What are the reasons for the requirement? I can see two possibilities.
1) Dive actually requires advanced skills (e.g. needed to avoid touching stuff in close proximity).
In this case, a checkout dive will be an absolute requirement. The screener should tell prospects, "This dive requires advanced buoyancy skills including hovering and ____ and _____. These skills will be tested by our divemaster in a checkout dive in our pool. If you fail the checkout dive, you will not be allowed into the aquarium dive. The fee for the checkout dive is $50, whether or not you pass. The fee for the aquarium dive is $225 and will only be charged if you pass the checkout dive."
2) Advanced skills not required and management just wants a general CYA.
Screener asks if diver has Advanced Open Water or higher certification.
1) Dive actually requires advanced skills (e.g. needed to avoid touching stuff in close proximity).
In this case, a checkout dive will be an absolute requirement. The screener should tell prospects, "This dive requires advanced buoyancy skills including hovering and ____ and _____. These skills will be tested by our divemaster in a checkout dive in our pool. If you fail the checkout dive, you will not be allowed into the aquarium dive. The fee for the checkout dive is $50, whether or not you pass. The fee for the aquarium dive is $225 and will only be charged if you pass the checkout dive."
2) Advanced skills not required and management just wants a general CYA.
Screener asks if diver has Advanced Open Water or higher certification.
