TDI VS PADI as a path to 130 feet plus.

[Quetzal]

I would really appriciate reading a discussion comparing the two. I am trying to decide.

 

[Pilot_dc]

Does PADI have a course that goes below 130?

 

[Quetzal]

http://www.padi.com/english/common/courses/tec/apprenticetecdiver.asp
http://www.padi.com/english/common/courses/tec/tecdeepdiver.asp
http://www.padi.com/english/common/courses/tec/trimix.asp

 

[Laser]

PADI will use air to 165' in the DSAT Tec Deep Diver course. No point these days to do that.

Specifically which courses are you comparing?

 

[Quetzal]

Also please suggest another agency if you think these two are not the best. I have investigated DIR and I don't think its for me though.

 

[Laser]

Also please suggest another agency if you think these two are not the best. I have investigated DIR and I don't think its for me though.

Again -- what courses are you looking at?
What is your current experience, and what are your goals?

 

[wedivebc]

While I agree that there is no need for 165' air dives these days there are other agencies suggesting the use of helium on basically "snorkel dives". I think there is a happy meduim in there. I am not an advocate on recreational triox or whatever it is called but definately there is a place for helium based mixes in entry level tech programs. My personal recommendation would be to look at www.andihq.com and check out the technical trimix diver program. It allows you to get your feet wet (no pun intended) in the technical deco type diving to a depth of 165ft using helium based mixtures.

 

[Quetzal]

PADI will use air to 165' in the DSAT Tec Deep Diver course. No point these days to do that.

Specifically which courses are you comparing?

TDI

Decompression Procedures
This course examines the theory, methods and procedures of planned stage decompression diving. The objective of this course is to train divers how to plan and conduct a standard staged decompression dive not exceeding a maxium depth of 150fsw/45msw unless taught in conjuction with advanced nitrox, Extended Range or Advanced Wreck Courses. The most common equipment requirments, gear set-ups, decompression techniques and decompression mixtures (including oxygen and nitrox) are presented.

Extended Range
This course provides the training and experience required to competently utilize air for dives up to 180 fsw/55msw that require staged decompression, utilizing nitrox mixtures and oxygen during decompression.

Entry Level Trimix
This course provides the training required to competenly and safely utilize breathing gasses containing helium for dives that require staged decompression, utilizing nitrox and/or oxygen mixtures during decompression to a maximum depth of 200fsw/60msw.

Advanced Level Trimix
This course provides the training required to competenly and safely utilize breathing gasses containing helium for dives that require staged decompression, utilizing nitrox and/or oxygen mixtures during decompression to a maximum depth of 300fsw/100msw.

PADI

Tec Diver Level One You'll learn to make gas switch, extended no-decompression dives using air and enriched air to 40 metres/130 feet. You'll also prepare for and respond to foreseeable technical diving emergencies. Since it's part of the Tec Deep Diver course, you DSAT Apprentice Tec Dive course training credits toward the DSAT Tec Deep Diver course.

Tec Deep Diver
After successful completion of the DSAT Tec Deep Diver course you'll be able to conduct gas-switch extended no-decompression dives, decompression dives and accelerated decompression dives using air and enriched air to a depth of 50 metres/165 feet. You'll also understand the hazards and risks involved in technical diving, as well as how to prepare for and handle reasonable foreseeable technical diving emergencies.

DSAT Tec Trimix Diver Course
The DSAT Tec Trimix Diver course is intended to extend the depth range available to technical divers trained and qualified to use air, enriched air and oxygen for technical decompression dives beyond 50 metres/165 feet in open water. The DSAT Tec Trimix Diver course is intended for technical divers certified as DSAT Tec Deep Divers (or qualifying certification from another training organization). The course extends their depth range capabilities by training them in the use of trimix (helium, oxygen and nitrogen).

It appears to me that PADI has 3 courses that equal TDI's 4. I have been talking to a guy who will be an instructor for PADI and he tells me that PADI gets to the meat more quickly. But he is also trying to sell me a course in the long run. I am not ready yet but would like to start "hanging" literally with these guys this spring helping them with some deeper deco dives in the 200-300' range. 300' is a long range goal for me as there is a lodge in the lake here at 300'.

 

[AZ_Zoner]

PADI will use air to 165' in the DSAT Tec Deep Diver course. No point these days to do that.

Specifically which courses are you comparing?

I’m curious, why do you say, “ No point these days to do that.”?

CB

 

[JeffG]

I’m curious, why do you say, “ No point these days to do that.”?

CB

Helium