Technical instruction
These courses expand planning, in-water skill, and gear beyond recreational limits. Class sizes stay small. Offered on demand. Heather Armstrong runs cave and tech through Dark Side Diving; the shop can put you in that conversation.
130′
Advanced Nitrox MOD
150′
Deco / Helitrox MOD
200′
Trimix MOD
01
Intro to Tech
Improves dive planning, in-water skills, and gear configuration in a controlled environment. For Open Water divers who want more, divers considering tech, or certified tech divers who want a refresher.
- Minimum age 18, or 15 with a parent
- Open Water certification
- 25 logged dives
- Planning, buoyancy, gas management, trim, gear configuration
02
Advanced Nitrox
EAN 21 through 100% within your current certification, to 130′, on dives that do not require staged decompression. Often taught with Decompression Procedures. Required for SCR or CCR divers.
- Minimum age 18, or 15 with a parent
- Nitrox certification, 25 logged dives
- Physics and physiology above 40% oxygen
- Analyzing, labeling, blending, oxygen-service ratings
03
Decompression procedures
First step past sport-diving NDLs. Planned staged decompression to a maximum operating depth of 150′. Combined with Advanced Nitrox, this is the foundation for the rest of tech.
- Minimum age 18
- Advanced Open Water, 25 logged dives
- Gas switching, SMB / lift bag, omitted deco
- Emergency and contingency planning
Helitrox
Staged decompression to 150′ using helium to cut inert-gas narcosis. Mixes with no more than 20% helium, and up to 100% oxygen for deco.
- Minimum age 18
- Advanced with Deep, or Intro to Tech
- Advanced Nitrox (unless taught concurrently)
- 50 logged dives
- HPNS, counter diffusion, helium as a breathing gas
Trimix
Deeper wrecks and caves with less narcosis. Plan and run dives using as little as 18% oxygen to a maximum of 200′, with a helium blend appropriate for the depth.
- Minimum age 18
- Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures
- 100 logged dives
- END planning, CNS / OTU limits, multiple stage cylinders
Advanced wreck
Penetration after Wreck or Cavern. Locating and planning an advanced penetration dive. Often taught with Advanced Nitrox, Deco, or Trimix.
- Minimum age 18
- Advanced certification or equivalent
- Wreck or Cavern certification
- 50 logged dives
- Dual outlets or isolator, redundant lights, reels, stage cylinders
Also available on demand
Gas blending, oxygen cleaning and equipment preparation, cavern, cave I / II / III, extended range, rebreathers, full face masks, and dry suit. Ask which instructor is running the course you want.