DeepSeaPirate
Contributor
I personally feel SDI’s approach is more appropriate. Having completed PADI’s AOW course (for the most part) I would not consider myself an advanced diver.
You can finish your AoW with Padi having 9 dives total under your belt. I would not consider anyone with 9 dives an advanced diver. AoW should provide you with some groundwork to practice that can then help you to become an advanced diver later on. But finishing the AoW course will not mean you are an advanced diver.