What Defines a "Tech" Diver

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If you can't make a direct ascent to the surface, you're tech diving.

If you're tech diving, you need additional equipment to mitigate problems because the surface isn't an option.
This is the traditional, standard line of demarcation between recreational and technical diving, and I think it's a good one. I would just add that there is somewhat of a grey area; for example two divers could do identical dive profiles, one could have a deco obligation and the other might not, depending on the computer settings used. It's not that different from the grey area that exists between recreational hiking and technical climbing. In that case, it's sort of "if you fall would you die; if so, it's technical" and of course conditions can play a big a part in that determination.
 
I really don't think it does matter. My personal take is that ALL diving requires at least some basic level of "tech" and that SOME diving requires much higher levels of "tech". I was just curious if there was an actual "line" or definition since it seems that the line seems very important to some folks...

As to "why I care"........ I really don't. It's just a simple and respectful question based on curiosity and I actually think the discussion has brought out some interesting points of view......
Can't argue with your take based on a dictionary definition of "technical."

Some use the "can I ascend straight to the surface any time without significant risk of injury" as the tech vs. rec demarcation, as you've seen here.

PADI cuts rec diving off at 130'/40 m. If you presume it's tech if it's not rec, then 40 m is another defining point.

Agencies/industry care because of liability. Tech diving is viewed as scarier so needs longer liability forms, more guarantees of knowledge, etc.. What exactly makes it scarier is up to the lawyers and insurance companies. (And I don't mean to be dismissive: Caring about liability means caring about people not getting hurt. Whichever way you slice it, it's a risk assessment.)
 
Scuba is for fun. This isn't some activity where getting hurt should be on your list of acceptable outcomes.

Life is like that though. One of the best businesses to have in winter resorts is being in the medical industry. All those people that injure themselves for a little fun in the snow.
 
This is the traditional, standard line of demarcation between recreational and technical diving, and I think it's a good one. I would just add that there is somewhat of a grey area; for example two divers could do identical dive profiles, one could have a deco obligation and the other might not, depending on the computer settings used. It's not that different from the grey area that exists between recreational hiking and technical climbing. In that case, it's sort of "if you fall would you die; if so, it's technical" and of course conditions can play a big a part in that determination.
Life is like that though. One of the best businesses to have in winter resorts is being in the medical industry. All those people that injure themselves for a little fun in the snow.


Sports injury happens. Sports injury because you refuse to wear a helmet is dumb. Scuba injury because you are ill equipped in 2022 when the methods for safe technical diving are well known and accessible is dumb.
 
For those that say it is depth and decompression. Would you consider this to be a recreational dive? There was no deco with an average depth of around 4M. Just curious.

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Life is like that though. One of the best businesses to have in winter resorts is being in the medical industry. All those people that injure themselves for a little fun in the snow.
Activities that can't kill you are seldom worth doing!
 
Sports injury happens. Sports injury because you refuse to wear a helmet is dumb. Scuba injury because you are ill equipped in 2022 when the methods for safe technical diving are well known and accessible is dumb.

Safe technical diving. Hmmm why so many deceased safe technical divers this year then?
 
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