PADI Rescue Diver or GUE Fundementals Pt. 1?

[lowwall]

Are you looking for general skills improvement (Fundies) or mindset/awareness improvement (Rescue)? They both offer some of each, but the primary focus is very different.

So the obvious answer is both. But I'll offer a third suggestion if Fundies is too expensive or difficult to schedule. Book time with an instructor to work on whatever skills you think aren't up to par. You will have to do a little research to figure out an instructor that is a good fit, but as a rough first pass you can look for one that regularly teaches tech courses. And then take Rescue.

 

[john120283]

What is the best next step for a relatively new PADI AOW diver looking to improve risk awareness, risk mitigation, competency, and proficiency? Almost entirely warm-water recreational diving.

I have found GUE training more challenging to find (but doable in the US). PADI Rescue Diver is much easier to find and schedule.

Thanks!

A lot of GUE instructors will schedule classes on demand and are willing to travel. If you don’t see a class on the schedule that works for you, I’d suggest reaching out to instructors in your area to see if they can schedule a class for you.

Another option if you’re interested in traveling is Mexico. Depending on where you’re located it might be cheaper/easier to get to compared to Bonaire.

 

[Wibble]

PADI Rescue.

That is not a trivial course if taught correctly. Most people who take it consider it the best of the PADI courses, obviously dependent on the instructor. It is the most advanced PADI recreational diving course and is highly recognised in the PADI world.

GUE Fundamentals is about bore skills and is an excellent course but outside of the PADI realm.

Once you have achieved rescue diver then look at GUE.

 

[ginti]

Just to clarify, fundamental is not just about diving skills, but definitely also about mindset and awareness.

The way GUE teaches team diving is heavily reliant on team positioning and awareness. Plus, team diving is really a mindset first, and a lot of other stuff secondly.

Rescue is more advanced in my opinion, and is based on the above mindset/awareness besides requiring solid core skills

[is based on = you better have already]

 

[Wibble]

Just to clarify, fundamental is not just about diving skills, but definitely also about mindset and awareness.

The way GUE teaches team diving is heavily reliant on team positioning and awareness. Plus, team diving is really a mindset first, and a lot of other stuff secondly.

Rescue is more advanced in my opinion, and is based on the above mindset/awareness besides requiring solid core skills

Rescue also teaches within the PADI-sphere. GUE team diving is brilliant where available and appropriate, but one wonders if it's really available in the South Pacific warm waters.

Fundies absolutely is the best course for sorting out core skills. However it's very dependent upon having other GUE-curious divers around you. They're pretty rare in the NDL PADI world.