Hmmmm, seems to me some operators (Conch Republic, for example) accept evidence (log book) of a dive to 80 feet or deeper within the last six months instead of AOW.
Some agencies *might* take experience into account. However some don't at all, it's AOW, or dive shallow. My Cuz and I ran across this. She turned out to have more certifications than a mechanic, but when I registered, they said in no uncertain terms that AOW or better was a requirement for deep dives, no exceptions.
NAUI does not require AOW as a prerequisite for Rescue. All other agencies require AOW to start rescue. NAUI has no presence in CO, NM, or OOOtah. I stopped looking after three states.
I've never seen an *instructor* or *rescue diver* denied a deep dive. The shop wants a MINIMUM of Advanced. Any OP understands the progression. Rescue, or DM, or AI is beyond Advanced. I don't carry my AOW card, I carry my rescue card, and my Nitrox.
If you want to do rescue without AOW, find a NAUI instructor/shop. People in my area would have to travel.
I took AOW through PADI, I felt my instructor did a good job. I did it right after OW mainly to have a reason to get wet in the winter, and dive with an instructor after my OW dives. I was not very comfortable in the water at that point. AOW really got me to the next level, and inspired my confidence.
An instructor buddy of mine out of ABQ, NM extends an open invitation to dive with him at Blue Hole after his students complete OW at no cost. This is done on a weekend following their OW class. He gives them a briefing before the dive, and we always go to the bottom (80'+). He discusses each dive after they are done, and gives them pointers, and tips on things to work on. Most kick the crap out of the bottom, and have poor trim/buoyancy, but I can tell they are trying to do things right. That is the type of instructor we need to see more of.