First Tech Class

[CNTdiver]

I had several people question me on how they too can get involved in technical diving. One of the most common questions was what class to take after advanced and rescue. My most common response was to get as much experience and to start diving with doubles to get comfortable with it. As for classes, I told them to get Nitrox under their belt. After that, I really do not know where to start. I was thinking to tell them to take extended range and technical nitrox. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks

 

[IslandHopper]

I'd recommend reading everything you can get your hands and browser on regarding decompression. After a while you'll get to where you can sift out what's good information and what's questionable.

As for diving CLASSES... I'd say a Basic Nitrox course and a Basic Decompression course of some sort would be the next logical step.

I found it amazing how much they DIDN'T tell us about decompression (and it's dangers/uses) in basic OW training.
The table says you can dive to 120 feet for 10 minutes and then surface at 60 fpm with only a 3 minute stop at 15 feet. That doesn't necessarilly mean it's the BEST profile available though... If you have the time/gas, there are better/safer profiles.

 

[Tavi]

I'd recomend Nitrox, then Master Diver, CPR/First Aid and o2 provider. Then the NAUI Technical Diver Course. NAUI Technical Diver Course includes advanced Nitrox, Deco Procedures, and Helitrox. Equipment for the course includes BP/wing with Doubles and a separate Drysuit inflation bottle, also 1 deco bottle. Taking this course there is no intrmediate step of Extended range or Deep Air. The training depths for the course are 90 to 150'.

This is and excellent course for transitioning from rec to tec.

 

[SDAnderson]

Class/skill progression:

1. Open Water
2. Advanced Open Water
3. Bouyancy
4. Rescue
   At this point, you should take a break from classes for at least a year and just go diving. Perfect the skills you've learned before you layer more on and don't forget to have some fun!
5. Nitrox
6. Limited Penetration (Cavern or Wreck)
   Take another long break from the classroom, here.
7. Advanced Nitrox
8. Decompression Procedures (including doubles)
   Take another long break from the classroom, here.
9. Trimix
10. Nitrox and Trimix Gas Blender
11. Serious Penetration (Cave/Wreck/Ice)
12. Advanced Trimix

This isn't the path that I followed, rather it's the one I wish I had followed. Individual interests and circumstances will certainly have an influence on the progression, so don't take this as the only path that makes sense - it's not. Also, remember that skills aren't just a test to be passed during class; you need to practice and perfect them, especially the ones you don't like. With a safety stop on every dive, you've got built in time to work on mask removal/replacement or perfect bouyancy or...!

Two other things I've learned that I believe should be sacrosanct before moving into technical diving are; (a) find yourself a good and reliable buddy to dive with regularly, and; (b) find yourself a good and reliable instructor to work with. Without a buddy and an instructor that you're willing to trust your life with (and who will trust you with their life) you shouldn't be doing technical diving. These relationships are a lot like marriage, they take time and effort to develop and are very intimate, but without them you're in great danger.