Which to choose

[LULA]

Hi!!!
I'm thinking on going TEK, now i'd like to know what agencies you guys recommend, TDI,IANTD, DSAT the DSAT option is the one i have closer, do you think DASAT is a DIR oriented agency?

I am still researchirg this technical diving stuff , but i'm very exited on taking this step.



'sorry about my english'

 

[Doc Intrepid]

DSAT is emphatically NOT a DIR-oriented agency.

To whatever extent that matters.

The text in the DSAT textbooks, in fact, goes out of its way to categorically refute DIR principles. Aside from that technicality DSAT textbooks are very well written and quite possibly some of the most comprehensive and professional currently available.

Edit: I see you're in Portugal. You may be limited to working with whats locally available - obviously training locally will be more cost-efficient than training you must travel to attend. [And your English is fine, don't sweat it. Far better than my Portugese!]

(How is it that you are a 'trimix blender' but are just now thinking of pursuing technical diving?)

Of the agencies you specified, I'd take a look at TDI. IANTD is undergoing some rather convulsive management changes just now.

Obviously it depends entirely on the instructor, and I recommend you put together a list of questions and interview two or three instructors to find one with whom you feel most compatible. As you asked for agency recommendations, however, TDI has recently completed an update of their manuals and seem at the moment to - from an agency perspective, IMHO - be reasonably well-organized and effective.

FWIW. YMMV.

Welcome to ScubaBoard...

 

[LULA]

Thaks for the quick answer.

(How is it that you are a 'trimix blender' but are just now thinking of pursuing technical diving?)

I'm a trimix blender because when in was about to start the nitrox blender course , the instructor decided that was better to take the trimix one since was a simply question of adding one more gas (and 100€) but he was right.I only blend nitrox since where i live there are no nitrox fill stations.

But what are the main differences between DSAT and TDI ? I see the equipment configuration is an important subject, which as the better? and what are pros and cons of both agencies

 

[in_cavediver]

But what are the main differences between DSAT and TDI ? I see the equipment configuration is an important subject, which as the better? and what are pros and cons of both agencies

This is best described as a religous debate. There are no right and wrong answers just prevasive opinions. What is really important in the entry level tech training is a good quality instructor to teach the basic skills and get versed in the procedures.

What changes between agencies is some of the philosophy behind why you make some decisions and how to handle equipment and team planning. For example, some agencies are very specific and rigorous in the placement of equipment. Others are more tolerant of slightly different gear configurations but teach gear matching. Don't bother asking which is better as there are ardent supporters of both. (search DIR to hear some of it) Other differences involve methods of computing gas management and team protocols while diving etc.

What is most important, is after you have taken the training, whatever flavor, be sure to research and evaluate the procedures your were taught. Diving evolves and at the technical level, its important to stay in the loop with those advances. Ultimately, you will become yet another of the masses with strong opinions.