So with that in mind, what does AOW consist of, training-wise and what advantages are there in completing the course?
The AOW is a really fun course. As you dive more, there will be dives such as night dives, deeper wreck dives, etc., that you will probably want to do. For your first time with slightly more challenging dives, it is a good idea to have an instructor with you. This is the purpose of the AOW course. There's no exam to write for AOW as it's just practical training. I have a fuller article on the AOW at;
http://www.FreeSpiri...vanceddiver.htm
It may give you better insight to what it is all about.
Clint