I know I'm going to get flamed for this, but IMO this is
a better way to do it.
Ok so you are PADI OW and want to know what next.
IMO dump AOW. That's right, dont bother doing what is the
worst course in the PADI repetoire. Teaches you how to do
what? Count fish? Watch your depth gauge?
Much better route is to go BSAC Sport diver. You not only get
to learn all about decompression, but get to do all the rescue
stuff earlier (CBL, AC, Tow & Ditch etc). All the training
assumes correct exposure protection, so you will get on the
job drysuit training. It includes shot work/lift bags, plus
SMB/DSMB essential for UK.
Combination of good lectures, pool work (with complete
rescue sequence) followed by 5 open water dives again with
rescue sequence makes this a very comprehensive course.
Sport diver will give you a 35m with deco rating and no you
dont have to join a club (although they will welcome you).
Any pro-BSAC outfit will do it.
But ...... and this is the best bit. Do a few more dives (20 in
total) and it's the entry requirement for the best
PADI course - Rescue Diver.
So you get to do all the AV/CPR stuff again (by this time you
will be well good at it). Plus a repeat of all that classroom
stuff on the EFR course. Rescue has more panicked diver
scenarios and more Rescue management. Some repeats yes,
but enough superior content to really hone your skills.
If you get PADI AOW cheap on a holiday package that costs
little more than a 5 dive pack, then go for it.
Otherwise, for UK diving after PADI OW, go Sport Diver.
Rgds
TerryH
