I took the original post to mean, what if a civilian diver wanted to set a series of goals for himself and work their way up. What civilian training path would lead to the highest level?
Not counting wanting to be an instructor, just moving up in training and experience.
I'm not a CCR diver, but I sort of figured that CCR divers were a level above OC. No doubt this isn't clear cut, and the lines blur.
As for military and commercial, and scientific diving, I don't imagine that any of us recreational divers would have a clue about what all they do.
From everything I've ever heard, the NEDU was the pinnacle for military divers. I've read a few articles, things online, and have listened to an interview with someone from the NEDU. Pod diver, has the interview.
I would imagine that things that are routine for commercial divers would seem like great accomplishments to me.
Back to civilian agencies, I agree with a previous poster. GUE Tech 3, or Cave 3 would seem to be the highest level to achieve. Is there an agency with a more stringent reguirement to pass their courses and advance? Especially to the Tech 3 or Cave 3 levels?
-Mitch