Dumb AOW question

[mullannix930]

In the Padi AOW navigation dive, what is the dive like? Do most instructors have you do several things or just like a heading and reciprocal type dive? I'm more just curious than anything.

 

[boulderjohn]

You have to do several things. The heading and reciprocal skill is from the OW class. The AOW class goes well beyond that.

 

[DevonDiver]

Here are the performance requirements for the AOW Navigation Dive / Navigation Adventure Dive / Navigation Specialty Dive #1:

Underwater Navigation Adventure Dive

Performance Requirements

1. Maintain neutral buoyancy.

2. Determine the average number of kick cycles and average amount of time required to swim underwater at a normal, relaxed pace approximately 30 metres/100 feet.

3. Navigate to a predetermined location and return to within 15 metres/50 feet of the starting point using natural references and estimated distance measurement (kick cycles or time). Surface only if necessary to verify direction or location.

4. Position and handle a compass underwater to maintain an accurate heading while swimming.

5. Navigate without surfacing to a predetermined location and return to within 6 metres/20 feet of the starting point using a compass and estimated distance measurement (kick cycles or time).

6. Swim a square pattern underwater, returning to within 8 metres/25 feet of the starting point using a compass and beginning from a fixed location. Recommended size of square – each side 30 metres/100 feet, or total combined length of approximately 120 metres/400 feet.

 

[Divejones]

bottom line is, depending on the visibility, at a distance of 30-40 mtrs you are well within the visual range of your DM, you wont get lost, dont worry on that, what is important is getting your square pattern right. getting your click cycle going (Some tend to kick right more than left) it should be slow, relaxed equal cycles, like i said in the navigation thread, pick up a point and navigate to it, this will cater for the drift caused by the current and your uneven kick cycle

PS
no question is dumb

 

[supergaijin]

If you take a look at Jacques Cousteau's Silent World movie, he is using kick cycles to estimate the length of the Thistlegorm when he "discovers" it in Egypt. His kick cycles are done at full speed- he also estimates the distance from the bottom of the hull to the deck- pretty insane stuff underwater IMO, but a good visualisation of what kick-cycles are for in a real setting.

Not many wrecks to discover these days but it can come in handy when/if you want to get to really know a local dive site.

 

[Doc]

DevonDiver nailed it with plain facts- anything other than that will depend upon local conditions and how good your instructor is.

In 1969, you were allowed to teach this in a pool if that was your best option. We used "hoods" just like pilots do- so that it blocks your vision except for your instruments.

It's all quite variable.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

If you take a look at Jacques Cousteau's Silent World movie, he is using kick cycles to estimate the length of the Thistlegorm when he "discovers" it in Egypt. His kick cycles are done at full speed- he also estimates the distance from the bottom of the hull to the deck- pretty insane stuff underwater IMO, but a good visualisation of what kick-cycles are for in a real setting.

Not many wrecks to discover these days but it can come in handy when/if you want to get to really know a local dive site.

To my concern, kick cycles are an artificial class exercise ... good for getting across a concept, but rarely used outside of the class. I can honestly say that in my real world, I've yet to meet anyone who uses them to navigate once their navigation class is over.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Griffo]

To my concern, kick cycles are an artificial class exercise ... good for getting across a concept, but rarely used outside of the class. I can honestly say that in my real world, I've yet to meet anyone who uses them to navigate once their navigation class is over.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

I used them on my rescue class Oh.. you said real world....

 

[stairman]

Navigating a square was my main skill to perform. Then we went diving. I expected more but got my card and did a little honing on my own later that summer. It does depend on the instructor how far you delve into it on the dives.

 

[scubadiver888]

My nav was everything Devon posted plus we did a triangle. I'd do each skill then my buddy would do each skill. We had two instructors. One in water and one on shore watching the bubbles. It is easier to see if you are doing a good square or triangle by watching the bubbles.

The shop I work for now makes the students do a triangle as well. I always assumed the triangle was a requirement.

Oh, we did compass work in a parking lot before we did it in the water. He also had us deal with obstacles in our path and how to get back on track after going around them.