jonhall
Contributor
Was wondering if there is any real benefit of obtaining AOW certification as opposed to keeping the OW (PADI) certification I have and if I have just been lucky to get to do the different types of dives that seem to be included in the specialty courses and AOW? Have read many posts in past threads on the topic and have obtained some valuable information, but wanted to revisit the topic for some fresh opinions.
My diving background consists of 4 checkout dives in 1998 with my next 2 dives not coming until 2005. The next 4 came in 2007 and I have been diving every year since getting in 8-14 dives. This year, as in future years, I expect to get in 20-30. Within my first 25, I completed several deep (between 90-110 ft.), wreck (swim throughs), night, and drift dives. Also have been on 8 drift dives where DM left us after 20 minutes each time to go back to get the boat to pick us up wherever we surfaced. The last of those dives were just my buddy and myself. I am very comfortable in the water and dont feel Ive ever been slighted on any dive trips except for those that didnt let us dive our air.
It seems that the AOW, which Im trying to convince myself I need, would allow:
1. a diver to do certain specialty dives where the DM requires that extra certification.
2. ease of mind for the dive shop liability-wise.
Trying to get past the feeling I will spend money to get an official certification for things I can do and have already done. I have no aspirations in diving other than to be able to go under when Im on a trip.
Anything else?
My diving background consists of 4 checkout dives in 1998 with my next 2 dives not coming until 2005. The next 4 came in 2007 and I have been diving every year since getting in 8-14 dives. This year, as in future years, I expect to get in 20-30. Within my first 25, I completed several deep (between 90-110 ft.), wreck (swim throughs), night, and drift dives. Also have been on 8 drift dives where DM left us after 20 minutes each time to go back to get the boat to pick us up wherever we surfaced. The last of those dives were just my buddy and myself. I am very comfortable in the water and dont feel Ive ever been slighted on any dive trips except for those that didnt let us dive our air.
It seems that the AOW, which Im trying to convince myself I need, would allow:
1. a diver to do certain specialty dives where the DM requires that extra certification.
2. ease of mind for the dive shop liability-wise.
Trying to get past the feeling I will spend money to get an official certification for things I can do and have already done. I have no aspirations in diving other than to be able to go under when Im on a trip.
Anything else?