TDI VS PADI as a path to 130 feet plus.

[JeffG]

I have investigated DIR and I don't think its for me though.

Curious....Why?

 

[H2Andy]

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

you really shouldn't go beyond recreational limits on air (some say even 100
feet) when there is trimix available.

the main issue is nitrogen narcosis.

why take the risk? sure it can be done, but it's like riding without a seatbelt
when a seatbelt is readily available.

 

[Laser]

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'.

I think you are looking at it in the wrong way. In order to achieve 300' dives you'll need a boatload of training. That means an instructor that can teach, and assess you. The instructor is way more important than the agency. Start asking around here, maybe on TDS, or elsewhere who has had experiences with instructors that you might want to take instruction from. It's not a race, and it's not a place for half assed training.
Where are you now with your diving? How many dives? Diving bp/wing? doubles?
That's a lofty goal, but serious training is required -- not the fastest way to get the cert. Where do you live? Many people travel many miles for tech training. Are you willing to travel?
Your question, in my mind ,is what's wrong with the industry today.

 

[Laser]

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

CB

Why would anyone dive to that depth on air, when they probably will not remember much, make bad decisions and feel aweful after the dive?

 

[Quetzal]

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.

I checked out ANDI they look nice but not really available to me here in SC are they?

 

[Laser]

I checked out ANDI they look nice but not really available to me here in SC are they?

Dude -- you have under a hundred dives in your profile. If that's accurate, you need to chill.

 

[wedivebc]

I checked out ANDI they look nice but not really available to me here in SC are they?

I would email the head office and ask. While you're at it suggest to them they post an ANDI facility directory. They had one on the old web page.

 

[jagfish]

I'd have a look at GUE if a training location is convenient for you...

gue.com

 

[BigBoB]

I make dives routinely to 165. How much is helium where you all live? Sounds like a stupid question probably but a serious one for me. Here it is over two bucks for ONE cubic foot......Think I am gonna wait for rebreather training to enter the realm of trimix. Way more cost effective that way.

 

[dab]

In our area most of the tech divers and tech instructors who actually log deep dives (150' to 250') are TDI certified. PADI is new in the tech world and I am of the opinion that thier instructor certification process is not rigorous enough. The bottom line is the agency is not as important as the individual qualifications of the instructor. Check with some former students, how frequently does he teach tech classes, how frequently does he dive with trimix, how many dives logged below 150', ect. ect.
Ask lots of questions and make sure HE is going to be able to provide exactly what you need. When I considered taking the TDI extended range class, not only did I interview my instructor, he interviewed me to make sure I was qualified and doing it for the right reasons and he was comfortable with me as a student. This is no place to settle for second best.