Well, let's see... I have three jackets I wear on dive trips. Only one has any patches on it at all (other than my organization's logo, Christian Divers of Texas). The one with "adornment" has a few PADI patches along with some others. But for me, those little swatches of embroidered cloth aren't for "braggin'", they're just reminders.
The OW patch reminds me of the great fun my brother-in-law and his wife and I had learning about scuba for the first time. We got certified together, dived together, and I like to remember how excited we were to experience this new world for the first time with people we enjoyed.
The AOW patch reminds me of why I got it in the first place. I needed more skills in order to participate in a scientific dive expedition in the Gulf of Mexico. The skills I learned in the class were valuable indeed when my buddy went unconscious in the water on that trip. I hear a lot about how PADI AOW training is inadequate and it's a "nothing" course. I'm sorry those complainers didn't take the time to find quality instructors. Mine did a great job. Although my buddy died on the boat of an aneurism, the training I received served me extremely well in the emergency.
My Rescue Diver patch brings back memories of the comraderie and fun our cert class had during the course. Sure, it required focus and at least some athleticism, but with the proper team spirit and sense of adventure, we had a blast!
I don't have too many specialty courses, but the other side of my jacket is home for patches for other training such as BSA lifeguard instructor, Red Cross lifeguard instructor, first aid training, and a couple of others.
All of these patches bring back memories just as my dive log entries do. If wearing this coat somehow marks me as an inferior diver or braggart, well so be it. I choose to continue to wear it and remember the wonderful people, places, courses, and times represented on my lapels and back.
