Advanced Open Water Diver: Scuba Diving Explained

Scuba diving is a popular recreational activity that allows individuals to explore the underwater world. The Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) certification is a level of qualification in scuba diving where divers gain additional skills and experience beyond those required for the basic Open Water Diver level. This glossary article will delve into the details of the AOWD certification, its requirements, the skills it imparts, and its significance in the world of scuba diving.

The AOWD certification is offered by several diving organizations, including the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC), and the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS). Each organization has its own specific requirements and course structure, but all aim to enhance a diver's skills and knowledge, enabling them to undertake a wider range of diving activities.

Prerequisites for the Advanced Open Water Diver Certification

Before embarking on the AOWD course, there are certain prerequisites that must be met. These prerequisites ensure the safety of the diver and the integrity of the course. They vary slightly between organizations, but generally, a diver must be at least 15 years old (12 for Junior AOWD) and must have completed the Open Water Diver certification or equivalent.

Furthermore, divers must be in good physical health. Many organizations require a medical statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months. This is to ensure that the diver does not have any medical conditions that could pose a risk while diving. Conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and certain neurological conditions may disqualify a person from diving.

Age Requirement

The age requirement for the AOWD certification is set to ensure that divers have the maturity and judgment necessary to handle the challenges and risks associated with advanced diving. While the minimum age is typically 15, a Junior AOWD certification is available for those aged 12 to 14. The Junior AOWD certification has the same training requirements as the regular AOWD certification, but with restrictions on depth and buddy requirements.

Once a Junior AOWD diver turns 15, they can upgrade to the regular AOWD certification without any additional training. This allows young divers to continue their diving education and experience at a pace that is appropriate for their age and development.

Open Water Diver Certification

The Open Water Diver (OWD) certification is the first level of certification in scuba diving. It provides the basic knowledge and skills needed to dive independently with a buddy in conditions similar to those in which the diver was trained. Before progressing to the AOWD course, divers must have completed the OWD certification or equivalent.

The OWD certification includes training in basic diving skills such as buoyancy control, mask clearing, emergency procedures, and underwater navigation. It also includes knowledge development sessions covering topics such as dive planning, dive equipment, and the effects of pressure on the body. By completing the OWD certification, divers demonstrate that they have the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to undertake more advanced training.

Course Structure and Content

The AOWD course is designed to further develop a diver's skills and knowledge, enabling them to undertake a wider range of diving activities. The course typically includes five adventure dives, each focusing on a different aspect of diving. These may include deep diving, underwater navigation, night diving, wreck diving, and peak performance buoyancy.

Each adventure dive includes a knowledge development session and a practical application session. The knowledge development session covers the theory related to the specific type of diving, while the practical application session involves actually performing the dive under the supervision of a certified instructor. By completing these adventure dives, divers gain experience in different types of diving and enhance their skills and confidence.

Deep Diving

Deep diving is one of the adventure dives included in the AOWD course. This dive focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to dive to depths greater than 18 meters (60 feet). Topics covered include the effects of pressure at depth, the use of dive computers, and safety considerations for deep diving.

During the deep dive, divers learn to plan and execute dives to depths of up to 40 meters (130 feet). They practice using a dive computer to monitor their depth and no decompression limit, and they learn to manage their gas supply to ensure they have enough air to safely complete the dive. This dive prepares divers for the challenges and risks associated with deep diving and enhances their ability to dive safely and confidently at depth.

Underwater Navigation

Underwater navigation is another key component of the AOWD course. This dive focuses on the skills and techniques needed to navigate underwater using a compass and natural references. Topics covered include the use of a compass, distance estimation, and navigation patterns.

During the underwater navigation dive, divers practice using a compass to navigate to specific points and return to the starting point. They also learn to estimate distance underwater using kick cycles and time, and they practice using natural references to navigate. This dive enhances a diver's ability to navigate underwater, increasing their confidence and independence while diving.

Benefits of the Advanced Open Water Diver Certification

The AOWD certification offers several benefits to divers. Firstly, it allows divers to undertake a wider range of diving activities. With the AOWD certification, divers can dive to depths of up to 40 meters (130 feet), dive on wrecks, and dive at night. This opens up a whole new world of diving opportunities.

Secondly, the AOWD certification enhances a diver's skills and confidence. By completing the adventure dives, divers gain experience in different types of diving and enhance their skills in areas such as buoyancy control, underwater navigation, and emergency procedures. This increases their confidence and safety while diving.

Increased Diving Opportunities

One of the main benefits of the AOWD certification is that it allows divers to undertake a wider range of diving activities. With the AOWD certification, divers can dive to depths of up to 40 meters (130 feet), compared to the 18-meter (60-foot) limit for Open Water Divers. This allows divers to explore deeper dive sites and wrecks that are beyond the reach of Open Water Divers.

In addition, the AOWD certification allows divers to undertake specialty dives such as night diving, wreck diving, and underwater photography. These dives offer unique experiences and challenges, and they allow divers to explore different aspects of the underwater world. With the AOWD certification, divers have the skills and knowledge to safely undertake these dives and enjoy a wider range of diving experiences.

Enhanced Skills and Confidence

The AOWD course is designed to further develop a diver's skills and knowledge, enhancing their confidence and safety while diving. By completing the adventure dives, divers gain experience in different types of diving and enhance their skills in areas such as buoyancy control, underwater navigation, and emergency procedures.

For example, the deep dive teaches divers to manage their gas supply and monitor their depth and no decompression limit, enhancing their safety while diving at depth. The underwater navigation dive enhances a diver's ability to navigate underwater, increasing their independence and confidence while diving. By enhancing their skills and confidence, the AOWD certification allows divers to enjoy a wider range of diving experiences and to dive more safely and confidently.

Conclusion

The Advanced Open Water Diver certification is a significant milestone in a diver's education. It enhances a diver's skills and knowledge, enabling them to undertake a wider range of diving activities and to dive more safely and confidently. Whether you are a new diver looking to expand your diving horizons, or an experienced diver seeking to enhance your skills and knowledge, the AOWD certification offers a wealth of benefits and opportunities.

Remember, the journey to becoming an Advanced Open Water Diver is not just about gaining a certification. It's about enhancing your skills, expanding your horizons, and experiencing the underwater world in new and exciting ways. So take the plunge, embrace the adventure, and discover what the underwater world has to offer.