Hi h2odragon1
Thats exactly what we want to do is get some experience under our belt by diving locally. We just have to find out where and how. Although we just found out my wife is pregnant (funny how that works without trying). We also already booked a trip to Cozumel at the Fiesta Americana.
Anyway now I have to find a buddy to dive with.
Where did you do your certification? If locally then your shop should have a number of names, places, etc. That's usually the best place to start.