Typical Schedule for Techdiver Training TDI Trimix Program
Please Note: this schedule is intended as a guideline and is based on a typical Trimix Program run in the Thousand Islands region during summer months. Courses run in other Great Lakes areas, Florida, Caribbean and so on will take on a different character. Other assumptions include three candidates striving to earn certification (three is the best sized tech team at this level), and familiarity with decompression diving, equipment suggested for this level of diving (OC Sidemount or Traditional North Florida Cave Rig), and better than basic fluidity with the six skills* (Buoyancy, Trim, Position, Breathing, Situational Awareness, and Emotional Control).
Classroom Modules
(DAY ONE)
We will spend at least one whole day (10 hours) in the classroom reviewing academics material associated with trimix diving. This will include the topics briefly covered in the TDI student manual but will be focused on several important areas either not mentioned in that text or only superficially covered. Students will need a notebook and pen plus a calculator, plus the TDI student workbook/knowledge review completed.
At a separate time, students will be asked to complete a written exam. This includes the one required by TDI but also tests comprehension of materials supplied and discussed in the classroom setting.
Field Work
(DAY TWO)
Dry-land drills and equipment workshop: This will include gear checks and configuration plus working with lines, reels, DSMBs, etc to prep for Skills Dives and Demonstrations. This session will take about a half-day and may be spread over several sessions.
In-water Dive Modules
Skills Dives and Demonstrations
(DAY TWO)
These sessions are required of ALL students regardless of their experience and formal training (even those who have experience with techdiverTraining’s methods and protocols.) Students will be kitted out fully. These dives will be conducted in shallow water (less than 18 metres) from shore, and EAN30 is suggested for backgas. Two decompression cylinders are required; one filled with EAN50 and one with either 100 percent oxygen or a 85/15 heliox.
• Dive One (this may actually become several short-duration dives) -- Skills covered will include: weighting check, buoyancy, trim, fining techniques, gas sharing, buddy breathing, liftbag (DSMB) deployment, no-mask or blackout mask liftbag deployment, OOA horizontal swim, diver recovery, surface swim,
• Dive Two – Simulated contingency, Bailout and Staged Decompression Skills in shallow water
Debrief and back to “classroom” to review video
Working Dives
(DAY THREE)
Morning (time to be determined): Fixed dive from boat
• Dive Three – Light Trimix Decompression dive to approximately 30 m / 100 feet with ascent time approximately equal to bottom time. Students will carry two stage bottles but profile will require only one decompression gas.
Dive Debrief and Lunch
Afternoon: Drift dive from boat
• Dive Four – Light Trimix Decompression dive to 40 m / 150 feet with ascent time equal to or in excess of bottom time.
Students will carry two stage bottles but profile will require only one decompression gas
Debrief and Kit Breakdown.
(DAY FOUR)
Morning: Full Trimix Dive from boat
• Dive Five – decompression dive to about 55 m / 180 feet with drifting deco (live boating) and two decompression gases required in plan
Debrief and Lunch
Afternoon: Classroom and Exam
(evening dive when necessary)
Swimming dive from shore
• Dive Five B – Touring dive using light trimix and stage bottle of bottom mix plus one decompression gas. SKILLS REVIEW!
(DAY FIVE)
• Dive Six and Dive Six take two – Bailout from Full Decompression dive planned to 60 metres / 200 feet. Dive to 55 m parameters determined by Dive Six…
(DAY SIX)
• Dive Seven – Full Decompression dive to 60 metres / 200 feet determined by students’ plan
Course Debrief; individual skills and progress assessment; Graduation.