Does Padi Tec Courses Require Lights?

[Bigeclipse]

All,
I know a typical hogarthian doubles setup includes a canister light. I'm starting to build my tec kit up and a canister light is one of the last things on my list. Can anyone confirm if it is mandatory or not for the PADI tec 40, 45, 50 classes? If not can anyone recommend a good handheld light which might become one of my backup lights that gets clipped off on a should D-ring. Thanks!

 

[tbone1004]

for padi tec it is optional as required by the dive environment.

Cave Adventurers - Explorer back-up lights - Marianna, Florida USA - Never Undersold!
I'm quite happy with these as my backup lights, but they make great primaries for short dives that don't need oodles of light. A pair of them will be a great backup light set when/if you need a canister light. No need for a canister until you need the burn time or the light output

 

[They call me Tater]

Tech 40 has more freedom as to what gear you 'need' as opposed to 45 where you are expected to own gear. But your instructor will have a lot to say about it.

 

[boulderjohn]

Canister lights are not mandatory for these classes by standard. Light technology is changing rapidly, and batteries (the canister) are the big difference. There are great lights with no canisters available today. If you have a perfectly acceptable light for the environment in which you are diving, and it is not a canister, you should be fine.

 

[Octopusprime]

This is my dive light... You can replace head from narrow beam for diving and wide angle beam for video. I have 2 lights primary and backup. But I can also swap heads and use on my video rig.

Impact Stubby Dive Light

 

[Reku]

I wouldn't get a canister light until you actually need it - you can make do with a smaller light.

 

[Oldbear]

All,
I know a typical hogarthian doubles setup includes a canister light. I'm starting to build my tec kit up and a canister light is one of the last things on my list. Can anyone confirm if it is mandatory or not for the PADI tec 40, 45, 50 classes? If not can anyone recommend a good handheld light which might become one of my backup lights that gets clipped off on a should D-ring. Thanks!

Have you asked your instructor what they recommend for lights in the training environment you will be doing your Tec 40?

I have very good luck with the Dive Gear Express 600 lights as backups. I have even seen them used as primary lights. For $49 they are a great deal. I just bought two 800s to try out.

 

[Bigeclipse]

Have you asked your instructor what they recommend for lights in the training environment you will be doing your Tec 40?

I have very good luck with the Dive Gear Express 600 lights as backups. I have even seen them used as primary lights. For $49 they are a great deal. I just bought two 800s to try out.

Hmm they look pretty decent for what they are. I am not seeing a depth rating. Do you know if they are good to at least 180ft?

 

[Reku]

Hmm they look pretty decent for what they are. I am not seeing a depth rating. Do you know if they are good to at least 180ft?

depth rated below 600ft

 

[DevonDiver]

As others have said, lights (of any type) are listed as optional. They are optional because water conditions may determine that lighting is prudent. In addition, some instructors may have personal opinions that lights should be used for underwater communication/signalling. Although light signals aren't on the TecRec courses, your instructor might teach that; beyond the syllabus.

Personally, I think the era of canister lights is rapidly drawing to a close. Thank improving LED and battery technology for that. Canister lights will soon be the preserve only of extreme-long duration cave exploration.

For that reason, I don't demand canister lights on any of my own tech courses.