I am hoping to return to diving this year, after a five year break. My last diving was done on a live-aboard in Dec of 2009. When I stopped, I held an PADI MSD cert with just over 200 dives, all done within a few years. I felt fairly proficient when it came to handling the basics - low SAC, decent buoyancy, etc. I already have a physical scheduled with my doc. Of course my gear will need to be gone over by an expert to make sure it all works right.
I'm thinking of replacing my old wrist-mounted computer (Aladin Tec) for a new air-integrated console model. Has the technology changed that much in five years?
Should I go for a classroom refresher, or take a whole new OW class? Are there any online resources available now? I have looked at the PADI online refresher, is it worth the $62 to take that?
I will give a quick summary response of some of your questions.
1. In my experience, someone with the experience you describe, ending only 5 years ago, will not need a complete OW class. I believe you will also find a standard refresher something of a waste. The standard refresher goes over the skills from the OW class, and I think you will find a lot of that unnecessary. I used the word "standard" repeatedly because a lot of refreshers are not done that way. In those cases, the professional asks about experiences and needs, appraises the diver's ability, and then provides the appropriate assistance. I was once asked to do a refresher for a woman with a good deal of experience, and I saw immediately that she didn't need it. I talked it over with her, and we changed the class to one that introduced some more advanced buoyancy and propulsion skills so that it would not be a waste of her time. Wherever you decide to do such a session, ask to make sure that will be possible. You should also check to see who will conduct the refresher--most shops use DMs for that. If you want an instructor, ask about that, and make sure you have the instructor who knows how to do the kind of things you want to do. Not all have the same experience level to work with advanced divers.
2. If your gear has been well stored, it will probably be all right, but you may want to have it serviced just in case. I can check your gear and give it a thumbs up or down, but I am not a real technician and have a more limited ability to effect repairs than a real technician will.
3. Computer technology has changed a lot in the last few years, but I think the ones who argued against air integration have a good point. It is an added expense that, IMO, does not add much value. If your old computer still works, it is all you need for basic recreational diving. If you want to go beyond that, there are some very good options available. Don't make the mistake of assuming that a more expensive computer with more bells and whistles is an improvement. Many of those bells and whistles are unimportant, and that expensive computer may be lacking some features that a more advanced diver actually can use.
