After you complete your open water training and check-out dives, you will receive a certification card or "C" card, which will grant you freedom to dive around the world. However, this is just the beginning of your adventure. When you received your driver's license were you ready for the German Autobahn?
In addition to the continuing education courses you can take within your certifying agency, there are a plethora of excellent books out there to help you gain the knowledge you need to become a safer diver and a better dive buddy.
Before you leap into all the books I'll be recommending, I wanted to share with you the courses available through SSI, Scuba Schools International. I encourage you to continue your training through Master Diver. You will be able to choose classes that peak your interest and make diving all that much more fun.
I'm including two links below, where you can learn more about SSI and the available continuing education courses:
