OWD for Juniors

[Scuba Scott]

I am not doing this math under water or before the dive, just turn the bezel half way round to go back or 1/4 way left to go right.

That is probably a little tip the instructor will throw in but the correct way is to do the math because that works in all situations. It is easy to navigate a square without math. When you take the navigation specialty your instructor may have you navigate a triangle and then a right triangle before moving on to the more complex skills and knowing how to do the math helps greatly.

The point is not that you are learning how to navigate a square. You are learning how to navigate and demonstrating those new skills by doing something simple like a square.

OWD is just an introduction that teaches the basics. The skills can get much more complex and build on skills you learned in earlier training.

 

[Altamira]

From experience using a compass for navigation, covering over 60 years, I am a strong proponent of doing the math to determine what the new heading should be before turning the bezel, and then double check before actually heading in that direction. It is also equally important to keep track of where you are in relation to start/finish point as you navigate because navigation in the real world rarely consists of squares and triangles. Even when following a DM, I put a route line on my slate with headings and times every time we make significant changes in direction. That little map may not get me back exactly at the anchor line, but it will be close enough.

 

[Scuba Legends]

Dear Narke,

Unfortunately the Ocean doesn't understand about ages when it claims its price. That is why there should't be a special tailored course for juniors.

In the event that the course is different or "special" for children, it should have another name and the requirement to take the OWD again for adults once they are adults. You have those choices: Seal Team for example.

But if I agree with one thing. The instructor can make a difference. As long as you respect the standards, you can add extra activities to make the course a fun course for children.

But deep down, if we think about it well, you paid an instructor to train your children as divers, and I think it would not be fair or honest for them to have that instructor train them only as "half" divers.

Fun and tailoring for children is fine, but what is really important is that they finish the course well-trained, with good waterskills and knowledge to run dives safely. Because, at the end of the day, when children become adults, they receive their "adult" diving certification.

Happy Safe Bubbles

Gery @ Scuba-Legends.com