Techdiving Classes ?? TDI ??

[Indian Valley Scuba]

My gosh, don't be so negative. A diver with motivation and desire will far outperform any other diver, perhaps with a little more emphasis on skill development, but ultimately, if it is in them, they will do well.

 

[TSandM]

SpeedyAl, the real answer to your question is that it depends on the way an agency has broken up its curriculum, as to how many classes you need to take to do 150 foot dives. And it also depends on how you want to do the dives (with or without helium).

For GUE, you would have to take Fundamentals and get a tech pass, and then take Tech 1.

For UTD, you would have to take Intro to Tech, Tech 1 and Tech 2.

Both of those sequences would put you on a 150 foot dive using a helium mixture and with a single decompression gas.

If you have things you want to see that you need to go to 150 feet to reach, I would highly suggest you begin with some type of Intro to Tech class, whether that's through TDI or another agency (I like GUE Fundamentals, myself, because I like their performance standards, which are published, clear, and reasonably objective.) This will give you an idea of the major change in mindset and expectations that occurs when you go from standard recreational training to technical diving.

 

[Red Sea Shadow]

If you decide to go the TDI route, you'll have to do the Deco Proc or the new Helitrox course. Unlike most of the people think, the Deco Proc does NOT require Advanced Nitrox as a pre-requisite. Even Nitrox is NOT required.

Regarding the Helitrox, it's basically the Deco Proc class with adding up to 20% Helium. This one requires Advanced Nitrox.

It's also worth noting that you can do the Deco Proc or the Helitrox in conjunction with the Advanced Nitrox.

One of the things I prefer TDI for is that they provide modular classes so that you can take the class you want at the time you want without having a long list of pre-requisites. They're flexible and open enough to teaching different methods of gear configuration, dive planning, etc... In conclusion, you're not forced to do it THAT way.

 

[ianr33]

. Unlike most of the people think, the Deco Proc does NOT require Advanced Nitrox as a pre-requisite. Even Nitrox is NOT required.

I'm confused.

So if you do Deco Procedures with NO nitrox training whatsoever what are you qualified to do? 150 foot dives on air with no deco gasses??

 

[Red Sea Shadow]

So if you do Deco Procedures with NO nitrox training whatsoever what are you qualified to do? 150 foot dives on air with no deco gasses??

As a rule of thumb, you can't use a gas you're not certified to use. So if you do Deco Procedures with no Nitrox training whatsoever, you'll be qualified to do decompression dives up to 150 foot on air and decompressing on air. If you have Basic Nitrox certification, you'll be qualified to do decompression dives up to 150 foot on air and decompressing on up to 40% oxygen content. With Advanced Nitrox, you can decompress on up to 100% oxygen content.

 

[ianr33]

O.K. Thanks ,that makes sense.

150 foot dives on air ,decompressing on air?

Realistically it would seem a real good idea to do Advanced Nitrox before Deco Proceedures.

 

[Red Sea Shadow]

O.K. Thanks ,that makes sense.

150 foot dives on air ,decompressing on air?

Realistically it would seem a real good idea to do Advanced Nitrox before Deco Proceedures.

Agree; a really good idea is the two courses combined.

 

[ucfdiver]

Regarding the Helitrox, it's basically the Deco Proc class with adding up to 20% Helium.

Sheesh, we use double that amount of helium at 70ft to make bottles easier to carry (lighter). What on earth is that class good for?

 

[Captain12Pk]

In all seriousness Speedyal, what were you expecting? I've been involved in my T1 class(es) for well over a year... Some of this is due to team scheduling, but these classes are nothing to take lightly.

 

[Red Sea Shadow]

Sheesh, we use double that amount of helium at 70ft to make bottles easier to carry (lighter). What on earth is that class good for?

The class is good for those who want less nitrogen and accordingly less narcosis.