OWD or AOWD – which course to start with?
The names of the courses sound similar, but they meet different needs. OWD is used to obtain the first certificate. AOWD develops the skills of a person who already has basic qualifications.
OWD: learning from scratch
Na PADI Open Water Diver you learn theory, equipment and basic skills. You practice in the pool and then do training dives in open water. The course is a good choice if you want to start diving regularly with a partner within your qualifications.
AOWD: development after the first certificate
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver allows you to gain further experience under the supervision of an instructor. In the program you develop, among others: navigation and preparation for dives deeper than the basic level. Check the scope, age requirements and limits in the training description.
Don’t have any certificate yet?
Start with OWD. If you want to check first if diving suits you, go for it DSD test dive program. DSD is not a replacement for a full certification course.
You have OWD, but you haven’t dived for a long time?
Tell the instructor when you last dived and how you feel in the water. It may be useful before the next course PADI ReActivate program. The selection of training should take into account your experience and goal, not just the name of the degree.
What after AOWD?
You can develop specific skills on specializations or prepare for Rescue Diver. If you are interested in working in diving, get to know PADI PRO path.