Rob9876
Contributor
Inability to get pool time is what is currently delaying his certification. There are many quality dive shops in Cozumel that can make sure he gets the pool time he needs during a week there, which should be plenty of time for most people.. . . At home, it is much easier to extend the "pool time" schedule and adjust the open water schedule. . .
. . . I am sure Cozumel has excellent facilities (fortunately I've never had to use them, except for a covid test last April so I could return home...) but home will always be better in that regard.
As for medical, while the OP's home town of Cortland, NY is in a beautiful part of New York State, I have no doubt that Cozumel would be better prepared to handle any dive-related medical issues. Cozumel has at least 2 hyperbaric chambers right on the island and doctors that practice dive medicine on a daily basis, since there are hundreds or more people diving every day in Cozumel. The average number of people diving in Cortland, NY on most days would likely be 0 or very close to it.