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Nitrox Diver and Trimix Diver are the scuba diver's ultimate resource for the
latest in dive training for nitrox, wreck, trimix, instructor, and gas blending.
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Technical Diver
A complete enriched air technical diving program
Advanced/Technical Enriched Air, and Decompression Techniques courses combined |
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Introduction:
This course examines the theory, methods, and procedures of planned stage decompression diving, using EAN 21 through 100% (oxygen) for optimal mixes for dives to a maximum depth of 150 fsw/45 msw. We teach this program as a complete unit. Unlike others, we do not break it apart. We believe continuous intense training is the key to successful problem solving. We present the course in 14 comprehensive modules with a minimum of 8 dives.
Course Objectives:
The objectives of this course are to train divers who:
- Know the benefits, hazards, and proper procedures for utilizing EAN 21 through 100%.
- How to plan and conduct a standard staged decompression dive not exceeding a maximum depth of 150 fsw/45 msw
- Know the most common gear set-ups, decompression techniques, and decompression gas mixtures
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Qualifications of Graduates:
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in diving activities utilizing EAN 21 through 100% (oxygen) for staged decompression diving activities without direct supervision so long as the diving activities, area, and environment approximate those of training.
Graduates are considered competent to plan and execute technical dives that require stage decompression and qualify as prerequisite course completion for entry into the Trimix training programs (additional logged dives may be required - see Trimix page).
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Prerequisites for Entering the Course
Minimum age of 21. Minimum certification as an Enriched Air Diver or equivalent, and Master Diver or equivalent. Minimum of 100 logged dives 10 of which must have been on enriched air.
Individual instructors may require more experience before enrollment is accepted.
Course Policies
Classroom hours? 18 are estimated. Open water dives? 8-10 total; Instructor may require 2 additional dives if candidate is entering with equivalency prerequisites.
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| Academic Subjects |
| I. Introduction - The Role of Alternative Breathing Mixtures in Diving
II Gases and Their Behavior
Physics and Pressure Review
Gas Laws, Definitions, Units
Partial Pressures
Specific Gases and Their Properties
Air
Inert Gases, Nitrogen and Helium; Narcosis
Density
Thermal properties
Oxygen
Carbon dioxide, Carbon monoxide, Other contaminants
Water vapor
III. Oxygen Physiology, Toxicity and Tolerance
Oxygen the Princess
Need for Oxygen management
Hypoxia
CNS Oxygen Toxicity
Whole Body toxicity
IV. Diving with Nitrogen-Oxygen Mixtures
Oxygen-nitrogen breathing gas
Advantages and disadvantages
Concerns about Nitrox
Gas Requirements
Limitations
V. Equipment Rigging and Considerations
Balancing Equipment; Trim
Oxygen Nitrogen mixes up to 40% and
mixtures above 40% oxygen content.
Complete description of gear
VI. Oxygen-Helium-Nitrogen Mixtures - Introduction
Tri-mix breathing gas
Nitrogen Narcosis and its management
Oxygen management
Decompression concerns
Advantages/disadvantages of multiple gas switches
VII Gas Mixing
Oxygen handling
Partial Pressure
Continuous Blending
Molecular Sieve
Gas Analysis, Labeling, and Logging
VIII. Physiology of Decompression
What it is and why its needed.
