In 2000 DSAT (Diver Science and Technology) introduced the TecRec series for deep, open circuit tec diving.  The Tec Diver course consists of three sub courses:  Tec40, Tec45 and Tec50.  The number in each course corresponds with the maximum depth divers are qualified to dive in with each level.

 

Tec 40: This is the first step to entry level technical diving rating you to 40 metres including decompression and higher gas mixes.

 

Tec 45: The next step rating you to 45 metres

 

Tec 50: Qualifies you to dive to 50 metres with full decompression and up to 100% O2 useage.  Also allows you to progress onto trimix and extended range diving.

Tec40:  This course is for those interested in trying limited decompression diving as well as those wishing to progress further.  All decompression is based on desktop decompression programmes (pre dive planning) and dive computers (during the dive).

 

Tec45:  This is the next step for continuing Tec diver training, and you'll learn skills intended for Tec50 and beyond.  You'll learn to calcualte dive plans 'by hand', but the emphasis is on using multi gas dive computers coupled with decompression software.

 

Tec50:  This carries through the training started in Tec45 and emphasises dealing with the complexities of two-gas decompression diving.

Tec40:  three no-stop dives and one decompression dive

 

Tec45: three no-stop dives and one decompression dive

 

Tec50: two no-stop dives and two decompression dives

Tec40:  Standard technical rig (backmount or side-mount) or semitec rig  (modified recreational equipment with redundant gas supply, long hose etc).

Gases: Air up to EANx50

Limits:  40 metres, 10 minutes total decompression and no accelerated decompression.

 

Tec45:  Standard technical rig with twin cylinders plus a single stage / deco cylinder.

Gases: Air, EANx and Oxygen

Limits: 45 metres.  Accelerated decompression is permitted with a single decompression gas.

 

Tec50:  Standard technical rig with twin cylinders plus two stage / deco cylinder.

Gases:  Air, EANx or Oxygen

Limits:  50 metres.  Accelerated decompression is permitted with two decompression gases.

For all technical diver courses you must be over 18 years of age and hold an enriched air certification and PADI Deep Speciality or equivalent plus:

 

Tek40: minimum 30 dives, 6 dives on nitrox and 12 dives below 30 metres.

Tek45: minimum 50 dives, 12 on nitrox and 20 dives below 30 metres

Tek50: be Rescue Diver or equivalent, 100 dives, 20 dives on nitrox and 30 dives below 30 metres.

Tek 40 and 45 = 5 days

Tek 50 = 3 days

PADI certification fee