jonhall
Contributor
Training Bulletin, 2Q1994, p5, says:
"Q. Are there any additional skills that must be taught when accepting referrals from other training organizations?
A. Yes. The student must also demonstrate mastery of the following skills in confined water: the Underwater Swim Without a Mask and the Air Depletion Exercise from the PADI Open Water Diver course. By conducting these skills the instructor ensures that the non-PADI student has mastered them. In addition, because these two skills are not required in the PADI Scuba Review Program, we have added them to the Skill Evaluation slate for your convenience."
This says to me that Air Depletion was in fact part of the 1998 course, since it was required in 1994 and is still required.
I only have TBs back to 1994, so cannot find out if it existed before that.
Pulled out my old books: PADI OW Manual published 1990, 1994. Module 3 covers out of air and alternate air sources. Explains using alternate air sources.
Diver's Logbook published 1991. For module 3 skills, alternate air sources is listed, but nothing about out of air or air depletion.
Seems like for what the course cost, I should have received newer books!
It is very likely - almost certain - it was included in your training in 1998. I do believe you don't remember it, but I have to wonder why. Did you think you didn't need to breathe only a few feet underwater?
I guess I wouldn't remember it, for sure, if it didn't happen! But do remember alternate air sources and buddy breathing. Love breathing a few feet underwater...it's my first choice whatever depth I'm at!