2nd stage regulator; exposure suit with side pockets, BCD-sidemount, SMB cutting tool, diving spool. Jet fins. Mask and spare mask. Technical diving equipments. 1 long hose (2.10m-7ft), hogarthian, or cave harness.
Television, magazines, stories from a friend – it doesn’t matter the source, exploring the underwater world and escaping the surface is enticing and exciting. So how do we keep exploring? What exactly is technical diving?
Sidemount diving provides an independent air source. Two tanks are used, each with their own regulators and first stage, SPG. This makes it much safer and gives little air-hogs (like me) a lot more oxygen. Sidemount's tanks can be easily accessed from the surface. There is no pressure on the back.
Initial pool sessions were hard. I felt like an openwater diver again, strapped in to the twin tanks trying to conduct valve drills. However, as we moved through the Tec 40 to 45 and 50 courses, our skills improved and we were able to enjoy the course. The most satisfying part of Tec diving is taking your skills, buoyancy, knowledge and awareness to the next stage. It is quite exciting to be able to manage life-threatening emergencies at deep water without having to climb to the surface (due decompression requirements). It's gratifying to execute your dive plan in military precision.
Along with the Sidemount equipment that is specialized, you will also need your typical wetsuits, fins, masks, computer, compass, DSMB and other necessary equipment.
This course will require the same equipment, as your goal is to learn the operation and setup of the equipment you will use during your cave diving or tech diver training. This includes:
There are three parts to certification: knowledge development, skill practice and open water dives. You can complete all three parts locally, on holiday, or split between the two.
Technical divers search for wrecks and reefs in depths below the recreational limit (40 m/130 ft). These divers have the ability to dive into underwater caves and other areas not accessible by regular recreational diving.
Scuba diving requires a minimum level of health and fitness. Chronic health conditions, certain medications and/or recent surgery may require you to get written approval from a physician before diving.
Scuba diving sidemount is becoming more popular than ever in open water. You are more streamlined than having to carry a tank around your back.
Although we can teach the SDI course if specifically requested, by default we offer the TDI one. It is possible to take this as a standalone program; however, our students generally combine this with our Apprentice Cave Diver course.
Give the gift of adventure and share the experience. PADI eLearning can now be purchased and shared with a chosen recipient. It doesn’t matter if the course is being purchased as a present or you wish to make it available to family members.
The freedom of movement of the head for sidemount divers is very attractive where a twinset can always be felt in the neck by a diver…something to get used to.
Becoming a technical diver is equal parts training, experience and passion. If any of the three are lacking the added risks in technical diving aren’t worth it.
To register for the PADI Advanced Rebreather Diver course, you must first: You must be a PADI Open Water Diver, but you must also be a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver to become a PADI Advanced Rebreather Diver. Have at least 30 dives under your belt.
The depth range of oxygen rebreathers (simple closed circuit) is limited to approximately 6 m, beyond which the risk of acute oxygen toxicity rises to unacceptable levels very quickly.
from 170 to 350 feet
While conventional scuba diving has a recommended maximum depth of 130 feet, technical divers may work at depths ranging from 170 feet to 350 feet, and sometimes even deeper.