[b1draper]

Originally Posted by rox@ucf11

I think it sounds like a mouth full but its good they are moving foreward with an aow type course, on the otherhand for master diver 5 specialties and 50 dives just doesnt seem like enought to call yourself this. (does this mean you dive solo or are certd to do so because it does in naui)

However that being said I do like that there is a minimum dive# requirement in some of the classes

Is there no rescue class in SSI?

SSI has always required the AOW to have 4 specialties and 24 dives. The "Advanced Adventure" cert is a new cert level that is actually the equivalent to PADI's AOW. Both PADI and SSI require that a diver complete 5 specialties and at least 50 dives before they reach the Master Diver level. With the Master Diver rating from either SSI or PADI it does not certify you to dive solo it just distinguishes that you've achieved a "higher" level of training past what's required for AOW.

Both SSI and PADI also require that you complete a Diver Stress/Rescue class as one of the 5 specialties and have current training in CPR/First Aid and AED use. So, I guess if you figure that a Master Diver has the 5 specialties, First Aid/CPR and AED training plus at least 50 dives that's a good chunk of training. Plus you've pretty much met the requirements to start Dive Master/Dive Con training.