TECHNICAL DIVING

            Technical diving is the use of special techniques, tools and equipment to explore beyond traditional recreational diving limits. (1) Those limits confine divers to depths above 130 feet, prevent them from making planned decompression dives, and from using breathing gases other than compressed air or one of the standard NITROX mixtures.   Technical diving allows divers to pursue their interests at deeper depths and in more difficult environments. Training in technical diving attempts to reduce the increased risk that is inherent in diving in those conditions. 

               Examples of Technical Diving include dives below 130 feet, decompression diving, mixed gas diving, wreck penetration, rebreather diving, and cave diving.  In fact, it was the cave divers, who first developed many of the procedures that are in use in technical diving today.   At present Torii Training offers Technical Nitrox and Decompression Techniques.

             Technical diving is not for most divers because of the commitment needed.   A technical diver requires extensive training, mental discipline, physical strength and stamina, excellent health, a preparedness ethic, and financial investment.  It's not cheap and it's not easy.  You also can't be fat and out of shape.  Many will find that they need to make dramatic changes in their lifestyles if they want to become technical divers.

             You must be very comfortable in the water.  If removing and replacing your mask or regulator underwater bothers you, then you shouldn't enroll in a tech class.  If you don't have good finning and buoyancy skills, then forego technical diving until you do.  Being an accomplished recreational diver is a prerequisite to being a technical diver. 

             If you've made an appraisal of your abilities and motivation and can honestly say that you possess good diving skills and you are pursuing valid interests rather than merely wanting to impress the chicks, then go for it. This last criterion doesn't necessarily apply to female divers.  To prepare yourself, I suggest the following.   

             1. Further improve your diving skills and knowledge.  The best formal course of instruction you can take is the NAUI Master Scuba Diver course.  It is a true advanced diving course and will prepare you well for the rigorous academic requirements of technical dive training, as well as increase your proficiency in the water.   Next, if you can find one, consider enrolling in a Deep Diver course that adequately covers the fundamentals of technical diving.  It serves as a good transition between recreational diving and tech.  Finally, you should obtain NITROX certification.    

             2. Seek training in CPR, First Aid, and oxygen administration, as well as  diving rescue techniques.

             3. Dive more and vary your environments.  There's no substitute for experience.   Most courses require at least 100 logged dives prior to enrolling.  Many feel that is too few.

             4. Start and maintain a physical conditioning program that emphasizes aerobic fitness, but which also includes strength training.  Swimming is best.  It provides aerobic conditioning in your target environment.  It has the added advantage of increasing comfort in the water.  Swimming hard with mask, snorkel and fins is also good.  If you can't get to the pool, or the ocean isn't convenient, at least engage in some other type of activity such as running, biking, or climbing the Stairmaster at the gym.  In the weight room, start slowly and build.  Work both upper and lower body.  Because of the necessity to carry multiple cylinders and ancillary items, tech gear is heavy out of the water and can be cumbersome when you're submerged.  You need the strength to handle it. 

            5.  When the time comes, be prepared to buy the best gear.   Price should be a secondary consideration.  You can't dive tech on the cheap.  It's a safety issue.  Discuss your gear purchases with your instructor before you buy.  Otherwise you may invest in expensive mistakes.    

            Consider the tech option carefully.  It requires serious commitment in time, effort and money.  Those who are used to immediate results with minimal effort will be disappointed and frustrated.  Be prepared to train hard, get the needed experience, adopt the proper lifestyle, and observe the tested procedures that are part of what is called, "Doing It Right."  

Class Schedule

 (1)  NAUI Nitrox: A Guide to Diving with Oxygen Enriched Air - Student Slide 14-2 1998 R.W. Hamilton and Joel D. Silverstein, National Association of Underwater Instructors.     

***NOTE***

Before you begin to purchase any equipment for technical diving or technical diving classes, it is recommended that you contact Gary at haglandg@toriitraining.com.   Some equipment available locally fails to meet course requirements and is incompatible with safe diving practices.