Basic Scuba Cert to OW/AOW Problem

**checkyourmirrors** · 06-12-2008 07:24 PM

I received PADI's Basic certification in 1983 when PADI didn't have an OW certification. I have been diving a fair amount this year and was considering upgrading to the AOW certification. However I am get many different answers on what my option is and can't get a clear, consistent answer.

My plan was to take the AOW course, effectively skipping the OW certification. PADI never created a transition plan for those that got the Basic cert before OW was created. Does anyone know what the real story is and how I can get that to an LDS?

For background some have said I only needed to do the OW dives, other have said I need to retake the whole class and others have said I could jump to the AOW.

**scubadiver888** · 06-13-2008 09:06 AM

If you go to the PADI web site there is contact information there. I think the link for Quality Assurance has a contact point. You should email them and find out what the official plan is. In Canada I would contact valerie.walsh@padi.com to see if she can help you.

The most sensible route would be to take at least an OW refresher course (it is cheaper than taking the full OW). This will let you go over the manual and training material to see if there are any gaps in your current knowledge. After that go for the AOW training. This is just my opinion though.

Darrell

**sportdiver_editor** · 06-17-2008 07:00 AM

As always, when in doubt ... contact PADI with your certification questions! They are extremely helpful and someone will be able to assist you. Here is a link to the website contact page:

http://www.padi.com/padi/en/footerlinks/contactus.aspx

As equipment and certification requirements change over the years, it's always a good idea to update your skills if there has been a lapse in diving.

Happy diving!
-- Sport Diver Editors

**cas** · 07-29-2008 05:20 AM

Originally Posted by checkyourmirrors

For background some have said I only needed to do the OW dives, other have said I need to retake the whole class and others have said I could jump to the AOW.

No need, PADI offers what they call an "experienced diver" program. In your case your knowledge and skills would need to be evaluated by an instructor (this is essentially the Scuba review program) after a succesfull evaluation you can enroll in the AOW course.

Should be no problem...