Blue Sparkle
Contributor
I'm just a basic diver with a keen interest and an "Advanced" certificate, but I thought I'd just offer these thoughts:
Although I'm guessing your certificate is "Advanced OPEN WATER" (which I also have, and which essentially means "advanced beginner"). I think the thread is talking more about the concept of an advanced diver, and it's just unfortunate/distracting that PADI and others use the same adjective to modify their #2 beginner card.