As sport divers, planned decompression is not something that we do or have been taught. The Decompression Procedures course prepares you for planned staged decompression diving. With a maximum operating depth of 45m/150 feet, this course is your first step beyond the normal sport diving limits. Your Instructor will provide you with valuable information and skills. The topics covered include: gear set-up, equipment requirements, decompression techniques, decompression breathing gases, gas management, and contingency planning.
The Decompressions Procedures course combined with the Advanced Nitrox course form the foundation of all other technical courses. After these two courses and some additional experience, the stage has been set for you to move onto additional technical levels.
This course targets certified Advanced Divers keen on advancing decompression theory and diving skills. Designed for those extending bottom time and moving into technical diving, it requires participants to be at least 18, possess an Advanced Adventure Diver certification (or equivalent), and show proof of 25 logged open water dives.
What you will learn in this course:
Throughout the course, participants will delve into various aspects of decompression dive planning. This encompasses critical considerations such as decompression gas choices, the comparison between tables and personal dive computers, and emergency and contingency planning for scenarios like equipment failure or omitted decompression. The curriculum covers a range of crucial skills, including decompression diving procedures, equipment selection, pre-dive checks, stress analysis, gas switching, team awareness, and effective communication underwater. Participants will also receive training in deploying surface marker buoys (SMBs) and lift bags, as well as mastering proper trim, buoyancy, and finning techniques.
Emergency procedures are a focal point of the training, addressing potential issues such as equipment failures, catastrophic gas loss, omitted decompression, and navigational errors. The course also provides insights into equipment considerations, cylinder labeling, analyzing nitrox mixtures, and gas blending procedures.
What you earn from this course:
Upon successful completion, participants gain the autonomy to conduct decompression diving activities without direct supervision. The criteria for unsupervised activities include that the diving conditions, areas, and environmental factors should approximate those encountered during training. Course graduates access advanced TDI courses: Advanced Nitrox, Extended Range, Advanced Wreck, and Trimix. This program equips divers for complex decompression diving and positions them for exciting technical exploration.
Costs
$600-$900(Can be taken with Full Cave for discount)
Time Commitment
2-3 Days (Can be taken with Full Cave)