But what happens if you do not become an instructor? Does he have to wait til he is 18 and can do it on his own? And was your training half-assed? If not why can't the shop and instructor that taught you teach him?[/QUOTE
How many hours are spent on buoyancy, trim, weights, finning techniques, SAC rates, gas planning, choosing right equipment, etc...?
Forget learning it in AOW. I think most divers who suck coming out of OW suck because they don't get enough time with these BASIC skills and necessities while still on OW. I'm not going to hope or expect my son to get enough OW training in and out of the water before getting certified. That's where I come in. My son will know most of what he needs to know even before getting into the class. He will be weighted correctly. Will have a lot more experience with the skills when compared to those taking OW. It will only make him a better diver when he does get certified.