DevonDiver
N/A
I'd agree here...and add that this Open Water cert should be referred to as a " Learner's Permit".
Very much so. I think any diver should be honest about how much capability they can acquire in 4 dives. The 'end state' really does demand conservative diving, well within the recommended limits.
Likewise, there isn't any opportunity to ingrain the skills... newly qualified divers should also recognise the need to practice and ingrain those skills on subsequent dives. Very few do...and I see this as a failing within the taught materials... not enough emphasis is put on that need.
Scuba skills might be taught/learnt on a short entry-level course, but they aren't conditioned. There is a fundamental difference between those two levels, which makes a big difference when the skills are needed during a high stress situation.