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otter-cat:I don't know about other agencies, but I know that for PADI, the very first confined water (pool) session takes place in shallow water, so students can just stand up if they have a problem. After that, however, for confined water sessions 2, 3, 4 & 5, there are skills and exercises which MUST be done in "water too deep to stand." A pool that is only 4 feet deep all over is not appropriate. The ideal is a pool with both shallow and deep areas.
YCW:Is there a pool depth requirement for land base open water course? I have seen the course conducted in a 4 deep pool
bug:This summer during my DM training we had absolutly no access to a pool. So we worked with students in what we called a "COW Pen" Confinined Open Water. Basically it was a ropped area off a beach into the ocean on the island of St. Barths.
MoonWrasse:It's difficult to practice ear equalization techniques in only 4 feet of water. I'd suggest finding an outfit with access to a deeper pool than a lap pool.
I heard another clause was that it was supposed to be lacking in current and such.SubMariner:"Confined Water" has replaced "pool" in scuba training today. Basically, this means any body of water that has "pool like conditions" with respect to ease of exit/entry, calmness, visibility, and of course shallow & deep areas.