How should I go from PADI Scuba Diver -> OW?

[dl348]

I would complete the full OW course, I believe all you have left are the 2 chapter knowledge reviews, 2 more check-out dives, and a few more skills. Then you're done. As others have posted, you're less restricted with the OW cert. instead of the Scuba Diver cert. The max depth with the Scuba Diver cert. is 40 ft, and you must be accompanied by a DM. At least that's what standards state.

 

[BSOD]

Thanks everyone. I think I'll play it by ear once vacation comes up later this year. Yes, it'd be ideal/best to get full OW certified, but like I said, I think I can live with the limits for now, and will see how shops/ops where I normally vacation handle SD certs (i.e. need to buddy with a DM, or just have a DM in the group). Looking at dollar costs, it's relatively not that much, but the vacation time cost is what's precious.

And to clarify, yes, I was referring to the resort course/Scuba Diver cert. being looked down upon, not PADI. As folks have mentioned here, it (the SD cert) seems to be handled with varying degrees at different ops/areas/etc.