriched air or advanced open water. Which of those do you think I should take next (or would you suggest a different course)? Keep in mind that I have no specific goal right now other than gaining a lot of diving experience and becoming a better diver.
Thanks for your help!
Doug