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Technical Diver 1, or “Tech 1”, is the first full technical diving class in the UTD/FKD Technical Diving program. It’s designed to prepare the diver for the rigors of technical diving, introducing the diver to deeper depths (160fsw) with helium based breathing gases (25/25, 21/35 or 18/45) and single bottle stage decompression using one of two decompression gas mixtures (Nitrox 50 or 100% O2). Students also learn how to conduct multiple tech dives in a day.
Tech 1 is taught in double cylinders with a single deco bottle and focuses on, in progression, bottom skills, then ascent skills and mid-water skills, ultimately testing the divers with their ability to identify, manage and resolve failures not only on the bottom, but also during the ascent and critical gas switch, which are essential for safe technical diving.
The diver will be entering mandatory decompression obligations in this class. This allows the diver to conduct his own technical dives in the 160’ range with a single decompression bottle (a stage bottle endorsement, which allows the student to use a bottom stage to conduct multiple technical dives in a day is available with this class).
This is a critical skills class. Failures will be introduced by the instructor to facilitate problem identification and resolution and building capacity and bandwidth for more progressively challenging diving.
Many divers find all the adventure they need in recreational dives to 100' or less. However, some are looking for a new challenge, and others want the ability to safely execute dives currently beyond their skill level. Still others want a higher skill set or want to participate in exploration projects that are deeper than 100'.
Tech 1 trains the diver to safely explore those deeper depths using double cylinders of normoxic trimix and a single deco bottle (maximum decompression of 30 minutes).
Tech 1 is taught in double cylinders with backgas of Nitrox 32% or standard gas helium mixes of 25/25, 21/35, or 18/45 with a single decompression bottle of Nitrox 50% or 100% O2 for accelerated "on the fly" decompression (maximum decompression obligation of 30 minutes).
Tech 1 consists of at least 8 dives: 2 practice dives, 4 critical skills (failures) dives and 2 experience dives. Experience dives will be between 100 - 160'.
This course is an extended decompression class, divers in this depth range must be aware they will be entering into mandatory extended decompression commitments and should be prepared to do accelerated decompression on the fly after extended bottom times at a max depth of 160' on the experience dives. Decompression will not exceed a single cycle of oxygen, or 30 minutes on EAN50.
Experience dives will focus on selecting the proper backgas, with equal emphasis on profiles where 100% O2 is the appropriate decompression gas and where Nitrox 50% is the appropriate logistical decompression gas.
We will "dry run" all skills. Dry runs allow the student to practice the skills on land under the watchful eye of the instructor(s), allowing them to practice and discuss the skill prior to performing them underwater.
Upon successful completion of Tech 1, the diver is fully qualified to conduct technical dives to 160' using standard helium gases of 25/25, 21/35, or 18/45 with a single decompression of Nitrox 50% or 100% oxygen, with the option of a bottom stage (if endorsed).
This class is designed to provide a working knowledge of Nitrox/Helitrox, oxygen decompression including an understanding of the history and practice of decompression, physics, physiology, tables, minimum deco (within N.D.L.), ratio deco on the fly and other operational considerations including technical gas planning and management (minimum gas, or "Rock Bottom") and contingency procedures.
Our diving days end with video review of the day's dives. All FKD classes are video'd for educational and review purposes only. We believe it is invaluable for students to visually focus on their individual in-water skills, situational awareness, communication and team diving. Learning to self evaluate is an important aspect of the class.
Our focus is the complete dedication to your diving skills, knowledge & in water practice.
All UTD / FKD classes are video'd for educational and review purposes only. We believe it is invaluable for students to visually focus on their individual in-water skills, situational awareness, communication and team diving. Learning to self evaluate is an important aspect of the class.
* We do have equipment available for use. If you have any questions on equipment requirements please contact us prior to registering