Trimix Courses

[PacificXplorer]

What are the different progressions of open circuit trimix courses and what are the major characteristics of each (aside from the depths)?

I noticed that the TDI progression is:

• Helitrox Diver (Standalone; max 150 feet)
• Trimix Diver (Prereq: AN+DP; max 200 feet)
• Advanced Trimix Diver (Prereq: Trimix Diver; Hypoxic Mixes; max 330 feet)

I'm not as clear on the progression with other agencies, or how closely aligned the agencies' courses are (where potential crossover points may be).
For example, for a diver that has completed Adv. Nitrox and Deco Procedures and wants to switch to PADI's TecRec program, into which course should the diver enroll if the intention is to continue with trimix training?

I also noticed that there is a certification/course called "Trimix No Limits."
What is this and what is included in the class that wouldn't be in an advanced trimix course?

 

[down4fun]

Helitrox is from my experience a low level of helium. When I did my NAUI helitrox class we were limited to I believe 16% helium. From there the normal progression is Normoxic Trimix. Normoxic is an oxygen content of not less than 16% thus still breathable on the surface. Full Trimix is hypoxic meaning the oxygen content in less than 16% and not breathable on the surface, it requires a travel gas to get to depth where the hypoxic mix is breathable. Traditionally as the oxygen content goes down the helium content goes up. Most agencies have some variety of the same structure.

 

[shoredivr]

I have a TDI Helitrox card that says 20% helium, up to 100% O2 for decompression and depth limit 150 Ft.

 

[PacificXplorer]

Is IANTD's Rec Trimix course pretty much the equivalent of TDI's Helitrox?
Does PADI have a standalone trimix course, or do they simply offer 2-3 stages of basic to advanced trimix?
Is it possible to move from TDI Adv. Nitrox and Deco Procedures into a PADI trimix course, or must the diver complete a course (i.e. Tec 50) as a prerequisite?

 

[mk706]

IANTD offers advanced recreational trimix. Max depth of 48m, ~157', with END of 80', with deco not to exceed 15mins. It certifies you to accelerate deco using any mix of nitrox (Nx 50, 80, 100).

The also offer a recreational trimix for diving NDL to 130'.

I see no reason to take tech courses from PADI unless your objective is to spend the maximum amount possible. After reviewing all my options I went with IANTD.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Nasser]

It is not necessary to take TDI Helitrox. You can go form Advanced Nitrox, Deco Proced, then straight to Trimix... after that it's Advanced Trimix.

 

[PfcAJ]

GUE fundamentals Tech pass (doubles, can light, slightly more strict buoyancy and trim)
Tech 1 (170' and 1 deco gas)
optional tech 1+ (stage bottle, slightly longer deco allowance)
Tech 2 (250ft, 2 deco gases and a stage bottle)
after 25 dives you can get a t2+ card (3 deco gases, 300ft)

 

[Ste Wart]

You can get to (Full) Trimix with IANTD without ever touching helium

Adv Nitrox - Technical Nitrox - Trimix

or go the posh gas route

ART - Normoxic - Trimix


ART and Adv EANx are the same course deco wise (15 minutes) but slightly different in depth 48m and 42 respectively.


Personally I'd take Advanced Nitrox, slam out a whole load of diving on 32% with o2 deco. Then move to Normoxic. ART is nice as it gets you helium but you'll run up against the deco limit to quickly at max depth. That said there are no dive police and the course teaches you standard gas management.

 

[Taliena]

max. depth is only in courses, then after course you can go as deep as you want. I have been deeper on oc than the 330 feet (that is what we did in course).
With ccr same, after my ccr trimix course I went directly a day later to 122m depth, without instructor of course

 

[PacificXplorer]

max. depth is only in courses, then after course you can go as deep as you want. I have been deeper on oc than the 330 feet (that is what we did in course).
With ccr same, after my ccr trimix course I went directly a day later to 122m depth, without instructor of course

Now there's something I would like to do some day!
400 feet... Very nice!