I’m surprised that more people don’t recognize how similar the two are - OW and a driver license. You get your license by taking a written test and driving in local conditions, whatever those are, and demonstrating competence in basic skills. You can drive anywhere you want after you get the license. A prudent new driver or parent wouldn’t condone immediately driving on a highway at rush hour or navigating Manhattan streets until you’ve gained more experience. And if it’s your kid you probably go with them during their first ventures on more challenging roads.
Noone points a finger at the instructor or motor vehicle department saying they are incompetent or have ‘no standards’. And noone points a finger at the new driver for still needing to gain experience and improve skills. Or for having a more seasoned ‘drive master’ ride shotgun. Yet with diving we do it constantly.
I learned to dive a while ago, it was more physically challenging and stressful than it is now. My cert dives were off an NJ dive boat. I was prepared to dive in those conditions. My wife got certified four years ago. Training was pleasant and her dives were in a quarry. She is prepared to dive in similar conditions and more than capable of diving warm, blue water locations. She is not prepared to dive in NJ. She knows that.
I am quite glad her training and cert dives were different than what I went through. She would have completed it but it would have been miserable and she likely would never have dived again.