Ok I can see that we have some different ideas going here. Lets break it down and start at the basic OW level training academics. Here is my suggestion for a starting point (a draft if you will)
Basic Requirements
Swimming Ability and Watermanship
Physical Status with Medical History
Expectations and Attitude
Examinations
Physics
Breathing Gases, Pressure/Density/Volumn Relationships, General Gas Law, Dalton, Henry, Charles, Boyles, Gas Mixtures (enriched air), Temperature Effects, Humidity, Buoyancy (Archamedies), Viscosity, Illumination, Vision, Acoustics, Thermal Qualities, Fundamentals of Compressed Gases as related to diving, Compressor Operation and Cascade Systems, Characteristics of Cylinder Materials and Fabrication, Characteristics of Thermal Protection Materials
Underwater Physiology
Direct/Indirect Effects of Pressure, Respiratory and Pulmonary Functions, Cardiac Function, CNS and Pressure, Effects of Narcosis, DCS: Contributating Causes and Treatments/Avoidance, Henry's and Boyles Laws and how it Effects the Human Body, Body Mechanics:Kinesiology, Buoyancy, Equalization: The Sinuses and Ear Mechanism
Equipment
Basic Equipment Requirements, Selecting and Purchasing Equipment, Equipment Configuration, Minimizing and Streamlining, Thermal Protection: Determining the Environmental Requirements, Diving Tools: Selection, Securing and Application, Instrumentation and Computers,Maintenance and Repairing Procedures, Functions and Design of a Regulator, BCD, SPG, Depth Gauge, Compass: USE and Navigation Techniques, Compressed Gas Cylinders: Inspections and Maintenance, Compressor Maintenance and Inspection Cycles, Open Circuit Scuba, Semi-Closed Circuit Scuba, Closed Circuit Scuba, Helmet Diving
Accident Analysis
Diving within Your Limitations, Buddy System Procedures, Rescue and Search Procedures: Self Reliance - Buddy Reliance, When Good Goes Bad, Prevention: Dive Planning, General First Aid, CPR and Oxygen Provision, Calling for Help, Dive Safety, Marine Life Injuries, Pressure Related Injuries or Illness, Correcting or Handling the Problem
The Environment
Training for Overhead Environments, Marine Life Identification: Avoidance and Contact, Low Vizibility and Dark Water Diving, Boat Diving Procedures, Shore Diving, Cold Weather Diving, Reading the Water: Waves, Tides and Currents, Entries and Exits, Weather General
Planning The Dive
The Individual Habits, Buddy Protocols, Communication Systems Below and Above Water, Emergency Procedures, Types of Diving, Dive Table Development and Theory, Dive Table Comparison (US Navy, Enriched Air, DCIEM, etc), Decompression Theories and Practices: Accepting the Risk, Repetitive Dive Planning, Tables and Computer Assisted Diving, Breathing Consumption Rates and Gas Planning Procedures, Dive Plan Violation Protocols, Conducting the dive.
Ok so these are some of the topics I feel that divers need to understand to effectively be a safe diver. I will be looking at the skills later. Comments Please