looking for some info on AOW-OWSI courses

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mtbaxter

New
Messages
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Location
Arkansas
# of dives
0 - 24
Hi everyone i am finishing up my AOW this weekened and i want to go pro. Im looking for a dive school in the United States that will teach AOW to OWSI. Or a program that will teach the steps RD, MD, the specialties Etc. for some type of bundled rate. I'm aware that there are a number of dive requirments and things like that IF anyone could point me in the right direction i would be much ablidged. My google searches have Been failing me lately. Thanks very much.
 
It sounds like what you are looking for is one of the commonly called "zero to hero" courses. What is wrong with the courses in your area and using them to progress in a more relaxed and most likely more thorough manner. I am willing to bet that more than 50% of newer divers want to become instructors. Then reality sets in. Unless you live in a resort area the route you are looking at is one taken by many who do not last long. The instructor factories turn out too many instructors I would not be comfortable diving with let alone teaching some one I cared about. Before you sign up for one of these know that there are a bunch of them that will promise you a lot. The few that can deliver what you are looking for in a quality manner in the US will cost as much as 10-15,000 dollars to do so. That was the figure when I looked into it at the stage you are now.

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I agree with Jim, take a look at what your local shops are offering. My local shops all offer package deals, I've seen OW/AOW, Rescue/DAN Dive Emergency Management Provider, DM/OWSI packages, etc. If you ask, they might be able to give you a package price for the courses you want/need, even if they don't advertise it. I'd also suggest not rushing through things. Take courses that interest you and that will benefit your diving now and later, and go have fun.

FWIW, I'll be starting my DM in just over a month, but it's been a year since I did Rescue, 2 years since AOW and almost 4 years since OW, and some parts of me still wonder if it's too soon.
 
Put Another Dollar In Honduras or Belize- I hear there are specialists in what you're seeking.
 
Hi everyone i am finishing up my AOW this weekened and i want to go pro. Im looking for a dive school in the United States that will teach AOW to OWSI. Or a program that will teach the steps RD, MD, the specialties Etc. for some type of bundled rate. I'm aware that there are a number of dive requirments and things like that IF anyone could point me in the right direction i would be much ablidged. My google searches have Been failing me lately. Thanks very much.

Hi Baxter, I see you only have around 0-24 dives - you have the bug. Which is great but you need to control it and use it to your advantage. Take is slow - dive as much as you can and when you can save $ travel and dive some more. Dont jump into the professional bit. How old are you? in School? College? Work?

Not trying to discourage you - just understand that there is no need to jump into the deep end = take your time.

What you are looking for is mostly offered in Asia - Zero 2 Hero as someone mentioned - you have multiple options Egypt, Thailand to name a couple. I am sure you can even get a bundled rate from your local dive shops they would be happy to oblige if it means a sale- choose wisely and take your time - it is the instructors that make a huge difference.

Be careful of a barter deal - "work for us for free and we will provide you with free training" = There are advantages of hanging around a dive shop you will learn about other stuff as well - maintenance of equipment, running a small business, the reality of going professional.

biggest point, take it easy, dive - enjoy diving.
 
I found this website via Google search - PADI IDC Guide Sitemap - The complete list of webpages on this website It seems like a pretty good resource.

Also, check out the Dive Shop Locator on the PADI.com website - Find a dive shop, scuba diving shop, dive resort or scuba dive shop You can identify IDC centers using their search/map function.

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On a personal note, I'd advise against rushing towards instructor status, particular by means of a 'zero-to-hero' type fast-track program. Diving is fun, but working as a professional diver is a very different experience. Also, fast-track instructors who possess minimal diving experience rarely gain much credibility in the employment market.
 
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