Also, one more thing: the best training any diver can get is good Rescue Diver training. AOW is one more step towards your Rescue....which I believe everyone should be able to get.
I also believe that Rescue should be on the mandatory list of training, but contrary to popular belief, AOW is not needed to take Rescue in the following agencies:
PADI
You need to be at least 12 years old, certified to beyond entry-level with proof of underwater navigation training, such as PADI Adventure Diver with the Underwater Navigation Adventure Dive completed, and be fit for diving to be certified as a PADI Rescue Diver.
[ A little more conveluted than the others but OW and the Nav specialty, or OW and any specialty and the Nav adventure dive should do it.]
NAUI
Age. Minimum is 15 years. CPR & First Aid Certification: If accredited First Aid and CPR certification are not
offered as part of the course, current certification in both is required for certification. Diving Certification:
NAUI
Scuba Diver or equivalent.
SSI
What do I need to start?
*SSI
Open Water Diver or SSI Junior Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)
*Minimum age: 15 years old (12 for SSI Junior Rescue Diver)
*Successful completion of a sanctioned CPR program within the past 24 months (Emergency First Response or Medic First Aid)
Anyone who says AOW is mandatory for Rescue is misinformed or making a sale.
Bob
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I may be old, but I'm not dead yet.