Certifications & Diving Types
Technical Diving — What It Is and Why It Matters
Technical diving (tec diving) is diving that exceeds recreational limits — deeper than 40 meters, requiring decompression stops, using multiple gas mixes, or involving overhead environments (wrecks, caves) where direct access to the surface is not available. Technical divers carry redundant equipment, plan for gas management and decompression obligations, and undergo extensive training beyond recreational certifications.
Technical diving requires specialized dive computers that support multi-gas tracking, gradient factor adjustment, and extended decompression planning. Popular technical dive computers include the Shearwater Perdix 2 and Petrel 3, Garmin Descent Mk3i, and various open-source platforms. Technical training is offered by agencies like TDI, IANTD, GUE, and PADI TecRec.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I consider technical diving?
If you are drawn to deep wrecks, caves, or sites beyond 40 meters, and you are comfortable with additional training, equipment investment, and risk management. Most tec divers have 200+ logged dives and Rescue Diver or Divemaster certification before beginning technical training.
How much does technical diving cost?
Significantly more than recreational diving. Technical dive computers, redundant regulators, twinsets or sidemount systems, decompression gases, stage bottles, reels, and training courses represent a substantial investment — often several thousand dollars in equipment alone before course fees.
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