Deep cert or aim for tech

[soggybadger]

Advice please on the direction I should take with my training. I have been booked on a padi deep spec but due to course numbers (one me) it has been postponed. I have recently looked into tech for extended range diving and it appeals to me. My question is whether I should bother with the deep cert or just blow it off and get on with doing some dives down to 30m on nitrox and go tech. Thanks. Iain.

 

[bumcikaz]

Some agencies require that you would be deep and aow before tech training

 

[soggybadger]

Got the aow. Didn't realise I needed deep as well. Thought experience rather than a weak c card would be more helpful. I looked at the depths of the dives on the padi course and irc all the required dives are below 30m. Btw i have done the home study part of the course just the demo dives to do. Bar a narc no big whup.

 

[boulderjohn]

Your post is a little vague, using the phrase "extended range." Are you speaking of a particular agency? I ask because I am certified to teaxch for an agency that has an"extended range" course and the other one you mention.

I suggest you sit down with the instructor for the highest level course you plan to take an plot out a path from where you are now to where you want to be.

 

[teknitroxdiver]

There might be some, but I'm not aware of any tech agencies being concerned with a "deep" specialty from a recreational agency. If you think tech diving is in your future, I would cancel the deep class and focus on advanced nitrox followed by deco procedures or whatever your agency of choice calls its first technical course. Unless you get a particularly fantastic instructor, the PADI deep class is going to be pretty disappointing.

 

[boulderjohn]

There might be some, but I'm not aware of any tech agencies being concerned with a "deep" specialty from a recreational agency. If you think tech diving is in your future, I would cancel the deep class and focus on advanced nitrox followed by deco procedures or whatever your agency of choice calls its first technical course. Unless you get a particularly fantastic instructor, the PADI deep class is going to be pretty disappointing.

Your post assumes the diver will choose a specific agency of YOUR choice. As I said earlier, choose your tech agency, choose your instructor, and then work together to plan the path.

 

[soggybadger]

Sorry if I was a bit vague. I was referring to depth as well as duration. What most appeals is a more informed detailed and planned form of diving. Wafting over a reef isn't my goal as such. Tech is the way I want to go for many reasons including the challenges. Plus you get to wear all the best toys. Im not looking to be the next deep record organ donor.

 

[soggybadger]

I will start looking at the recommended agencies and instructors. Thanks.

 

[bumcikaz]

There might be some, but I'm not aware of any tech agencies being concerned with a "deep" specialty from a recreational agency. If you think tech diving is in your future, I would cancel the deep class and focus on advanced nitrox followed by deco procedures or whatever your agency of choice calls its first technical course. Unless you get a particularly fantastic instructor, the PADI deep class is going to be pretty disappointing.

He never said hes going with the tech agency, he wants tech courses which some rec agencies do have

 

[soggybadger]

Any recommendations for instructors / agencies for tech diving in the UK? Any characters that really stand out in the field and why you recommend them please. Thanks.