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?