Most current version of PADI Deep Diving Manual?

[Redshift]

OF course you could do IANTD Advanced Recreational Trimix with at least a Rescue Level Cert, Nitrox Cert and a suitable number of deep dives, which will certify to 50M if I recall correctly, and from there move on to Normoxic and Hypoxic Trimix etc., on OC.

48 m and with 15 min max deco time.
Similar to TDI Helitrox, 45 m and no deco limit.

 

[Gaijinsan]

A lot of interesting information here once the flogging ended for trying to get my books online. I think my bias against PADI was that I felt some of the training through AOW was light on content, I would have actually preferred something a bit more comprehensive but also understand that most students interested in rec diving probably don't want to deal with more academics than there already are. My partner is like that, she complains left and right about having to do the book work before a course, if PADI, SSI, etc., added more then people like her would just never go through with the basic certifications.

@DevonDiver - yes I know that for PADI Tec 40, they don't require Deep Diver specialization if you have 10 dives at 30 meters... unfortunately I went back through my log book and I have a bunch of dives at 27, 28, and 29 meters but not that magic number of 30. If I'd have been more cognizant of this earlier I could have made sure those other dives actually hit 30 meters. I haven't actually approached a TEC instructor to see if those are close enough or if that's a hard line 30, but I figure I'm going to be diving in Thailand soon anyway so can get the specialty easily while there and would be easier at this point than logging more 30 meter dives.

@boulderjohn - It sounds like the PADI materials for TEC40, 45, and 50 could be better than the earlier materials for OW, AOW, and Nitrox. I was thinking to seek out some TDI shops to compare, but what you and DevonDiver have said, I think I should stay more open minded toward PADI TEC courses.

@Edward3c - I have not looked at BSAC Japan, I'd be open to looking at them as well but generally I don't really enjoy diving in Japan (at least not near Tokyo, I'm sure Okinawa is much different). My plan is to do my TEC courses in warmer waters, probably Philippines, Indonesia, or Thailand but who knows, just depends on my travel schedule in the next couple of years.

Cheers for all the answers in the thread, and I think my original question was answered as well, with the course only being on DVD now for Deep Diver specialty.

 

[Edward3c]

...
@Edward3c - I have not looked at BSAC Japan, I'd be open to looking at them as well but generally I don't really enjoy diving in Japan (at least not near Tokyo, I'm sure Okinawa is much different). My plan is to do my TEC courses in warmer waters, probably Philippines, Indonesia, or Thailand but who knows, just depends on my travel schedule in the next couple of years.
...

We have BSAC Thailand as well. Ocean Diver (OD) is not commercially competitive with PADI, SSI etc Open Water course, it contains other elements they use as additional income streams like: Nitrox, Navigation and Rescue (all at beginner level). Our manuals can be seen here, hence OD costs more.

 

[DevonDiver]

I think my bias against PADI was that I felt some of the training through AOW was light on content, I would have actually preferred something a bit more comprehensive.

Tech is considerably more comprehensive than any recreational course.

That said, the value of any course is determined by the instructor... and a good instructor will supplement a course, theory and practical, to achieve effective diver training at the respective level.

Whilst the Tech Deep Diver Manual is very detailed, I still spend time covering aspects like decompression theory and equipment in far more detail than the manual. I've even created several pre-study ebooks that I give my students before training... these cover; equipment considerations (selection, purchase, configuration and modification), theory articles (compendium of great resources) and a practical guide to self-development as preparation to training. I also encourage questions and discussion via email/chat before the student arrives.

The only reason why other tech instructors (or rec!) couldn't follow the same approach is that they insufficient expertise to teach beyond regurgitating the manuals... or don't care about the finished product of their training courses.

As a tech instructor, one of my professional hurdles is the (increasingly!?) low standard of dive competency that rec divers bring to tech training. Hence, I make an effort to promote pre-study and effective preparation in advance.

@DevonDiver - yes I know that for PADI Tec 40, they don't require Deep Diver specialization if you have 10 dives at 30 meters... unfortunately I went back through my log book and I have a bunch of dives at 27, 28, and 29 meters but not that magic number of 30. If I'd have been more cognizant of this earlier I could have made sure those other dives actually hit 30 meters. I haven't actually approached a TEC instructor to see if those are close enough or if that's a hard line 30, but I figure I'm going to be diving in Thailand soon anyway so can get the specialty easily while there and would be easier at this point than logging more 30 meter dives.

Just be clear that any prerequisite is only ever a general indicator of diver competency. The prerequisites aren't the issue... the skills, experience and capabilities of the diver are what matters.

All the c-cards and logged dives in the world are irrelevant if you don't actually have the real skills expected for that level.

Many rec divers underestimate the level of competency needed to achieve success in technical diving training. For the most part, it's hard to fault them for that.. as recreational diving syllabus often fail to adequately prepare or forewarn them of what to anticipate.

If unprepared in core diving competency, the student may well fail tech training... or much worse... may encounter a weak tech instructor who won't care there are deficiencies, and sign them off regardless.

In tech diving, under-training plus over-estimation of ability is a very real recipie for disaster....

There are a lot of newly qualified, inexperienced, technical instructors out there... so be very wary and do your research now on how to differentiate the wheat from the chaff...

 

[markmud]

You don't have to.

You can enrol directly on to Tec40 with the following prerequisites:

1. Certified as PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent.

2. Certified as PADI Enriched Air Diver or equivalent.

3. Certified as PADI Deep Diver... OR... Proof of 10 dives to 30m/100ft.

4. 18 years old.

5. 30 logged dives: 10 with EANx, 7 deeper than 30m/100ft.

Note.... there is an acceptable logged dive experience alternative to the Deep Diver qualification.

This is as per the PADI TecRec 'Tech Deep Instructor Manual', but it isn't publicised in PADI marketing materials...

Beyond this... you NEED TO BE READY to take on the challenge of tech training. Yes, Tec40 gives you a LOT more training than the Deep Diver course... but you need to have the foundational competencies in place if you are to achieve that benefit..

If the Deep Diver course actually provided those strong foundational competencies them I'd wholeheartedly support it as a prerequisite. But the fact is, when taught to the minimum standards by rec instructors with zero tech diving experience, the course is very weak... and mostly irrelevant as preparation for tech training.

However, do a Deep Diver course with a serious tech instructor... for the purposes of being a primer to tech diving (beginning with the end in mind)... and it could be very beneficial indeed...

As a tech instructor, I'm far more interested in the diving competency of my students. Whilst I have to follow the minimum prerequisites stated by the agency, these are the least of my concerns. All tech instructors are supposed to conduct pre-course assessments... I think a few (or more) are only interested in doing credit checks.. LOL

Here's an article I wrote that compares Deep Diver and Tec40...

PADI Deep Diver versus the Tec40 Course: A Comparison

Hello Devon Diver,

Back in January I read your post and attached article.

Because of your article, I signed-up for a Tec 40 course. Last weekend I completed the course. Thanks for your input! I am glad that you are a persuasive writer.

markm

 

[They call me Tater]

As someone who is just completing PADI tech 40, I can tell you that it is significantly more involved than many other PADI 'rec' courses. Detailed training that is really just a beginning certification to practice for the next step and/or to help decide if you want to make further commitment. .
I consider that a good thing.