Question, questions, questions.
Everything you wanted to know about technical diving but were afraid to ask.
And the page nobody reads.
I want to do decompression diving- what level is that at?
You will be conducting decompression dives at Tec 40. Safely extend your recreational diving
All that gear? I don't know if I will like it, must I have all of it?
No! Not for Tec 40. Tec 40 is a GREAT way to expand your recreational diving- dive longer on that wreck and SAFELY come back from it. Learn the techniques, drills, skills and competencies to safely and successfully conduct decompression diving to recreational limits of 130'
But don't let that deter you from using technical gear for Tec 40. As well as being an excellent recreation expansion programme, it is a great foundation of technical diving, and if you are considering Tec 45 or more then you are encouraged to do Tec 40 in technical gear.
Some items must be owned by you while some of the costlier items that you might be unlikely to own already can be easily rented. Twin manifolded cylinders, stage cylinders, regulators (especially O2 clean ones) can be rented, slates, stage kits, lights, knives etc should be owned. Speak with me. The intent is NOT for you to buy equipment that you will have no further use for should you decide that technical diving is not for you (although why that would be one cannot imagine!) but rather to provide you with appropriate gear choices for items that are not solely technical dive orientated whilst giving you access to those items that are.
SIDEMOUNT diving negates entirely the need for double cylinders, the manifold and the bands- now that is worth it! SIDEMOUNT is NOT AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE but IS AVAILABLE at Tec Diving Instructor! Think on that.
Only Advanced Open Water? Really?
Yes! PADI AOW or equivalent is the entry level certification for Tec 40- it really is a natural extension of your diving. Many students enter at exactly this level and are successful and are now enjoying the opportunities for diving that only expanded diving can give. You do NOT need to be a diver with a log book to rival Cousteau's or even one with a decade's or more worth of experience.
The Tec 40 class is DESIGNED to take the AOW student with a minimum of 30 logged dives and create a knowledgeable, thinking, highly competent, very capable diver with a greatly expanded skill set. Neat isn't it? That said, the course will challenge the most accomplished of divers. So what's stopping YOU?
I am AOW now- how do I proceed from here and should I even do so?
The answer to the second part is, "that depends". What is it you want from your diving? And are you prepared to reach for it? Talk to me.
If yes then you will need both the nitrox and deep specialties- contact me to arrange this training if you need it or speak with your regular scuba instructor regarding completing these if you would prefer.
Training is expensive- can I get a deal?
Yes! The cost of training reflects the QUALITY and QUANTITY of instruction on the course, plus the fact that you will receive and benefit from the very highest quality of instruction. This is not a discount certification and I am not a cut price, marginal instructor. You get what you pay for- think on that!
But bring 2 students with you and GET YOUR TRAINING FREE.
Can I go straight to a level if I haven't already done the preceding one?
Certainly- you just need the equivalent certification, however....................
You will be expected to exhibit mastery of the knowledge, skills and drills that are taught at the preceding levels.
These skills might include:
horizontal positioning, maintaining position in absolute terms (depth) plus in relative terms (with respect to your tream mates), gas shut down drills, bag deployment, NOTOX gas switches, emergency procedures, and more.
An assessment dive will test these skills. Should you find that after the assessment dive that you need some practice in these areas then you can either attend the preceding course to be taught the skills and drills to the high standard required or spend some time practicing before returning!
I am a tech diver, certified with another agency but have seen the light! What should I do now?
Congratulations! Talk to me.
The assessment dive often illustrates a standards and philosophy difference and in which case, I will refer those to the above FAQ and answer. Are you confident? You sure? Then contact me.
I am an INSTRUCTOR, what will I get out of this?
Did you learn to dive to experience first hand the wonders of the underwater world? Did you become an instructor to impart some of that passion, wonderment and knowledge? There is more, much, much more to learn, to discover and to impart. As a decompression diver or technical diver, your practical skills will be highly elevated, your knowledge and experience base will be broader and deeper, all resulting in you becoming an instructor that is more in demand and your students' experiences being the richer for being taught by you.
Remember, as an instructor, you are in a strong position to bring 2 students, and thus your training could be free.
What's the point?
So many reasons. None of which may be appropriate for you.
Check out the trips page, too- if the above answer to an instructor is not reason enough. And of course, 'because it's there'.
How important is a redundant bladder?
The issue here is not a redundant bladder per se, but rather redundant buoyancy that you can confidently rely upon and competently use should you require it. Examples could include a drysuit and a lift bag. Neither are first choice as redundant buoyancy systems as they both have their pitfalls, the drysuit for the limited buoyancy it provides, the bag for the issues of control of ascent. The best solution is a redundant bladder but should you wish to use a drysuit for redunancy then that will be acceptable providing it works- you will be tested on it during the course! A lift bag is NOT acceptable as a redundant system.
What about age- isn't this a young person's game?
I am firmly in my mid-life crisis, I have students from their 30s to mid 60s, the majority of students are in their 40s. Talk to me about your suitability for this training.
Train Hard, Fight Easy.
Train Right!