What Advanced OWD to choose?

[hmb]

I have ACUC OWD certification and next step is to get an Advanced OWD.
Which would be better (in Carribean):
ACUC Advanced (20 dives - prerequisite, AFAIK)
PADI Advanced (no prerequisite, AFAIK)
Other?

On this stage I'm more concerned about getting any Advanced certification, presuming I would have a good instructor.

TIA

 

[M_Bipartitus]

I think you will find many around here, myself included, who think you are better off with more experience vs. a new piece of plastic. My suggestion, if you liked the instructor/ shop you used before, stay with them, otherwise switch, but it's more important to dive more so you can practice skills, and be able to handle the tasks of diving and AOW skills calmly.

 

[Tony "D"]

I have ACUC OWD certification and next step is to get an Advanced OWD.
Which would be better (in Carribean):
ACUC Advanced (20 dives - prerequisite, AFAIK)
PADI Advanced (no prerequisite, AFAIK)
Other?

On this stage I'm more concerned about getting any Advanced certification, presuming I would have a good instructor.

TIA

Very good advise M Bipartitus, as a long term instructor trainer I would have to say, if your happy with your instructor and the shop hmb. You should stay where you are. The certification agency doesn't always make a difference. It just depends on what you yourself want to go with the instruction. I will say there is no substitute for in water experience. Dive as often as you can, never ever forget the basics you learned and keep having a good time. All of the agencies have good and bad points. I teach for three of them because of that reason. However, you can't please all the masters either. My advise is go with your gut instinct. If you change agencies, try to go with an RSTC agency. There are 6 of them. I sit on the RSTC board when we have the meetings. There are 12 of us. The RSTC consists of PDIC,PADI,SSI,SDI,IDEA,YMCA and they are all good international agencies. "REMEMBER" The largest isn't always the best of quality. Feel free to call on me if you need to. Would be glad to help.
tdavids3@tampabay.rr.com

Tony "D"

 

[hmb]

Thank you for reply.

Based on my experience with other (non-diving) certifications, I strongly believe, that if I have "the piece of plastic" - then I have "the door open", and it is up to me how to proceed. This piece of plastic will give me basic skills and awareness. And I have to add that I'm extremely cautious in any moves ahead. Finally, a good instructor can determine if I'm ready to do the certification course, or I need to get more "hands-on" experience first.

On the other side, if I do not have the certification - I do not have a chance to find out what this area is about. Except - to investigate this new stuff by myself. But would this be better then do it systematically with a good instructor?

My initial question was caused by large difference in AOWD prerequisites between PADI and ACUC.
So, does this mean that these two Advanced certifications are of a different quality?

To Tony "D" - isn't ACUC a member of RSTC? Or you are a member of the RSTC - USA?