Hi all. I'm posting this little rant in the hopes of finding some sound advice on how I should/can improve my diving skills to a level above and beyond those of the basic PADI requirements. I've read a lot of threads about the various concerns and complains surrounding the OW and AOW classes for multiple organizations - and have an respect for how delicate this topic can be.
I "completed" my OW in July of this year - The course was spread over 5 Classroom and Pool sessions (4 hours each) in addtion to the PADI OW Checkout dives and further "on-the-fly" instruction. I've always been fairly comfortable in the water - and have snorkelled and free dove several times prior to taking my OW.
I recently resturned from two weeks in Cozumel - Diving nearly everyday - and in some cases breaking a few PADI "guidelines" for the sake of gaining some actual experience. 100% of my dives consited of myself, 4-5 other divers, 2 divemasters, and my good friend whos currently an active PADI AOW instructor. To my suprise, I discovered and put into practice a plithora of extremely valuable information that was not provided during my OW course. Gas Management, Dive Planning, and Handling Currents being the biggest of them.
I ended up going on a multilevel dive at the Columbia site to a max depth of 100 fsw - I was very comfortable on this dive - and surfaced with a greater respect and understanding of the skills required to make deeper diving safe and enjoyable. Additionally, I also did my first night dive - Which ended up being a massive confidence booster and a great experience.
Upon my return from cozumel, I felt like the OW course was missing a great deal of information and skill practice. My bouyancy skills need work, I suck more air than an old volkswagen, my equipment needs to be streamling, along with a number of other things.
Compaining about these things however, doesn't really get me anywhere. I maintain the ultimate responsibility in ensuring the safety of myself and the environment. That being said, where should I be looking for more rounded and extensive training? I've taken the PADI AOW in the hopes of rounding out and filling in the missing skills that definitely should have been included in the OW. Rescuse diver has been hailed as another very important part of ones skillset which I guess I'll take after some more dives.
Is there any written literature (ISBN pls) besides the US NAVY dive manuals that I should read over?
Nothing takes the place of experience, but I cant expect to gain anything from going out and diving if I've never been taught evertything I need to know to begin with.
Sincerly,
Frustrated:shakehead
I "completed" my OW in July of this year - The course was spread over 5 Classroom and Pool sessions (4 hours each) in addtion to the PADI OW Checkout dives and further "on-the-fly" instruction. I've always been fairly comfortable in the water - and have snorkelled and free dove several times prior to taking my OW.
I recently resturned from two weeks in Cozumel - Diving nearly everyday - and in some cases breaking a few PADI "guidelines" for the sake of gaining some actual experience. 100% of my dives consited of myself, 4-5 other divers, 2 divemasters, and my good friend whos currently an active PADI AOW instructor. To my suprise, I discovered and put into practice a plithora of extremely valuable information that was not provided during my OW course. Gas Management, Dive Planning, and Handling Currents being the biggest of them.
I ended up going on a multilevel dive at the Columbia site to a max depth of 100 fsw - I was very comfortable on this dive - and surfaced with a greater respect and understanding of the skills required to make deeper diving safe and enjoyable. Additionally, I also did my first night dive - Which ended up being a massive confidence booster and a great experience.
Upon my return from cozumel, I felt like the OW course was missing a great deal of information and skill practice. My bouyancy skills need work, I suck more air than an old volkswagen, my equipment needs to be streamling, along with a number of other things.
Things I wish I had learned in OW include:
- More information on weighting and how placement can be used to assist in BC. (Trim Pouches, mutiple weight systems, etc.)
- Formula for calculating approx. req'd. weight (not included in the PADI OW Book - only mentioned verbally)
- Bouyancy and depth control in varying conditions. (BC and DC in current)
- More extensive practice with breathing control
- Complete BCD Breakdown & Assembly for on-the-fly emergencies
- Fining techniques (Backfinning, etc.)
Compaining about these things however, doesn't really get me anywhere. I maintain the ultimate responsibility in ensuring the safety of myself and the environment. That being said, where should I be looking for more rounded and extensive training? I've taken the PADI AOW in the hopes of rounding out and filling in the missing skills that definitely should have been included in the OW. Rescuse diver has been hailed as another very important part of ones skillset which I guess I'll take after some more dives.
Is there any written literature (ISBN pls) besides the US NAVY dive manuals that I should read over?
Nothing takes the place of experience, but I cant expect to gain anything from going out and diving if I've never been taught evertything I need to know to begin with.
Sincerly,
Frustrated:shakehead
