Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD)
The Advanced Open Water Diver course helps you increase your confidence and build your scuba skills so you can become more comfortable in the water. This course builds on the Open Water Diver (OWD) certification and provides opportunities to learn new diving techniques and experience some specialized types of diving. The AOWD is a great way to advance your skills (and learn new ones) under the supervision of an instructor.
The AOWD course requires the completion of five dives:
- Underwater Navigation (required)
- Deep Diving (required)
- Three additional specialty dives of your choice.
Prerequisites
In order to begin the AOWD, all students must:
- Hold a PADI Open Water Diver certification, or qualifying certification from another organization
- Be at least twelve (12) years of age
- Complete a short medical questionnaire or have one on file (some students may have to consult their medical doctor to obtain a signature)
Equipment
It is recommended that students have their own mask, fins, and snorkel. Just as with the OWD, Deep Blue can provide these items for the duration of the AOWD for a $50 charge, although it is strongly recommended that each student have their own.
All students will receive an AOWD Crew Pack which contains the AOWD instructional materials necessary to study for and complete the AOWD. Deep Blue will provide buoyancy control devices (BCDs), air, cylinders, weight belts, weights, and wetsuits for the duration of the AOWD. The weekend diving license for Blue Hole (in Santa Rosa, NM) will also be provided.
Class & Dive Schedules
Classroom sessions: There are typically one to two classroom sessions, which will be scheduled to meet the needs of each class. Class schedules are posted in the Classes section. Dive sessions are posted in the Classes as well as the News & Events section. Classroom sessions are typically completed no later than the Friday before the open water dives.
Dives: These are usually conducted at Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, NM. The open water dives are listed in the Classes and News & Events sections with a linked map. The open water dives are conducted over the course of a weekend. Students should expect to stay overnight in Santa Rosa and make arrangements for accommodation. Lunch is not provided, although Deep Blue does bring a barbecue grill, a table, and chairs. Normally, each class meets for dinner after classes on Saturday and Sunday.
It is important students understand that elevation changes between Santa Rosa and Albuquerque can adversely impact student safety. Deep Blue strongly advises students stay the night in Santa Rosa at after repetitive or deep diving. Students are advised that they should allow themselves several hours after the end of diving on the second day (if applicable) to out-gas before driving home.
