Technical diving

Technical diving (often referred to as Tec diving) is a form of Scuba diving that exceeds the scope of recreational diving. Technical divers require advanced training, extensive experience, specialized equipment, and often breathe gas mixes other than air or standard nitrox. The activities may include deep diving, cave diving, wreck diving, and ice diving. These environments pose more hazards and greater risks, necessitating higher levels of expertise and safety measures.

Overview

Technical diving is diving beyond the recreational diving limits, diving deeper than 40 meters (130 feet), requiring staged decompression, diving in an overhead environment beyond 40 linear meters of the surface, and/or diving with accelerated decompression and/or the use of variable gas mixtures during the dive. Unlike recreational diving, which is primarily for enjoyment, technical diving often involves exploring environments that are out of reach for the majority of divers, such as deep reefs, shipwrecks, and caves.

Training and Certification

Technical diving requires specialized training to deal with the additional hazards encountered. Training courses are offered by several agencies, including Technical Diving International (TDI), Global Underwater Explorers (GUE), and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) through their TecRec program. These courses cover topics such as advanced buoyancy control, gas management, emergency procedures, equipment configuration, and decompression theory.

Equipment

Technical diving equipment often includes multiple gas sources, including air, Nitrox, and Trimix (a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, and helium) to allow for extended depth and bottom time. Divers may use a dive computer or dive tables for decompression planning. Other equipment includes redundant buoyancy control devices, multiple regulators, and often a rebreather to recycle the gas and extend underwater time.

Types of Technical Diving

• Deep Diving: Diving beyond the recreational limits of 40 meters (130 feet).
• Cave Diving: Exploration of underwater caves, requiring navigation skills and the ability to manage a guideline.
• Wreck Diving: Penetration of sunken vessels, which can involve navigating tight spaces and managing potential entanglements.
• Ice Diving: Diving under ice, which requires special procedures for entry, exit, and emergency scenarios.

Safety

Technical diving carries inherent risks, including decompression sickness, nitrogen narcosis, oxygen toxicity, and gas embolism. Divers must meticulously plan their dives, manage gas supplies, and be prepared for emergencies. The use of a buddy system and carrying redundant equipment is standard practice.

Environmental Considerations

Technical divers often explore sensitive underwater environments. Adhering to conservation principles, such as minimizing contact with marine life and preserving historical sites, is paramount.

Conclusion

Technical diving opens up new realms for exploration beneath the sea, allowing divers to visit places few have seen. However, it requires a significant commitment to training, equipment, and planning to ensure safety and protect underwater environments.