PADI question

I had a couple of days spare so I nipped down to the local PADI dive place and asked the bloke to hire me some stuff and let me join in on a boat dive, he said bollocks (fair enough) but did say he'd take me out, just the two of us and it would count towards my OW cert.
So off we trot, I set up all my gear while he watches, shows me a video, fills out some forms and we get in the water.
He makes me do some standard tests, confirms I know my signals, bit of faffing around with some questions, then we go off.

Bloke seemed happy afterwards, I behaved myself and kept it at <12m, he says its obvious I've dived before, gives me a little certificate saying I've done the dive.
I go online and take the (too easy IMHO) PADI theory test for $120.

So now I'm on a different island but I have my first dive (confined water and open water) and a printed off sheet saying I've passed the theory.
And there's a PADI place about half a mile down the road.

What next? The bloke did say I have to do two more dives I think, but I'm not sure I understood him properly as I was late and rushing about.

I'm sure the place down the road will explain it all but I'd like to know before hand incase he tries to convince me I need more than I really do so they can make a bit extra.

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Wolf in wolfs clothing.

The fella on this island was actually really cool.
He took me out and checked out what I knew and reckons there is nothing else he can teach me, at least for the OW cert anyway.
But he wasn't prepared to sign me off until we'd gone through everything by the book, so I'm finishing everything off on Tues and Weds.

At least then I can hire stuff when I'm out and about with the magic card.

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Wolf in wolfs clothing.

Which is really the main reason for doing the course

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A biker is someone who rides through choice. Not because it is the most comfortable way to transport a body but because it can be the most magical way to carry a soul - Dave Gurman

Of course, but it does confirm thats its just a 'cover your arse' piece of paper for the people hiring out the kit.

I thought the PADI theory was a joke, it in no way prepares you to organise your own dives or be competent in the ocean.
In theory two city boys could do the PADI course in 3 days and then both go off to buddy each other anywhere in the ocean, putting themselves and any rescuers at risk.

There is a dive here thats quite dodgy, very strong currents, difficult entry and exit and on top of that some of the wildlife in that particular place is large with big pointy teeth.
No fucking way should anyone without extensive experience of the ocean even be near it, but according to PADI after 3 days you can crack on.

Personally I'm pretty happy with my knowledge of the Caribbean sea and reefs, so I feel confident*, but if I was to dive in the UK I'd consider myself an absolute beginner and wouldn't dare go with anyone but an expert(s). But according to PADI I am qualified to go off and try it.

*What I mean by that is I know my limitations and when not to tackle something dangerous, I don't mean I'm the bestest in the world and can dive any place in the Caribbean anytime. In fact where diving is concerned I'm a strictly <50ft man, nothing below that point that I'm interested in and I know if it all goes tits up I can dump my kit and float up.

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Wolf in wolfs clothing.

Your knocking it for being a tad easy but by your own answers your telling us that you know your limits and would be cautious , this is what its all about isnt it , knowing your limits , do you think this was instilled in you by padi or are you a cautious bod at heart , I have seen people who have dived for years make stupid mistakes and on the other hand i have seen absolute learners who take the learning to heart look and act like they have dived for years


I still have to get my padi as in the past i have been one of those that just got in a done the dead so take no notice of me