I just passed my OW course a few weeks ago, and dont have any logged dives yet (other than cert dives). I plan on doing some dives this summer in the Gulf (most likely Destin). Ive been told the Liberty Ships and barges offshore lie in 80-90 fsw.
You can call me a prude, but I distinctively remember learning that you should NEVER dive beyond your training or experience level. Its easy to say "Ah...its just a few more feet", but that is what gets people into trouble. Personally, I dont want to become one those statistics that everyone reads about.
That said, one of the first things I did soon after recieving my OW certification was to sign up for the Advanced Open Water course, in which Deep diving is not only included but mandatory. In addition I am taking the "Peak Performance Buoyancy" specialty and "Wreck Diving" specialty as well.
My LDS has set up thier AOW classes with 3 predetermined Adventure Dives + the mandatory "Deep Diving" and "Underwater Navigation". Since the 3 adventure dives are predetermined by the LDS, I didnt have the option to select "Wreck and PPB" as part of my AOW, which preturbs me a little. I guess they dont have much choice though due to the work load of the instructors. It will work out fine in the end though because I will have even more training since I'll be taking "boat diving", "search & recovery", and "night diving" as part of the AOW.
All those courses will take less time than my OW course took, and should provide me the proper training to dive the wrecks I want to dive off Destin this summer.
Sorry for the long speech.....my advice would be to take your AOW class first. The training is essential and the peace of mind is.........priceless!
