Decompression Diver

Please note that this document supplements but does not replace the advanced nitrox and decompression procedures course outlines published by TDI and which should have been distributed with this document.

Course Goals
This course is the first truly technical program in the line-up of TDI courses. Graduates should be proficient divers capable of planning and executing simple staged decompression dives using nitrox and oxygen to accelerate decompression obligation.

In order to graduate, candidates should be confident, divers who understand the basic principles and practices of staged decompression diving, and who are able to demonstrate proficiency and comfort while diving in a wide range of conditions – such as current and variable visibility.  Graduates should also have a firm, realistic grasp of their personal limits – body and mind -- and the breadth of their comfort zone.

Course Scope
This course consists of four phases or components: Classroom sessions, Fieldwork, Skills building and assessment dives, Working or Graduation dives.

While it is quite easy to predict the length of the classroom sessions (approximately 12 hours) and the Fieldwork (approximately 4 hours), I can only say that you will need at least two skills and six working dives to finish the course. As such, this course will take at least five to six full days to complete.

Candidate Requisites
TDI's minimum standards for Advanced Nitrox and Decompression Procedures include certification in nitrox and advanced adventure or advanced diver development, minimum of 18 years old, with at least 25 logged dives.

That said, these are minimum prerequisites and few students meeting only these will have a good time with this course. My suggestions are 75 logged dives in the conditions in which the course is to be conducted (e.g. Great Lakes, Eastern US Seaboard, Florida Coast, St. Lawrence River, Florida Springs, Caribbean). At least 20 dives wearing the gear you will be using on the course. Possess a fundamental grasp of the basic skills of trim, buoyancy and using a reel or spool and liftbag. Be able to perform basic surface rescue swims and procedures.

Candidates should also be in a position to supply their personal equipment as outlined in Suggested Equipment Checklist

Course Modules (Classroom)
Introductions, paperwork and course review
Textbook Review and Handout of Supplementary Materials (CD etc.)
Accident Analysis
The Six Basic Skills™ (Breathing, Awareness, Emotion, Buoyancy, Trim, Movement, Awareness)
Dive Planning
Gas Management
Equipment Selection
Equipment Failures and Failure Management
Dive Schedules (decompression planning)
Decompression Contingency Planning
DCS and EMS
Procedures before, during and after diving
General Review
Preparing for Open water sessions

Course Modules (Fieldwork)
Working with bags, reels, line and knots
Gas mixing (Ideal vs Practical) and tank preparation
Equipment selection and “editing”
Swimming techniques
Drills and muscle memory
Video Review and discussion

Typical Course Modules (In-Water Sessions)
*Dive One -- Skills in a controlled environment such as a shallow quarry <60 ft
*Dive Two – Contingency Skills in a controlled environment such as a shallow quarry <60 ft
*Dive Three – Bailout and Associated Skills in a controlled environment <100ft
**Dive Four – Simulated decompression dive to <100 ft. (Nitrox used to extend bottom time and / or shorten surface interval)
**Dive Five – Required Decompression dive to <120 feet with decompression between 10 and 15 minutes (Deco 100% O2)
Dive Six -- Decompression dive to <120 feet with decompression time of more than 20 minutes (Deco 100%)
Dive Seven -- Decompression Dive to <140 feet (Deco 50% O2 or 100% O2) with drifting deco (live boating)
Dive Eight – Optional decompression dive to >90 feet Student’s Choice (usually required)

*These dives may be conducted in one day
** These dives may be conducted the same day

Course Cost
Refer to price list for cost. Cost includes instruction, textbook CD and registration fees and cards. Price based on a minimum of two students and a maximum of four. Gases and charter fees, applicable taxes and rentals not included. Fifty percent deposit is required to book course date and balance must be paid in full at beginning of classroom session.