stefo2
Contributor
I agree with what has been said above, that I would question the dive shops motives behind their insistence.
Apart from that, I do see the point in doing some more dives under supervision straight away, just as well as the notion that getting some experience first is the better idea. If you decide to the AOW straight away, the most important thing imo is that even if you have that little card, with only 9 or so dives under your belt you should by no means consider yourself an advanced diver. You will still be a beginner and should dive accordingly until you actually have the experience to go with the "title".
As for the rescue course - while I agree that it is a very worthwhile class that will greatly benefit you and the people you dive with, I really think you need to do some dives first in order to get comfortable in your own diving.
"some ability at Rescue is better than none" is certainly true, but I doubt that a diver who is not comfortable in the water yet will get the most out of the course.
Apart from that, I do see the point in doing some more dives under supervision straight away, just as well as the notion that getting some experience first is the better idea. If you decide to the AOW straight away, the most important thing imo is that even if you have that little card, with only 9 or so dives under your belt you should by no means consider yourself an advanced diver. You will still be a beginner and should dive accordingly until you actually have the experience to go with the "title".
As for the rescue course - while I agree that it is a very worthwhile class that will greatly benefit you and the people you dive with, I really think you need to do some dives first in order to get comfortable in your own diving.
"some ability at Rescue is better than none" is certainly true, but I doubt that a diver who is not comfortable in the water yet will get the most out of the course.