So, what is the point of AOW???

[jd950]

For an upcoming trip I contacted an instructor/dive op I know and said that I wanted to do the AOW "course" while I was there. He has dived with me and knows my diving skills and experience.

In a nutshell he suggested that there wasn't much point to AOW. I mentioned that I was under the impression that some dive operators "required" an AOW certification before taking divers to certain sites, or renting tanks, etc. I was sure I had seen this somewhere, but I don't know where. I have searched and can't find this.

So, except that it is required for a couple of PADI specialties and some of their other advanced certifications, why do AOW????

Does it mean anything to anyone? If I have it or don't, will that affect where I dive, or how deep, or with whom I dive?

 

[Couv]

I think Jacques Cousteau died before he had a chance to get certified.

 

[Meng_Tze]

..I mentioned that I was under the impression that some dive operators "required" an AOW certification before taking divers to certain sites, or renting tanks, etc.

This is why I got mine initially

Does it mean anything to anyone? If I have it or don't, will that affect where I dive, or how deep, or with whom I dive?

That is a personal decision, AOW could influence that any which way.

 

[Teamcasa]

...I was under the impression that some dive operators "required" an AOW certification before taking divers to certain sites, or renting tanks, etc. I was sure I had seen this somewhere, but I don't know where. I have searched and can't find this...

This is way I got mine as well. I think it has someting to do with the operations insurance company policy.

OTOH, If you had a very good instructor, you may have learned a little something interesting.

 

[Dirkadiver]

Most captains/dive ops will limit the depths they'll let you dive to I think it's 60' for OW, 130' w/ AOW cert. It's also a prerequisite for continuing your training & attaining different certifications.

 

[daniel f aleman]

An operator wants the AOW certification because it shows additional instruction and experience over that learned from the basic Open Water certification. It makes a difference, especially the deep dive specialty - I want to know that you have made at least one dive below 60' before I am going to take you below 60'.

 

[almitywife]

there are some dives here where no AOW or log book means no dive..... its a liability thing as well as a way of a charter making an opinion about the diver experience (in saying that, i dont log so im screwed for SWR)

as to your question "So, what is the point of AOW??? "

for the average noobie, aow is a good way to get your first boat, 60ft and/or night dive done under supervision.

hubby often has divers that are nervous about their first time for these dives and find comfort (for want of a better word) in diving with their instructor, someone they have already formed a bond of trust with.

not everyone has the privilage of diving with mentors or experienced divers

just my 2cents... which at todays market is about 1.37cents aussie

cheers

 

[Nemrod]

My current buddy got his AOW after about 10 dives or whatever the minimum number is. Not many. Thing is, he is a pretty good diver. Still a bit spastic here and there, uses a little to much air, occasionally kicks my mask off but all in all he is pretty good--mainly because he is fit and has and exercises good thinking skills. Buddying up with young and fit divers is good because they can drag me back to the boat when I get tired. N

 

[dcs917]

Wow. I'm sure that: 1) your instructor needs a refresher about the value of advanced training, and 2) that your post should generate a lot of interest.

Diving entails risks. Advanced diving (however you want to define this) increases these risks. If - for example - you want to dive the fantastic WWII wrecks off the coast of North Carolina at 110' to 130', you would be well suited (if not required) to have your Deep Specialty, Nitrox, and a sufficient number of dives at equivalent depth before attempting these types of profiles.

Other specialties such as Night, Wreck, Navigation, Computer, Drysuit, Solo, etc. are each focused of different skills and techniques that you may encounter in real life. Learning and practicing these skills (and diving often) in a controlled environment is the best way to become a proficient diver.

Dive operators differ greatly about "verifying" that you have these certifications and training before allowing you to attempt these types of advanced dives. But to me it is a matter of personal responsibility and preparation to make you familiar with the environment you are about to enter so that when the inevitable happens, you are ready.

Advanced training is an essential step in becoming a great diver. I would suggest that you find an Instructor that values your quest to learn more skills, and get the training to prepare yourself for the next great adventure.

Dive Safe!

 

[jupitermermaid]

An operator wants the AOW certification because it shows additional instruction and experience over that learned from the basic Open Water certification. It makes a difference, especially the deep dive specialty - I want to know that you have made at least one dive below 60' before I am going to take you below 60'.

But what if you have a dive log that shows multiple dives below 60'? If one has specialty training, such as Nitrox, Cavern, and Wreck (which included 6 dives below 80'), why is the AOW certification so powerful? I have learned more from my diving buddies while practicing what I've already learned and doing my specialty certifications, and have a lot more to learn, for sure (the more one learns the more one learns that there is much more to learn), and I understand the premise behind liability the boat operators have to abide by, but I've seen people who have higher certification level cards that are worse divers and make worse decisions than some newbies I've observed. I guess it just boils down to politics as usual.....if you have a "card," you're capable, regardless of whether you really are or not. If you're a skillful and thoughtful diver, you still have to "pay the dues" to "prove" you are capable. I know some people that have hundreds (if not a thousand or more) dives under their belt that I wouldn't dive 20' with, let alone below 60,' and I know newbies that I'd trust my life to at depths below 60' because they REALLY know what they're doing. I will go for my AOW only to insure I can dive where and when I want without question. I'm hoping that I will indeed learn something from the course, as I hate paying out good money just for "escorted adventure" diving that I can get for much less money.

To make the already long story short, when going for your AOW, inquire about instructors to make sure you get one that will teach you something, not just take your money, dive with you a few times, give you a test, and sign your card. I know I'm checking out a lot of different people to make sure I get my money's worth (can you tell I'm part Scott???? lol)