Wreck diving class question

[Stryker]

I have noticed that some places offer wreck diving as 2 seperate courses (exterior diving and penetration diving). Other places, such as Sport Chalet have the class as an all inclusive (both exterior and penetration). Why is this and is one option or the other more beneficial?

 

[MB]

Lots of folks learn to dive and never had the opportunity to learn about shipwrecks. A basic wreck class can (but doesn't always) include some very cool info about ship layouts, navigation techniques, exploration strategies, etc. This could be a class where folks who haven't learned different finning techniques can learn and master no-silt diving. It should include some info about lights and communication techniques and air consumption. Add some entanglement/dis-entanglement practice. For many divers, this will open a whole new world of diving, and our coasts and lakes have scads of wrecks within recreational (and practical) limits.

For divers moving toward or already doing technical diving, that basic wreck class just scratches the surface. More serious wreck training involves way more attention to gas planning, mixes, decompression procedures, gear configuration, buddy team options, etc. Extended exploration has implications for oxygen management, gas supply, staying warm, managing lines, and more.

I think we're well served by having two (or more) "levels" of wreck training. Heck, you just can't learn enough!