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Trimix Diver
Level I
A trimix diving program for the diver who has a need to dive deeper than 150 fsw. This is a serious program.
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Overview
These courses are to provide the diver with the skills and knowledge needed to minimize the risks of utilizing helium-based trimix breathing gas mixes for dives to a maximum depth of 225 fsw (91 msw) requiring stage decompression and utilizing EANx mixtures and/or oxygen during decompression.
Qualifications of Graduates
Upon successful completion of the Level I course, graduates are considered competent to plan and execute technical dives that require stage decompression and utilize helium-based trimix-mix breathing gas mixtures and EANx and/or oxygen for stage decompression without direct supervision to depths not to exceed 225 fsw (69 msw) provided the diving activities and the areas dived approximate those of training.
Prerequisites for Entering the Course
Level I - Minimum age of 21. Minimum certification as a Decompression Techniques, and Technical EANx Diver or equivalent. Minimum of 250 logged dives 75 of which must have been deeper than 130 fsw (40 msw).
Course Policies
Classroom/Academic hours, 18 are estimated, these are conducted in both the classroom and on boat.
Open water dives Six for Level I
Two dives must be deeper than 190 fsw (58 msw).
Dives
Candidates in our Level I program will conduct a minimum of 6 open ocean dives, some locations will have seven or eight dives.
Skill Requirements
Maximum training depths will not exceed 225 fsw for Level I and 275 fsw for Level II or PO2 of 1.5 atm. At least two dives will be made using EANx, for long skill refresher dives, all others will be on trimix. All dives will be repetitive dives if exposure times permit. Students will analyze their own breathing gas mixture and plan and correctly execute each dive. Dive planning shall include limits based on gas consumption, oxygen exposures and inert gas loading for each dive and breathing gas mixture. Student divers will demonstrate use of an up line or lift bag and reel while performing simulated or actual stops. Student divers will participate in an emergency gas supply loss scenarios at a depth, i.e., switch to separate redundant system and ascend to the surface. Students shall participate in a diver rescue simulation to include management of a diver experiencing underwater convulsions, as well as surface rescue skills.
| Course Lectures
I. Introduction - The Role of Alternative Breathing Mixtures in Diving
II Gases and Their Behavior
Gas Laws
Partial Pressures
Definitions, Units
III Specific Gases and Their Properties
Air
Inert Gases, Nitrogen and Helium
Density
Thermal properties
Decompression
Nitrogen and narcosis
Oxygen
Carbon dioxide
Carbon monoxide
Other contaminants
Water vapor
Counter diffusion
IV. Dive Medicine + First Aid
Dive Medicine Review
Potential Problems
DCI
AGE
V. Equipment Rigging and Considerations
VI. Oxygen Physiology, Toxicity and Tolerance
Oxygen the Princess
Need for Oxygen management
CNS Oxygen Toxicity
Whole Body toxicity
VII. Diving with Nitrogen-Oxygen Mixtures
Oxygen-nitrogen breathing gas
Advantages and disadvantages
Concerns about Nitrox
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VIII. Oxygen-Helium-Nitrogen Mixtures
Tri-mix breathing gas
Narcosis management
Oxygen management
Decompression concerns
IX Gas Mixing
Oxygen handling
Partial Pressure
Continuous Blending
Molecular Sieve
Gas Analysis & Labeling
X. Physiology of Decompression
What it is and why its needed.
Haldane and his theories
Reliability and safety
Table development and validation
Oxygen's role in decompression
XI. Dive Tables and Computers
Air Tables - EAD use
NOAA Nitrox Tables
NAUI Nitrox Tables
Single and Repetitive Dives
Nitrox Computers
Tri-mix Dive Tables
Dive planning software
XII. Decompression Techniques
Selection of optimal mixes
Methods of decompression
Treatment of omitted decompression
XIII. Contingencies - First Response
Omitted Decompression
DCI Management
First Response
Evacuation
In water recompression
Hyperoxic mix bailout
XIV. Technical Diving Overview and Summary
Concept of Technical Diving
Technical Diving Practice
Overview of rebreathers
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Equipment
Diver must own all of their own gear. (Tanks may be rented)
(see required equipment list)
Course Fees
Level I $975.00 includes course workbook and trimix diving tables, surface supplied supplemental decompression oxygen, staffing and surface support. See Course Schedule for specific locations, dates, and course fee.
Other Fees
- Boat fees are additional - typical boat fees are $750 for 4 days diving.
- Diving Gas - students are responsible for all their gas fees for trimix, enriched air and oxygen.
Other Required Materials
US Navy Divers Handbook (Best's Publishing)
Notebook, Log Book
Oxygen Analyzer - trimix divers must own this.
Divers accident insurance
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