dschonbrun
Contributor
High level instructors often do more than lower levels, and if you have a small class there is often more time to add skills that are beneficial but not required. I had the good fortune of doing my AOW one on one with an Asst Course Director. We did much more than is required and I got a lot out of the course as a result.
A few things seem to be discussed consistently, and I'm going to consolidate them in a list:
OW II could have the following Pre-Requirements:
OW Certification
20 logged dives below 10m including:
5 dives > 20m
4 EAN Dives
3 specialties:
Peak Performance Buoyancy (2 Dives)
Underwater Navigation (2 Dives)
Nitrox (class time only)
Course additions/changes:
Limit of 4 or 6 divers per instructor
Exercise all 5 ascent types
Drop Weights and CESA
Buoyancy adjustment in mid-water (instructor hands you a 4-6 lb weight and you have to adjust quickly)
Perform removal of BCD and alternate air ascent
Exercise 4 Kick Styles (Dolphin, Frog Forward, Frog Back, Flutter)
Underwater communication (more signs and practical testing)
How tank size affects dive time - practical use... 60cl, 80cl and doubles.
Using different Gear
Backplate and Fins
Integrated BCD
Pony bottle
Solid fins
Split Fins
Integrated Octopus/BCD fill valve
DIN & flange style 1st stage
Let's put together a set of changes and present them to PADI. If we do a good job, they will consider the recommendations.
Cheers,
D
A few things seem to be discussed consistently, and I'm going to consolidate them in a list:
OW II could have the following Pre-Requirements:
OW Certification
20 logged dives below 10m including:
5 dives > 20m
4 EAN Dives
3 specialties:
Peak Performance Buoyancy (2 Dives)
Underwater Navigation (2 Dives)
Nitrox (class time only)
Course additions/changes:
Limit of 4 or 6 divers per instructor
Exercise all 5 ascent types
Drop Weights and CESA
Buoyancy adjustment in mid-water (instructor hands you a 4-6 lb weight and you have to adjust quickly)
Perform removal of BCD and alternate air ascent
Exercise 4 Kick Styles (Dolphin, Frog Forward, Frog Back, Flutter)
Underwater communication (more signs and practical testing)
How tank size affects dive time - practical use... 60cl, 80cl and doubles.
Using different Gear
Backplate and Fins
Integrated BCD
Pony bottle
Solid fins
Split Fins
Integrated Octopus/BCD fill valve
DIN & flange style 1st stage
Let's put together a set of changes and present them to PADI. If we do a good job, they will consider the recommendations.
Cheers,
D