Technical diving is a discipline that utilizes special methods, equipment, training, and skills to improve underwater safety and performance, enabling divers to explore a wide range of underwater environments and perform tasks beyond the scope of (traditional) recreational diving.  Technical diving typically involves "extended range" exposures outside the recreational envelope (no-stop dives in the 0 to 130fsw / 0 to 39 msw range) and is often conducted in the "overhead environment" of a cave, wreck, or decompression ceiling where the diver cannot freely ascend to the surface.

The term "technical diving" encompasses a variety of advanced level diving including ice diving, wreck deep penetrations, overhead environment and/or mixed gas diving. Because this diving involves deeper depths in more difficult environments, it requires extensive training.  The goal of "Technical Diving" is not just to go somewhere but to come back safely.  Technical diving programs are for those individuals either already involved in deep diving activities, or for those divers who would like to explore deeper depths.  Therefore,  these courses are not designed to be used as an enticement to divers who are content to remain in normal recreational or Nitrox diving limits.

 While curiosity may be the fuel of your journey, and exploration the goal, without proper training and the refinement of skills, one is asking for a recipe to disaster.  The diver must develop and maintain consistency in gear routine.   "Consistency" are  techniques and configurations use in diving. The biggest mistakes occur when divers are inconsistent in the process and in the order of following procedures during their dive.  "Inconsistency" is the root cause of many injuries and deaths of veteran divers. 

With today's technical divers using different gases such as nitrox, heliox, trimix, as well as rebreathers, and DPV's attain their goals, technical courses provide the vehicle to diving deep by training the student to perform safely with a clear head. 

Students benefit from taking courses with instructors who have extensive technical diving experience.  This experience has a direct impact on the quality of training that can be provided to students.  With this in mind, it is essential to research the background of your instructor. Visit my "Welcome" page for more insight.

It is very important to gradually progress into technical diving by giving yourself time to practice underwater skills in order to gain competence so that one may proceed to the next level of choice safely. Exceeding one's level,  and comfort zone is another sure recipe fordisaster. 

 Evolve the smart way!  Keep an open mind to learning and improving.  Critique your self, and encourage others to critique your performance so that it will generate enthusiasm and the desire to do more diving safely. Continue to upgrade your education and improve your level of performance in order to remain safe and self-sufficient. This can't be stress enough.