The Chairman
Chairman of the Board
PADI as well as any agency, can only do SO MUCH. Consumer demands have reduced the value of the AOW to something far less than it was. I often advise my potential AOW students to think twice about taking my class. It's a bit more adventurous and I do quite a bit more critiquing of their skills and equipment than the average instructor. Land drills with lines and compass as well as constant attention to their trim/buoyuancy, situational awareness and buddy skills are my way of providing remedial diving instruction. My OW students don't really need my AOW class, but many other OW divers DO. My goal is to improve your air consumption merely by making you more comfortable in the water.