Technical Diving

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Technical diving is a type of scuba diving that involves going beyond the limits of recreational diving. It requires specialized training, equipment, and procedures to ensure safety. Technical diving is not for everyone, but for those who are interested in exploring deeper and more challenging environments, it can be a rewarding experience. In this article, we will cover the different aspects of technical diving and the various types of certifications available.

Table of Contents

Differences from Open Water and Advanced Open Water Certifications

Open Water and Advanced Open Water certifications are designed for recreational diving, which typically involves depths of up to 60 feet and no decompression stops. Technical diving, on the other hand, involves diving deeper than 60 feet and requires decompression stops. Technical divers use specialized equipment and procedures to manage the increased risks associated with deeper diving.

Technical diving also requires more training than recreational diving. Technical divers must complete a series of courses that cover topics such as dive planning, gas management, decompression theory, and equipment configuration. These courses are typically more intensive and require more time and effort than recreational diving courses.

Depth

Technical diving involves diving deeper than recreational diving. The maximum depth for recreational diving is typically around 60 feet, while technical divers can go much deeper. The depth limit for technical diving depends on the certification level and the type of diving being done. For example, a Normoxic Trimix certification allows divers to go to a maximum depth of 200 feet, while a Full Cave certification allows divers to explore underwater caves.

Technical Diving Equipment

Technical diving requires specialized equipment to manage the increased risks associated with deeper diving. This includes redundant systems for air supply, such as twin tanks or a rebreather, as well as backup systems for buoyancy control and decompression. Technical divers also use specialized computers and software to plan and track their dives.

Nitrox

Nitrox is a type of breathing gas that contains a higher percentage of oxygen than regular air. Nitrox allows divers to stay underwater longer and reduces the risk of decompression sickness. Nitrox is commonly used in technical diving, and many technical diving certifications include training in the use of Nitrox.

Advanced Nitrox with Deco

Advanced Nitrox with Deco is a type of technical diving certification that allows divers to use Nitrox for deeper dives that require decompression stops. This certification covers topics such as dive planning, gas management, and decompression theory.

Normoxic Trimix

Normoxic Trimix is a type of technical diving certification that allows divers to use a breathing gas that contains a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, and helium. This gas allows divers to go deeper than Nitrox while still reducing the risk of decompression sickness. Normoxic Trimix certification covers topics such as gas planning, dive planning, and decompression theory.

Hypoxic Trimix

Hypoxic Trimix is a type of technical diving certification that allows divers to use a breathing gas that contains a very low percentage of oxygen. This gas is used for extremely deep dives and requires careful planning and management. Hypoxic Trimix certification covers topics such as gas planning, dive planning, and decompression theory.

Cavern

Cavern diving is a type of technical diving that involves exploring underwater caves that are within sight of the entrance. Cavern diving requires specialized training and equipment, as well as careful planning and execution. Cavern diving is not for everyone, but for those who are interested in exploring these unique environments, it can be a rewarding experience.

Wreck

Wreck diving is a type of technical diving that involves exploring sunken ships and other underwater structures. Wreck diving requires specialized training and equipment, as well as careful planning and execution. Wreck diving can be a challenging and rewarding experience, but it also requires a high level of skill and experience.

Cave I and Full Cave

Cave diving is a type of technical diving that involves exploring underwater caves that are beyond the sight of the entrance. Cave diving requires specialized training and equipment, as well as careful planning and execution. Cave diving is considered one of the most challenging and dangerous types of diving, but for those who are properly trained and equipped, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Cave diving certifications include Cave I and Full Cave, which allow divers to explore progressively more challenging cave environments.