Haldane and his theories
Counterdiffusion
Nitrogen absorption and elimination
Mechanics of bubble formation
Reliability and safety
Table development and validation
Oxygen’s role in decompression
Advantages of hyperoxic mixes for decompression
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IX. Dive Tables and Computers
Air Tables - EAD use
NOAA Nitrox Tables
Decompression Models (Buhlman, DCEIM, US Navy)
Maximum Operating Depth calculations
Best Mix calculations
Single and Repetitive Dives
Use of Nitrox and Mixed Gas Dive Computers
Tri-mix Dive Tables
Abyss Advanced Dive Planning Software
Diving at Altitude
X. Decompression Techniques and Options
Selection of optimal EAN mixes
Methods of decompression
Oxygen for decompression
Treatment of omitted decompression
XI. Dive Medicine + First Aid
Dive Medicine Review
Potential Problems
DCI
AGE
XII. Dive Planning
Standard Operating Procedures
Gas Planning and Management
Ascent/Descent rates
Hypothermia
Psychological Aspects
Task Loading
Stress; Panic
Time Management
Weighting and Buoyancy Control
Surface Support; Support Divers
Fixed or Drift Decompression Methods
Logging Dives
XIII. Contingencies - First Response
Omitted Decompression
DCI Management
First Response
Evacuation
In water recompression
Equipment Failure
Hyperoxic mix bailout
Carbon Dioxide Toxicity
Carbon Monoxide Toxicity
XIV. Technical Diving Overview and Summary
Concept of Technical Diving
Technical Diving Practice
Overview of rebreathers |
Open Water Skill Requirements
Maximum training depths will not exceed 150 fsw / 45 msw.
All dives will be repetitive dives if exposure times permit.
A safety stop of at least 3 minutes shall be conducted on all No-Stop dives and properly staged decompression stops whenever and wherever mandated.
Students will calculate and conservatively use their own personal gas consumption rates in dive planning.
Students will assemble and use appropriate equipment, properly analyze their own breathing gas mixture and plan and correctly execute each dive based on personal gas consumption, oxygen exposures and inert gas loading at planned depth for actual breathing gas mixture used.
Students will demonstrate the correct deployment of a lift bag using a dive reel.
Students will properly execute the planned dives within all predetermined limits, including handling of equipment, ascents and descents, trim, proper staged stop procedures, and the monitoring of decompression status equipment (tables, computers.)
Student divers will demonstrate use of an up line or lift bag and reel while performing simulated or actual stops.
Students will demonstrate emergency deployment of a backup regulator or bail-out scuba system containing bottom mix at a depth not to exceed 100 fsw / 30 msw or a PO2 of 1.6 ATM.
Student divers will participate in an simulated emergency gas sharing scenario at a stationary depth not to exceed 100 fsw / 30 msw or a PO2 of 1.6 ATM.depth
Students shall participate in a diver rescue simulation to include management of a diver experiencing underwater convulsions, as well as surface rescue skills.
Student will demonstrate the proper deployment, management, and use of the bottom mix, decompression mix, and travel mix (if used) including but not limited to: conservative gas management, septh control to avoid ascendint too deep for mix.
Students will demonstrate mature, sound judgement concerning dive planning and execution, and will show appropriate and timely responses to instructions/signals from the instructor.
Student will demonstrate appropriate buoyancy control and attention to trim throughout the dives.
Ratios
We believe in using small student to instructor ratios. Consequently for dives shallower than 130 fsw there can be one instructor to four candidates. Deeper than 130 fsw there will be one instructor to no more than two candidates.
Equipment
Diver must own all of their own gear. (Tanks may be rented)
(see required equipment list)
Course Fees
$975.00 includes course books and diving tables, Technical Nitrox Dive Planning Software, surface supplied supplemental decompression nitrox and oxygen, staffing, and surface support.
Other Fees
- Boat fees are additional aprox. $750 for 4 days diving (remember a technical diver takes up 2x the space a recreational diver does)
- Diving Gas - students are responsible for all their gas fees for enriched air and oxygen. (Typical fill fees for a week run about $275 for nitrox, air, oxygen etc. an additional $150 for trimix gas) See Course schedule for specific locations. Boat fees will vary with vessel, dives and location.
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Other Required Materials (not included in course fee)
Notebook, Log Book
Oxygen Analyzer
Divers accident insurance
Strongly Suggested Books
US Navy Divers Handbook- Best Publishing
NOAA Diving Manual 4th Edition - 2001 Edition - Best Publishing
Diving Physiology in Plain English - Bookspan, Ph.D., J. - Best Publishing
Abyss Dive Planning Software - AbysmalDiving
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Course Dates
See our Course Schedule
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