Is the PADI OW Manual too simplified?

[Papa Bear]

I think they are great and a new tool that will hopefully bring more divers into the fold! As all new things it will take some fine tuning, but it is a step into the future! I like the idea of internet training look how much we are here!

[Sarah]

Any additional posts with personal attacks of members here in this thread will be immediately deleted.

[lottie]

I like the idea of internet training look how much we are here!

Well said Papa Bear.
I for one have learnt a few good and interesting dive-related things on here.

[Papa Bear]

As a friend of mine, was saying just the other night, "It is so cool that people from all over the world are right on my computer"! Our world is shrinking and yet expanding all at the same time! Computers allow us to go and do things we never thought of a few years back and someone on the other side of the world can know about it and share it with you with "This Tool"! I feel we will see much more education being done this way! At $5.00 per gallon I can watch a web cast or take test and not burn any fuel to get to the LDS! It will be be hard for some who will not change easily, but for those who can, I see a whole new industry and opportunities!

[Papa Bear]

I just looked at it and at first glance it covers the basics! That's what it is supposed to do! Also many people in warm water places have limited time and need a simplified course that covers safety and minimum standards and it seems to foot the bill! The most important part, It is covered, is the instructor! Lets face it a good instructor can teach the basics that will keep you from dying in 30 minutes or less! Does this make you a diver, NO, it is a start though! Diving is safe if you're comfortable in the water and have basic knowledge of Physics and your gear! This course covers this and as long as the instructors reinforce and practice the rules of safety it is a good start!