The problem with all of the above posts is none of them have answered the specific questions for this specific diver has asked.
The questions were,
Why is there a limit of 60 feet for OW certified divers?
Is it possible to dive shallow in Cozumel on a normal dive trip?
Should this person get their AOW in Cozumel?
Question. Why is there a limit of 60 feet for OW certified divers?
Answer. The suggested depth of 60 feet for OW certified divers is there to try to prevent deaths due to divers over extending themselves.
There are several reasons OW divers are asked to stay above the 60 foot level. The top two, in my opinion, are:
1. Nitrogen narcosis. This is the narcotic effect of nitrogen under pressure and will affect every diver in a different way. Some divers will never notice it and some will be drunk as a skunk at 85 feet. The only way to know what kind of diver you will be is to dive to 100 feet or so. This is supposed to be done under the supervision of a trained professional who will ensure your safety. In other words a scuba instructor and an advanced open water course. A deep dive is a REQUIRED MODULE in the AOW course for this reason.
2. Air consumption is greater the deeper you dive. As you dive past 60 feet your air use climbs exponentially. Many divers do not realize how deep they are in clear water and fail to check their SPG often enough. I will leave the rest to your imagination. The solution is to be shown the difference between a shallow dive and a deep dive by a competent diver. Guess who? Yes! give that man a cigar, its your friendly dive professional.
Question. Is it possible to dive shallow in Cozumel on a normal dive trip?
Answer. There are a few points I would like to make about dives in Cozumel in general but relate to novice divers or those who are considered occasional recreational divers in particular.
The dives tend to start deep, around 100 feet, and then gradually get shallower as the dive progresses. All the dive guides use dive computers and dive the various locations every day, in other words the locals are all experts on the local dives. Dives usually start on the protected shoulder of the wall then swing out onto the wall proper and finish by swinging back to the protected shoulder and progressively get shallower again.
Dives in Cozumel are spectacular because of the topology of the island, it is a sea pinnacle surrounded by VERY deep water, in excess of 1000 feet or more. This is wall diving at some of its best but you need to be a good diver to enjoy the sights. The sea is not very forgiving.
If you are in a group you will have to go where the group wants to go. In general the group will want to do a good dive. For most people
good equals deep and so you will probably end up on a deep dive,
UNLESS you specified at the dive shop that you want to do a shallow dive
and the shop has told you the boat will go to a shallow site. If the shop says
"just dive shallow, you'll be fine", go find another dive shop. It will
NOT work out that way.
Question. Should this person get their Advanced Open Water Diver Certificate in Cozumel?
Answer. Yes, you could do the AOW in Cozumel, but I would suggest you do not.
I suggest you do a few more dives locally and take a AOW course
before you head for Cozumel. If locally is too cold then take a weekend trip to Florida, or Cabo, and do your AOW there and get a few more dives in before heading to Cozumel.
Why? Because the structure of the reef in Cozumel makes it difficult to complete the AOW course to standard. The dropoffs are very steep and the current is strong. The deep dive for the AOW is supposed to be to 100 feet and you are supposed to complete several tasks at depth. This is problematic in Cozumel in my opinion.
I hope this has helped. Safe diving and have a great time in Cozumel.
PS.
mstevens.
ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!