DSAT TecWhachutalknboutwillis?

[RikRaeder]

I've been reading a lot about DSAT/PADIs tech programs recently. Lately a whole lot of people are mentioning DSAT Tec 40, Tec 50...etc.

I just got my DSAT TecDeep cert last month. I've checked out the DSAT website and they list;
Discover Tec
Tec Diver Level 1 [formerly apprentice]
Tec Deep Diver
Tec Trimix Diver

as their non-professional level tec classes.

My temp cert says Tec Deep, my book says Tec Deep, and that's how the class was presented to me as well.
I understand that different levels of certification come with different depth limits (ie; 40m, 50m, etc). What I don't understand is what exactly IS the official nomenclature. I assumed that Tec one (ne apprentice), Tec Deep, etc were the offical level names, but many instructors & techies on the board have been representing them as Tec40, etc. Some have even said that Deep, etc. are the old names and the new names are Tec40, etc. What they talkin' about?

 

[cbrich]

PADI has changed the course to be easier on the pocket book, and allow you to cross over to TDI or other aggencies that teach tec. I am looking forward to starting in the spring, and I am hoping to completed with Tec 50 by the end of the year.

 

[RikRaeder]

But their website today still uses the old designations.
So does the card I recieved today. That was my point. So where do these new designations appear?

 

[azchipka]

Theres you flow chart for advancement.

Most instructors are still using old course materials. The new ones just started shipping last month. When you get your perm card it will be correct.

Most locations on the PADI website have already been updated but a few spots remain. The above image is from the PADI website. The one spot they have not been updated is in the PADI course list. If you look at the descriptions though you will find they are the new names.

Hope this helps

 

[RikRaeder]

Got my permenant card today...it's correct, it just says TechDeep (as I mentioned in post #3).
It seems that they added another step, which would explain the "why?" I couldn't tell that this was a brand new thing as I've been reading about it here for a couple of months. It's all become very clear to me now. Thanks.

 

[Rhone Man]

PADI has changed the course to be easier on the pocket book

Not (overtly) PADI bashing, but I find that statement slightly improbable.

 

[azchipka]

Not (overtly) PADI bashing, but I find that statement slightly improbable.

Think its more likely that its not about being easier on the pocket but being more attractive to people. The end cost is basicly the same as before its just split up over multiple courses.

 

[M_Bipartitus]

As far as the DSAT courses near me, the entry is less (Tec 40 ~ $400), but the cost to get up to say, Tec 50, is about the same.

I am a bit surprised that the Tec 40 course can be done with standard recreational gear. It sounds a bit backwards compared to most training organizations, which seem to be moving to tech gear and tech skills in recreational dives before tech classes (Intro to tech, GUE/UTD courses)

 

[Peter Guy]

Question regarding the "Discover Tec" dive/class the answer to which I couldn't find online (but I have a hard time navigating the PADI site and quit so please forgive me if it is somewhere obvious, but not to me). Anyway, do any of you know who can teach the Discover Tec class? Must it be a DSAT Tec 40 (or above) instructor?

 

[azchipka]

@Peter there are two versions here there is the Standard DSAT Discover Tec and there are also a number of distintive speciality versions of the Discover Tec. I believe the DSAT one you need to be a Tec 40 Instructor, not 100% sure though. The Distintive versions would be anyone who hasd submitted a outline to PADI and had it approved.

For example Silent World Dive Center in Key Largo Florida offers a Discover Tech that gives you a chance to try out Doubles and Tech gear. Its a non-certification course but gives you a chance to discover what its all about. If you come in on the right day it may even be free.

If you just looking to try out tech gear some locations allow for taking the Wreck Speciality or Deep Speciality in Doubles. I just recently did a Open Water course where the students where all in Back Plates and Wings.

Talk to you instructor about what your plans are down the road and in many cases they can accomidate what your future plans are. If you cant find someone swing down to Key Largo stop into Silent World. Down there ever person on staff is Tech Trained and they offering training from almost every Tech agency out there. Hey while your there you can check out rebreathers as well we just got a number of new ones in the shop.

If your just looking to try things out in the tech side of things we even have all the tech gear for rent.