Question Should I become a tech diver? Mostly dive south Florida

[vspeeds]

Thank you in advance for any comments and feedback.
I'm a 4-5 hour drive from Key Largo and Pensacola. I'm interested in diving Chuuk at some point, maybe in 2026. In any case, it would not be an annual trip, likely a one and done.
For the FL dives, it's easy to do tech diving with Horizon Divers. I have never seen a tech diver on my Key West dives on the Vandenberg. And my 2 trips on the Oriskany I didn't have tech divers.
I don't have a dive buddy at rec level. Not sure I will have one as a tech diver.
My question is, if I start "tech diving" what are my opportunities locally in FL? What dive operators host a single tech diver? I have my SDI solo and I can only solo dive with one operator. I'm concerned with making the effort to become a tech diver and being limited in what I can do with the equipment and training.
Thanks,
Kevin

 

[SmashMonkey]

Most of Truk Lagoon wrecks are above 130 ft / 40 m. Being able to dive to to 150 ft / 145 m and linger a bit longer unlocks a wee bit more.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5d1f8b6514f05200011df35c/t/5f58c373566f64061ae2eaf6/1599652735458/Truk+Lagoon+Wreck+Depths+Chart.png

 

[vspeeds]

It's not so much about the depth as it is limitations on wreck penetration as a rec diver. My task loading saturation limit is increasing as I gain more experience. I switched to BPW, long hose primary, pony bottle and upgraded all secondary 2nd stages (from crappy octos I didn't trust) about 40 dives ago. Trying to build experience with the kit I would have as a tec diver. This has been great feedback and I've decided to move forward with TDI AN/DP. My next decision and thread is going to be, do I do AN/DP in combination with Choptima training, or start with OC and then do CCR at a later date.

 

[inquis]

do I do AN/DP in combination with Choptima training, or start with OC and then do CCR at a later date.

AN/DP first because "walk before you run". The additional deco theory and focus on precision stops will be a good stepping stone. Your first CCR cert can be deco/helitrox, and if you have to bail out from the CCR with a deco obligation looming, you'll have experience hitting/holding your stops on OC. The CCR BO will only be more difficult, as there is an additional air space to manage.