Second diving course?

[efficientwanderer]

I completed my open water training with PADI a few months back, and then moved halfway around the world. Before I dive here in Oz, I want to do another course, to get a few more dives with an instructor since my buddy isn't much more experienced than me. My area has only SSI and PADI dive shops. The SSI is closer and I've bought some gear from them and they're friendly and knowledgeable and I'd feel comfortable diving with them.

However, the second SSI dive course is Stress and Rescue, which I feel like is less like what I'm looking for than the PADI AOW. Does the SSI Stress and Rescue involve lots of surface skills and less diving? Would it be appropriate for someone who really just wants to get some more dives under her belt? (Don't get me wrong, I definitely plan on taking a rescue diver type of course in the future, but it's not what I need now). Should I check out the PADI shop and see if I like them instead?

 

[Dash_Riprock]

If you just want to get dives in but are not quite confident of your skills yet. Why not just rent a dive master at either shops to go out with you and your buddy for a few dives so you can build on your existing skills. I'm sure that after a couple of open water dives your confidence and skills will start to improve.

Al

 

[FishDiver]

I completed my open water training with PADI a few months back, and then moved halfway around the world. Before I dive here in Oz, I want to do another course, to get a few more dives with an instructor since my buddy isn't much more experienced than me. My area has only SSI and PADI dive shops. The SSI is closer and I've bought some gear from them and they're friendly and knowledgeable and I'd feel comfortable diving with them.

However, the second SSI dive course is Stress and Rescue, which I feel like is less like what I'm looking for than the PADI AOW. Does the SSI Stress and Rescue involve lots of surface skills and less diving? Would it be appropriate for someone who really just wants to get some more dives under her belt? (Don't get me wrong, I definitely plan on taking a rescue diver type of course in the future, but it's not what I need now). Should I check out the PADI shop and see if I like them instead?

Where do you live in Oz? I know of several good clubs and dive shops near Sydney. There are many excellent shore dives here. If you own your gear you can dive for free.

SSI does not compel you to take the Rescue class as your next step. You can take their classes in any order. I would get some more diving experience before taking more classes. The PADI AOW class is a waste of time and money.

 

[Scuba Brian]

The PADI AOW is exactly what he needs, 5 more dives with an instructor. I'm not going to argue about the AOW card, but this cert will get him what hes looking for. It will also introduce him to Deep, Navigation, Night and two other electives he chooses. Also there are some boats i've been on that will not take you to certain sites without that level card or higher.

 

[scubawally]

well while there is some benifit of taking the advanced course definately from a skills and comfort level perspective I would suggest that this person not take this course at this time. It seems to me that they are a little uneasy about there diving ability (there is nothing wrong with this as being cautious in diving SAVES LIVES). However I have taken the SSI stress and rescue course and I believe that if this person were to take this course it would raise her confidence level in the ability to self-rescue, or rescue a buddy that is in trouble and in additionwill help them improve on the skill set that they already have.

If you were to follow my humble opinion and take the stress and rescue course I think that you would be much better off in both the long and short run.

 

[Carribeandiver]

SSI's Stress and Rescue course is a very good, tough course that will make you a better diver. It will teach you to be safer for yourself and for your buddy. It will give you confidence knowing you are better prepared for what could happen. The AOW course is merely a succession of dives (5) with an instructor to introduce you to dives you would ordinarily not have experienced as a new OW diver. Choosing between the two, the stress and rescue course is by far the best choice.

 

[Rainer]

SSI's Stress and Rescue course is a very good, tough course that will make you a better diver. It will teach you to be safer for yourself and for your buddy. It will give you confidence knowing you are better prepared for what could happen. The AOW course is merely a succession of dives (5) with an instructor to introduce you to dives you would ordinarily not have experienced as a new OW diver. Choosing between the two, the stress and rescue course is by far the best choice.

Um, but probably NOT what the OP is looking for (you did read the original post, right?). The OP wants some more easy dives with an instructor. That's AOW (or just hiring a DM). Enjoy.

 

[knotical]

the second SSI dive course is Stress and Rescue, which I feel like is less like what I'm looking for than the PADI AOW.

I am not an SSI Instructor, but as I understand their system, Stress and Rescue is not necessarily the second dive course. They offer a variety of specialties that might suit you. What they call Advanced Open Water Diver is four specialties and 24 dives, still without necessarily taking the Stress and Rescue course.

See: http://www.ssiusa.com/coned.htm

 

[spectrum]

The PADI AOW is exactly what he needs, 5 more dives with an instructor. I'm not going to argue about the AOW card, but this cert will get him what hes looking for. It will also introduce him to Deep, Navigation, Night and two other electives he chooses. Also there are some boats i've been on that will not take you to certain sites without that level card or higher.

I disagree and think he needs to be diving with peers, a mentor or DM. Whatever he can get that will let him get comfortable diving within his training.

Then and only then should he sign up for a good AOW such as SSI where he can enjoy diving into the depts, the night and so forth.

Pete

 

[UndrWatrDan]

I disagree and think he needs to be diving with peers, a mentor or DM. Whatever he can get that will let him get comfortable diving within his training.

Then and only then should he sign up for a good AOW such as SSI where he can enjoy diving into the depts, the night and so forth.

Pete

This is where dive clubs can play an important role in helping divers become more comfortable in the water. Dive clubs have a wide membership certification range and often includes, AOW, Rescue, divemasters, assistant instructors and instructors. The clubs give the diver the opportunity to dive with these experienced divers giving them the comfort level they need to become better divers. Once that comfort level is achieved, I strongly urge anyone, not just a new diver, to get advanced training. Just like any job, sport or hobby we are involved with, we can never learn enough and what you do learn through advanced training makes us better at what we do, and in this case it's being a better diver.