There are many options for advanced technical dive certifications. TDI offers Intro to Tech, Advanced Nitrox, and Decompression Procedures courses. PADI offers Tec Trimix as well as Deep Diver courses. The TDI Advanced Nitrox course introduces advanced diving techniques for recreational Nitrox divers. This course covers equipment operation, gas switching, and advanced emergency procedures such as liftbag deployment. For more information, visit the TDI website.
TDI Intro course in Tech
The TDI Intro to Tech standalone training course will allow you to increase your recreational training while also gaining a deeper understanding and skill set in advanced technical areas. It can also serve as a great introduction to TDI's advanced courses, such as Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures. Or, it could be used as refresher material for people who have already completed technical courses. TDI technical instructors can evaluate your skills during the course.
The TDI Intro to Tech course is for divers who have never used twin cylinders or a wing. The course also covers advanced buoyancy control, gas management, and more. Students will also acquire situational awareness and trim skills. The course can either be taken in the open cenotes of the ocean or in areas that have similar swimming pool conditions. You will also learn advanced gas planning techniques. This course is designed for open water divers to improve their skills and introduce them to the technical equipment configurations. Advanced gas planning techniques will also be covered. You will not be permitted to decompress the course but can still use enriched air nitrogenx mixes.
Course in TDI Advanced Nitrox & Decompression Procedures
TDI Advanced Nitrox and Deco Procedures courses prepare divers for accelerated and staged decompression. This course teaches advanced gas planning and management skills to ensure safe diving. Students also learn how to manage their equipment and plan for contingencies. A TDI Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Methods course includes four dives that can reach a maximum depth to 40 meters (130 ft).
This course can be taken either as a standalone or in conjunction with an Advanced Nitrox or Decompression Procedures certification. Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures courses last four days and are performance-based. Six dives above 30 meters are required. Students complete the course according to their experience and personal requirements. This course prepares students for advanced technical diving, including wrecks in Scapa Flow and the UK.
PADI Tec Trimix course
The PADI Tec Trimix90 course is the final part of the PADI Technical Divers open circuit. This certification course opens the door to deeper dives and explore places few others have gone. This course can only be taken by experienced tec divers that want to expand their horizons and explore deeper environments. To become certified in trimix dive, you need to have a valid license as a diver and must have passed a medical examination. For this certification you will need two 30cf Stage bottles and a Face Mask.
For the PADI Tec Trimix course, the Tec Trimix 65 diver must have logged at least 350 dives, including at least 50 decompression dives with a trimix less than 21 percent oxygen. Technical diving techniques and protocols are also covered in the course. It also offers multiple teaching scenarios. It is considered the most advanced course in technical dive certification. The requirements are much more stringent than the PADI Tec Diver certification.
PADI Tec Deep Diver course
PADI Deep Diver certification is for recreational divers. This certification covers four diving trips, which include a practice in safety stops and descents. You will also be able to use technical dive equipment such as a EANx or side-mounted cylinder. Learn how to plan deep diving and manage your gas supplies. It's possible to take your lessons online or offline, and the PADI Tec eLearning program allows you to do it at your own pace.
The program can be completed in as little as two years, which is a marked improvement on the PADI courses. First, you must be certified by Tec 50 from an approved organization. The qualifying certification must cover technical diving, decompression diving up to 50 metres and pure oxygen diving. The Tec 50 diver training may be offered by the PADI Course Director who conducts the Tec Deep Instructor course. Upon completion the Tec Deep Instructor course, a PADI Course director will issue Tec Deep Diver certification.