So I’m going for PADI Master Diver, why not. So I got signed up for Advanced Open Water or PADI AOW the next step to MD, at this point I started getting my setup. The eLearning took me about a week I was pretty motivated. So I found I lady in NYC that was selling her father’s old regulator cluster, it’s a Mares for $60 she shipped it to me so I was worth a shot. She sent the set and all the extras she had. I ended up with an old Oceanic Dive computer. Some dive lights, and an old Mares BCD that I used a couple of times but didn’t like.
So I sold the computer for $100 on eBay and sent the Reg set to be serviced. A lady local to me was selling some tanks she had found in a rehab she bought, so for $50, I got 2 nice tanks. I got the hydro tested and back in service. Then ordered a new BCD from my LDS, T.D. I scuba in Lees Summit, MO, and got a Sherwood Avid CQR 3 BCD, it’s nice.
The Deep Dive, was the hardest part for me in the AOW training. I had zero viz and ice-cold, but we managed through all the stuff we needed, about peed myself coming up LOL
After I got the AOW Cert I ended up diving a lot after that on what they call FUN dives every couple of weeks. I would go out and dive the quarry and just practice my buoyancy and Nav. So I am horrible with both underwater. Also I have no hearing or balance in my right side, so keeping ordination is a struggle. I had an Acoustic Neuroma removed in 2005, from my head about the size of 2 golf balls.
So I had a funny moment on a day out with the instructors cleaning up. I was practicing my Nav and heading straight back to the shore, and the instructor was watching me. Since she was out of the air and swimming back. After a while, I ascended to see how far I was off and…… I was in the same spot and she was laughing at me LOL. She said all she could see was my bubbles doing circles in one spot LOL humiliating LOL This is why I follow and hate to lead LOL Land Nav I’m a rockstar, underwater I may as well be blind LOL
Signed up for Rescue Diver and done with eLearning, and taking the class in the spring after Egypt.
Scuba diving is an incredible experience that allows you to explore the underwater world and witness the beauty of marine life. If you’re already certified as a PADI Open Water diver and are looking to expand your skills and knowledge, then the PADI Advanced Open Water certification is the perfect next step.
The PADI Advanced Open Water course consists of five dives, each focused on a specific area of diving. These dives are typically spread out over two days, and include both deep and shallow dives. Some of the areas covered during the course include underwater navigation, deep diving, night diving, and underwater photography.
Before starting the course, you’ll need to have completed the PADI Open Water certification or an equivalent certification from another diving organization. You’ll also need to have basic scuba gear, including a wetsuit, fins, mask, and regulator.
To begin the PADI Advanced Open Water course, you’ll need to complete the theory portion of the course. This includes reading a manual and watching videos online. This helped me to understand the concepts and techniques that I would be practicing during the course.
After completing the theory portion, I met with my instructor to plan the dives and discuss any questions or concerns I had. The five dives were spread out over two days, and each dive had a specific focus.
The first dive was a deep dive, where we descended to a depth of 100 feet (30 meters) and practiced techniques for managing the increased pressure at depth. It was an incredible experience to be so far beneath the surface and see the different marine life that lived at that depth.
The second dive was a navigation dive, where we practiced using a compass and natural landmarks to navigate underwater. This was an important skill to learn, as it allowed me to confidently explore new dive sites and find my way back to the boat.
The third dive was a night dive, where we explored the underwater world after dark using underwater lights. It was a completely different experience to dive at night and see how the marine life behaved differently compared to during the day.
The fourth dive was a peak performance buoyancy dive, where we practiced controlling our buoyancy and staying neutrally buoyant throughout the dive. This allowed us to conserve energy and air, and also to avoid damaging delicate marine life.
The final dive was an underwater photography dive, where we practiced taking photos and videos underwater. This was a fun and creative dive, and it allowed me to capture some incredible footage of the marine life and underwater scenery.
Throughout the course, my instructor provided guidance and feedback on my skills and techniques, and helped me to improve my diving abilities. By the end of the course, I felt much more confident and skilled as a diver.
In addition to the practical skills, the PADI Advanced Open Water course also provided me with a deeper understanding of the underwater world and the importance of marine conservation. I learned about the different marine ecosystems and the threats they face, and how divers can help to protect and preserve these environments.
One of the great things about the PADI Advanced Open Water certification is that it allows you to explore new and exciting dive opportunities. With the advanced certification, you’re able to dive deeper and explore different types of dive sites, such as wrecks, caves, and reefs.
If you’re interested in obtaining the PADI Advanced Open Water certification, I recommend finding a reputable dive center in your area. Look for a center that has experienced instructors, modern equipment, and a good safety record. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or read reviews online to find a quality dive center.
Before starting the course, it’s important to ensure that you’re physically and mentally prepared for diving. You’ll need to be in good physical health, have basic swimming skills, and be comfortable in the water. It’s also important to have the proper
gear and to make sure it’s in good working condition before starting the course. This includes checking your dive computer, ensuring that your regulator is functioning properly, and making sure that your tanks are filled and ready for use.
