Technically speaking, Nitrox is simpler than Open Water because several agency standards allow instructors to conduct the course with no dives involved. But, yes, you have to complete an open water certification course first.
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Maybe I am the one person to give the troll-roll-call post, but here goes!
Switch from challenging SSI to super-easy-peasy-PADI, and get your checkout dives done lickety-split!
That’s untrue. I’m familiar with both and they’re both “easy-peasy” “lickety split”. (Who talks like that any more?). If you want to see REAL differences between programs, compare GUE to SSI or PADI.
Switch from challenging SSI to super-easy-peasy-PADI, and get your checkout dives done lickety-split!
All of the major certifying agencies are members of the WRSTC... Functionally speaking, it means that all OW classes are essentially the same... by-and-large all OW classes will cover the same materials, cover the same skills, and require the student to demonstrate said skills in open water.