PADI AOW module Question

[DiveMaven]

My DH and I are getting ready to do our AOW and Nitrox certifications. The wreck diving module looks very interesting to us since we've already dove on quite a few wrecks and really like them a lot. However, we're doing our certification in Maui, which has no boat wrecks within the RDL. My question is whether or not we can do the wreck module using Mala Wharf as the "wreck". Mala Wharf is a huge pier that collapsed and sits in only about 40' of water near Lahaina.

I do have an e-mail into our instructor, but wanted a faster answer so thought I'd come to you guys. Thanks in advance.

 

[akscubainst]

Assuming you are talking PADI, the standards do not specifically say it has to be a shipwreck or anytype of boat for that matter. Though generally I think it's understood.

The purpose of the dive is to give you an experiance on a wreck of some sort. You'll really have to talk to your instructor to see what he/she considers a worthy "wreck"

Dave

 

[pt40fathoms]

The following is a quote from my PADI Instructor Manual, Page 9 of Training Standards in the Standards and Procedures section.

"1.Use discretion to choose an open water site that represents an
appropriate diving environment while offering conditions conducive to
completing required training."

The way I read this, and other sections of the manual, the simple answer to your question is no. In order for a training dive to be valid, it must be conducted in an environment conducive to the certification level. That means simply for a deep dive cert, you must train in deep waters. For a wreck dive, you must dive a wreck. Unfortunately for your case, I don't see any room for close facimilies.

This of course is only my interpretation of the standards, other instructors may see it differently.

 

[No Fish]

The idea of the wreck module is to introduce you to the hazards of wreck diving. A pier would not offer the same conditions, so it does not make sense. Close, but no cigar in my book.

 

[BigboyDan]

No.

 

[RonFrank]

Many DS's have a rather set agenda that has been predetermined for the AOW dives. Mine certainly does. Unless you hire the instructor for a private or semi-private class, you may have to dive the agenda that they have chosen for a given set of dates.

Therefore, if you want to choose the dives you do (other than deep and navigation which are required) I would suggest you ask the DS what dives you can do for AOW with them.

I'm sure you will have a blast!

Ron

My DH and I are getting ready to do our AOW and Nitrox certifications. The wreck diving module looks very interesting to us since we've already dove on quite a few wrecks and really like them a lot. However, we're doing our certification in Maui, which has no boat wrecks within the RDL. My question is whether or not we can do the wreck module using Mala Wharf as the "wreck". Mala Wharf is a huge pier that collapsed and sits in only about 40' of water near Lahaina.

I do have an e-mail into our instructor, but wanted a faster answer so thought I'd come to you guys. Thanks in advance.

 

[DiveMaven]

Thanks for all the replies and information. It totally makes sense that a wharf isn't going to offer the same hazards as a ship wreck, and after having done a bit of diving in both environments, I agree.

As to the class, there will likely be just 3 of us doing it with an instructor, so we'll have some choices as to which modules we'll do beyond the standard. At this point we're planning to do Peak Performance Bouyancy, Deep, Navigation, UW Photography, and ????? Gotta figure out what the last one is going to be...

Thanks again, you guys are the best!

 

[pt40fathoms]

If you can, have the instructor do Search and Recovery. It will reinforce your navigation skills, and you get to play with lift bags which is always fun for students.