Where to do tech training...can of worms.

[JiveMaster]

So...want to open this can of worms

In your opinion what are the best places in the world to to do tech training (adv nitrox/deco/extended range), and which agencies are the best?

And yes, I know, the instructor makes all the difference.

Just wondering others opinions as I'm partial to Dahab after working for 3 months in "tech divers paradise"

 

[Kevrumbo]

For SE Asia, Techasia Dive Ops in Puerto Galera Philippines, with either Martin Lorenzo (GUE DIR Fundies, Triox), Sam Collett (IANTD Full Trimix), or Gideon Liew flying in from Singapore (GUE Tech 1 & 2) as Instructors.

Red Sea Explorers, with Andrew Georgitsis (5thD-X), in the Middle East. . .

 

[JiveMaster]

For SE Asia, Techasia Dive Ops in Puerto Galera Philippines, with either Martin Lorenzo (GUE DIR Fundies, Triox), Sam Collett (IANTD Full Trimix), or Gideon Liew flying in from Singapore (GUE Tech 1 & 2) as Instructors.

Red Sea Explorers, with Andrew Georgitsis (5thD-X), in the Middle East. . .

I'm assuming these guys are quite expensive...what about Leigh Cunningham in the Mid-East?

 

[JiveMaster]

what about Leigh Cunningham

who I'm also assuming is quite expensive..

 

[Tassie_Rohan]

Since you asked for the best place in the world -

Anywhere with cold water.

Anyone can do a 200+ ft dive in clear warm tropical water. Doing it in a drysuit and drygloves in cold, low vis water is a totally different physical and psychological environment: tougher yes - but in the end that will make you a better diver.

Tropical tec diving is easy after doing cold water tec dives, but the opposite is not true.

My 2 cents.

 

[Kevrumbo]

I'm assuming these guys are quite expensive... <snip>

Yes and well worth it they are. . . And for nearly 50 Philippine Pesos to the US Dollar, you get cheap accommodations with good food & beer (and cheap women too !), and everybody speaks and understands English as well. Puerto Galera and Subic Bay Philippines: These are definitely the best places in the World for Tech Diving, Wreck Diving, and all sorts of Diving . . .

 

[Spratman]

Given your current and next location, then your choice are more limited. I'm with Tassie. If you can perform in cold, dark water then anything else is a very nice change. Having said that, the only time I see clear, warm water is on our annual trek to Cancun. The rest of the time it's quarry diving and NE Atlantic.

Good luck!

 

[Xizang]

For SE Asia, Techasia Dive Ops in Puerto Galera Philippines, with either Martin Lorenzo (GUE DIR Fundies, Triox), Sam Collett (IANTD Full Trimix), or Gideon Liew flying in from Singapore (GUE Tech 1 & 2) as Instructors.

Red Sea Explorers, with Andrew Georgitsis (5thD-X), in the Middle East. . .

Its Dave Ross for IANTD and Sam Collet for DSAT programs with Tech Asia if I'm not mistaken that is

 

[JiveMaster]

Looks like Philippines might be my next stop after IDC...thanks everyone...keep the input coming..

 

[Kevrumbo]

Since you asked for the best place in the world -

Anywhere with cold water.

Anyone can do a 200+ ft dive in clear warm tropical water. Doing it in a drysuit and drygloves in cold, low vis water is a totally different physical and psychological environment: tougher yes - but in the end that will make you a better diver.

Tropical tec diving is easy after doing cold water tec dives, but the opposite is not true.

My 2 cents.

Which is precisely why IMO, you should begin Technical Training in a Warm Water Environment --you don't have to deal with Cold Water issues (hypothermia, increased Depth Consumption rate, dexterity with thick gloves on etc.) and the added task of managing the dynamics of a Drysuit.

My home diving waters here in Southern California provide all those challenges to practice in anyway, along with current; widely varying visibility at depth; wind and large swells or surf on top; fog and boat traffic outside of two of the largest Ports in the world --Los Angeles & Long Beach ("If you can competently and safely dive California Waters, you can dive anywhere. . ."). The only task I have yet to sufficiently manage here is the damn Cost-of-Living