live_2_dive
Contributor
Advanced Open Water is really just a few additional guided dives. It's probably a worthwhile program if you are still a little unsure about the sport or do not have any local mentors to keep you on track.
I just wish PADI would change the name...you are NOT an advanced diver after taking this program. You are still a very inexperienced diver with another C-Card in your wallet. However there are quite a few charters who insist you have your Advanced Open Water to dive with them no matter how many dives in your log book.
In all fairness, PADI never said/published having an AOW card makes you an advanced diver. They simply acknowledge that it makes you a more experienced diver (as is the case since you dive more in order to be certified as an AOW diver).
I agree that it kind of sucks that some charters let on the AOW diver with 20 dives and not the OW diver with 200 dives. However, there are times when a business/organization/etc have to draw a line in the sand as far as standards go. Some make it the OW/AOW line. Sure they can make an exception for you, but then what good are standards? It's just the way it is sometimes (right or wrong).
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PADI Rescue/DM 09100Z7445
Dr Dive/Wet Dream/Sea Cobra/Y-Knot/H2OBelow
Diving is my passion...I live to dive!