During the course, it’s important to communicate openly with your instructor and to ask questions whenever you’re unsure about something. Your instructor is there to help you and to ensure that you’re safe and comfortable throughout the course.
One of the benefits of obtaining the PADI Advanced Open Water certification is that it opens up new opportunities for you as a diver. With the advanced certification, you’re able to participate in more challenging dives, such as wreck dives, deep dives, and night dives. You’ll also have a deeper understanding of the underwater world and the importance of marine conservation.
In addition, the PADI Advanced Open Water certification is a great way to meet other divers and to become part of a community of people who share your passion for scuba diving. Diving is a social activity, and many dive centers offer group dives and events where you can connect with other divers and share your experiences.
Another benefit of the PADI Advanced Open Water certification is that it can help you to advance your scuba diving career. If you’re interested in becoming a dive professional, such as a divemaster or instructor, then the advanced certification is a great foundation for further training and education.
Overall, obtaining the PADI Advanced Open Water certification is a challenging and rewarding experience that allows you to expand your scuba diving skills and knowledge, and to explore new and exciting dive opportunities. It’s a great way to become a more confident and skilled diver, and to become part of a community of people who share your love of the underwater world. If you’re ready to take the next step in your scuba diving journey, then start researching dive centers in your area and sign up for the PADI Advanced Open Water course today!
It’s important to remember that scuba diving is a physically demanding activity, and that it requires a certain level of fitness and health. Before starting the PADI Advanced Open Water course, it’s important to ensure that you’re in good physical health and that you have the necessary swimming skills to participate in the course.
It’s also important to follow all safety procedures and guidelines when diving, and to take precautions to prevent injury or illness. This includes checking your equipment before every dive, using the buddy system, and always diving within your limits.
In addition to the physical aspects of scuba diving, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of diving. As a diver, you have a responsibility to protect and preserve the underwater world, and to minimize your impact on the marine environment.
This includes avoiding contact with marine life, not disturbing the seabed or coral, and not leaving any litter or debris in the water. By practicing responsible diving habits, you can help to ensure that the underwater world remains a vibrant and thriving ecosystem for generations to come.
In conclusion, obtaining the PADI Advanced Open Water certification is a great way to expand your scuba diving skills and knowledge, and to explore new and exciting dive opportunities. It’s a challenging and rewarding course that provides you with the confidence and ability to explore the underwater world with greater skill and expertise.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your scuba diving journey, then start researching dive centers in your area and sign up for the PADI Advanced Open Water course today! Remember to follow all safety procedures and guidelines, and to practice responsible diving habits to help protect and preserve the marine environment.
Diving is a unique experience that allows you to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and to enter a world of peace and tranquility. It’s an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, and it’s a great way to meet new people and make new friends.
If you’re interested in obtaining the PADI Advanced Open Water certification, I recommend taking the time to research dive centers in your area and to choose a center that has experienced instructors, modern equipment, and a good safety record. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or read reviews online to find a quality dive center.
Once you’ve found a dive center that you feel comfortable with, it’s important to communicate openly with your instructor and to ask questions whenever you’re unsure about something. Your instructor is there to help you and to ensure that you’re safe and comfortable throughout the course.
During the course, you’ll be introduced to new techniques and skills that will help you to become a more confident and skilled diver. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore new and exciting dive sites, and to witness the beauty of marine life in its natural habitat.
One of the great things about the PADI Advanced Open Water certification is that it can open up new opportunities for you as a diver. With the advanced certification, you’re able to participate in more challenging dives, such as wreck dives, deep dives, and night dives. You’ll also have a deeper understanding of the underwater world and the importance of marine conservation.
In addition, the PADI Advanced Open Water certification is a great way to meet other divers and to become part of a community of people who share your passion for scuba diving. Many dive centers offer group dives and events where you can connect with other divers and share your experiences.
In conclusion, obtaining the PADI Advanced Open Water certification is a great way to take your scuba diving skills and knowledge to the next level. It’s a challenging and rewarding course that provides you with the confidence and ability to explore the underwater world with greater skill and expertise. If you’re ready to take the next step in your scuba diving journey, then start researching dive centers in your area and sign up for the PADI Advanced Open Water course today!
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Navigating through life, or as I like to call it, stumbling through a travel brochure, I’ve bounced from one continent to another like a ping pong ball. From riding a camel around the pyramids and getting lost in Cairo’s bazaars, to scuba diving wrecks off Florida, mingling with sharks in Roatan, and admiring Cozumel’s coral reefs. And amidst this whirlwind of adventure, I find time to scribble it all down in a blog, because what’s a near-death experience with a dolphin if you can’t brag about it online, right? So here’s to cheap travels, history lessons in every port, and unforgettable under-the-sea encounters. May my suitcase always be packed and my oxygen tank never be empty!
