TDI Deco Procedures.

[rjack321]

I am not sure why we are talking about helium here, since it is not a part of either the Advanced Nitrox or Deco Procedures course. (IMO, it should be, but it is not. TDI holds helium off until later certification levels.)

Kinda my point. Why not take a more comprehensive course now? E.g. UTD has a great "tech1" course using 25/25 + O2 for deco in the 90 to 130ft range. And it can be upsized to 21/35 + EAN50 for deco in the 120-160ft range with a few more days of class - typically taken 3-6months after part1.

Helium is neither difficult nor evil so introducing it sooner is better IMO. If you chose not to use it that's fine, but at least you're educated about when/where its a good idea and why. BTW, to me its way more about low solubility and low density than narcosis issues.

Deco proc by itself is really useless. No higher O2 mixes, no helium either.

 

[wedivebc]

slight hijack, but I find that absolutely ridiculous. If TDI doesn't feel that the class should be taught to the training limit for reasons of safety, they should lower the training limit.

No, TDI recognizes 150ft in Cozumel is not the same as 150ft off Vancouver Island. This allows the instructor to use discretion based on environmental and other conditions.

 

[paddler3d]

To the OP's original comment.

A while back I ordered the TDI Deco Procedures text book. Granted, your missing the interaction with and experienced instructor/mentor.

With that said, there was nothing in the book that I wasn't doing already.

I would suggest taking an advanced gas course versus a deco procedure course. At least fore me, that advanced gas course would be a better bang for the buck.

Now my buddy is pushing me toward Trimix vs. Adv. Nitrox. One day I'm leaning towards trimix, and the other towards nitrox. Choices.

Good luck.

 

[K Mejean]

I am finishing Advanced Nitrox and Deco in a couple of days. I did them both together. Thats how I would recommend it. They really seem to work together very well. They are a prelude to trimix for me and I have enjoyed the classes and the dives very much. I also think that you should have them both before going on to trimix. I somehow doubt that anyone is going to go to the trouble and expense of a trimix course and not do some type of decompression or need the ability to get and properly use O2 for your decompression.

 

[ucfdiver]

I somehow doubt that anyone is going to go to the trouble and expense of a trimix course and not do some type of decompression or need the ability to get and properly use O2 for your decompression.

I've yet to hear a good reason not to include all 3 in one course. UTD/GUE and many NAUI instructors teach it that way.

 

[K Mejean]

[GOOGLE][/GOOGLE]

I've yet to hear a good reason not to include all 3 in one course. UTD/GUE and many NAUI instructors teach it that way.

I think its a good idea to do it that way as well. My instructor is a NAUI and NACD guy. We have done all my tech training together and I will continue with him until I have done all the training I want. So it has been an ongoing progression.

 

[ianr33]

I've yet to hear a good reason not to include all 3 in one course. UTD/GUE and many NAUI instructors teach it that way.

Agencies have around 700 good reasons to teach Trimix as a separate course

 

[boulderjohn]

I've yet to hear a good reason not to include all 3 in one course. UTD/GUE and many NAUI instructors teach it that way.

I think that is newer thinking. The TDI Deco Procedures book is copyright 2000.

 

[AndyNZ]

If the course is not meant to be taught by itself why is it? seriously for 11 less minutes in the water enjoying the fish?

The reason that the Advanced Nitrox and Deco Procedures courses have not been combined is that AN is a pre-req for CCR courses, but DP is not.

 

[AndyNZ]

I've yet to hear a good reason not to include all 3 in one course. UTD/GUE and many NAUI instructors teach it that way.

There are a couple of reasons.

1. There is no Fundies/Essentials in the TDI curriculum. Yes, there is an "Intro to Tech" but it's not a compulsory pre-req for anything. Ask a GUE or UTD instructor whether they want to teach their trimix courses to a student in five days when the student may not have ever worn a twinset before.

For me, AN&DP is Fundies in terms of what I teach. It's a means of ensuring a diver has the basic skills before going on with further training.


2. $270 per trimix fill. The US has the cheapest helium in the world, we are moderately expensive.... you should try some of the remote pacific islands. The deep air argument will run forever, but "deepish" air is a necessity in places. It's a question of where in the 30-40m range you draw the line.

Personally, I'm happy doing 32m on 32% at $20 to fill my twins... as opposed to $270 for a 21/35 mix. I have different opinions when it comes to 55m, but hey. Everyone's line is different.