->
-> -> I have a ?.What is the difference between the open water cert.From
-> -> the
-> -> advance open water.I was certified by P.D.I.C. open water and I do
-> -> not see much of a difference then the P.A.D.I. advance open water.
-> -> can't they compine the two.I see at least two advantages to this
-> -> 1)this  would encourage more divers to be certified and 2)I believ
-> -> this would  make the diving comunity more safe.
-> -> I could last a lot but these two are the most important
-> ->      George
->
-> As someone who never bothered to get more than a basic
-> certification, I've asked myself this many times.  So far, the only
-> answer I can come up with is the advanced certification suggests
-> (but does not guarantee) a little more experiece and competence.  I
-> do know that I sometimes have to a do a little extra convincing on
-> charter trips before anyone accepts that I'm able to plan my own
-> dives without a lot of oversight.  Perhaps the most important
-> feature of an advanced rating is that those who have to worry about
-> liability for others have a little better feeling for what you are
-> capable of.  This alone kind of makes it worth while to the diver.
->
-> The primary reason the two classifications aren't combined is
-> probably that the certifying agencies can collect more money with
-> two levels than with one.  If I were going to suggest a
-> combination, it would more likely be advanced and deep diver.  As I
-> recall, PADI calls anything over 60 feet a deep dive.  To have a
-> special certification for dives over 60 feet and advanced open water
-> seems a bit much.
->
-> Still and all, considering the number of incompetent divers, well
-> call them unconvincing divers, I've seen with certifications as high
-> as search and rescue, maybe more advanced ratings have a place.  At
-> least they ensure that those that hold them have done enough dives to
-> qualify.
->
-> Lee
->
-> --- PCBoard (R) v15.22/M 2
-> (1:369/97)
             I know what you mean about the money with the 2 certifcatios.I 
am only open water but I have dives logged at depths up to 130 ft and a few 
night dives as will as numerous wreck dives,last sunner I was done in the 
Keys and the dive boat I was on wanted to charge me extra to have a dive 
instuctor go down with me on a wreck that was in about 100 ft of water at 
night even though I had a dive buddy that was open water as well. 
--- InterEcho 1.12
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