TDI Courses

Nitrox Diver

Graduates are able to grasp the concept of Maximum Operating Depth (oxygen depth limits) coupled with oxygen time limits for various nitrox mixes, and understand the use of nitrox to extend bottom-time, shorten surface intervals and take advantage of breathing less nitrogen on recreational-level dives. Graduates will be familiar with the correct use of an oxygen analyzer and know how to log their fills. The course should also reinforce the concept and practice of dive planning, dive logging and post-dive debriefing.

Advanced Nitrox

Graduates are able to manage high-test nitrox (40% plus) including pure oxygen responsibly paying attention to special equipment and component requirements, handling considerations, and cylinder markings. They are able to grasp the concept and importance of Central Nervous System oxygen toxicity tracking -- (CNS clock) – have the ability to calculate MOD’s without reference to tables for different ppO2 and FO2s; and have been introduced to the criteria for “advanced nitrox” equipment selection and configuration.

Decompression Procedures

Graduates are able to make informed decisions to undertake dives outside the NDLs (as per US Navy and DCIEM tables) and manage the increased risks associated with these dives based on best practice information, limitations of training, limitations of knowledge and “objective” assessment of personal limitations. They leave this class with a basic understanding of staged decompression practice (ascent behavior) and decompression theory. They should understand the concept and constraints of staged decompression obligation; the use of multiple gases to optimize a decompression schedule; advanced equipment selection and clean gear configuration (since deco diving is overhead environment diving). In addition, they should be versed in basic contingency planning with particular focus on overhead gas management techniques.

Extended Range

Graduates are able to make dives requiring long decompression stops and needing expedition quality contingency planning. They are comfortable making advanced equipment selection and know how to configure and manage additional gear to function well on long dives in local conditions. This gear may include two sling / stage cylinders containing decompression gases.

Trimix Diver

Graduates are able to make dives requiring long decompression stops and needing expedition quality contingency plans. They are comfortable making advanced equipment selection and know how to configure and manage additional gear to function well on long dives in local conditions. This gear may include two sling / stage cylinders containing decompression gases. They also fully understand in-water behaviors dictated by use of helium in breathing mixes; are competent using complex gas management calculations and have the ability to create, manage and modify complex decompression schedules and apply them as appropriate to the dive conditions. Graduates should also be familiar with the correct procedures for using a helium / oxygen analyzer to test mixes.

Advanced Trimix Diver

Graduates have the ability to plan and lead complex helium decompression dives that require two or more decompression gases and/or additional stages of bottom gas. Advanced trimix divers are able to create very thorough contingency plans and have a clear understanding of the limits of their team, their equipment and themselves.

Advanced Wreck

Graduates are able to conduct penetration dives (overhead environment dives) in wrecks using reels and lines with confidence, and have the ability to plan, execute and develop contingency plans for dives in marginal conditions -- poor visibility, harsh surface conditions, cold water and / or low visibility for example. Graduates should also be able to recognize and use navigational landmarks on steel and wooden wrecks, and be confident deploying and surfacing on emergency ascent lines (fixed and drifting).

Nitrox Gas Blender

This course allows the diver or non-diver alike, to learn to safely prepare Nitrox mixtures for use with Nitrox Diving.

Advanced Gas Blender

This course enables the successful candidate to engage in the blending of oxygen and helium based gasses. The objective of this course is to train candidates in the proper procedures needed for the preparation and blending of high quality Nitrox and Trimix gases for use in technical diving.

Service Technician

This course enables the successful candidate to engage in the preparation of scuba equipment for Technical Diving Gases. The objective of this course is to train candidates in the proper procedures required for oxygen equipment cleaning.

Cavern Diver

The Cavern Diver course is the primary course that develops the minimum skills and knowledge for cavern and overhead environment diving within the limits of light penetration as well as shows the specific hazards associated with cave diving. Environment, planning, procedures, techniques and problem solving are covered. Problem solving in cavern diving includes, but is not limited to, body positioning (trim), buoyancy control, emergency procedures, line following and propulsion techniques. The Cavern Diver course is not intended to provide instruction for cave diving.

Introductory Cave Diver

Introductory Cave Diving is a single-diving cylinder introduction to the basic principles of cave diving. Introductory Cave Diving follows the Cavern course as the second level in the development of safe techniques for cave diving. The basis of this course is aimed at perfecting skills taught in the Cavern Diving program as well as instructing in additional techniques and procedures required for elementary cave dives. This introduction to cave diving is not intended to train divers for all facets of cave diving.

Cave Diver

This is the third in a series of cave-diver development training courses. Emphasis is upon dive planning and skill perfection through actual cave dives. Techniques learned through the earlier Cavern Diver and Introductory Cave Diver courses are critiqued, and expanded. Exposure to different cave diving scenarios is the foundation of this training. Emphasis is also made on more advanced cave dive planning and execution. An introduction to basic surveying is also included.

The Cave Diver course is not intended to prepare divers for evaluating all facets of cave diving. It is intended to expose students to basic fundamental principals of cave diving. Students are encouraged to gain experience before attempting to plan and execute complex or hazardous cave dives.