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The DSAT sequence emphasizes equipment configuration and procedures on the front end, and diver exposure to greater depth, and actual decompression diving and richer (than 50%) O2 blends, comes late in the sequence, compared to some other agency offerings. This is not a matter of good or bad, rather the flow of the learning content. So, by the time you go deeper (to 165 in the Tec Deep sequence) and longer (two deco gas decompression) you will have rehearsed the procedures reasonably well. Discover Tec can introduce you to doubles, long hose/bungee regulator configurations, etc. But, as it is the front end of the DSAT progression, it will not involve deep dives, or actual (rather than simulated) decompression, or richer gas mixes. If you decide to continue technical training, then you can go through trimix with DSAT, so you would not necessarily be better or worse off starting the DSAT sequence. It is more a matter of the differences in staging of the content. Other agency offerings may take you into deeper water, and actual decompression dives using richer blends, sooner. You will probably end up in the same place. The DSAT training materials are good, particularly the Tec Deep Diver manual. You mention having to travel irrespective of the agency path you choose, and that prompts two comments. I have seen people try to cram the entire DSAT Tec Deep course into a very limited time period (for cost, or travel logistics, or free time-available considerations), and I have reservations about that approach. Even experienced divers may find it challenging to jump into doubles and a drysuit and accomplish some of the tasks included in the DSAT dives, not because the tasks are uniquely difficult, but optimizing buoyancy and trim with the new rig, at the same time that you are mastering the new tasks, can be labor-intensive. In addition, I believe that the instructor makes an even bigger difference at the tec level than the OW level, and selection of the person(s) you will train with is important (and I am not trying to merely state the obvious), in terms of their flexibility with your schedule and travel plans, with your individual learning goals, and their ability to take you as far in the progression as you may wish to proceed. As the responses suggest there are multiple options available, ranging from GUE Fundies as a starting point to working with agencies that will expose you to richer blends and deeper dives relatively early in the process.
