Become a Technical Diver: [PADI Divemaster + Nitrox + DSAT Tec Deep Diver]

 

COURSE DURATION: 12 WEEKS

COURSE LOCATION: KOH TAO

WHY: You will reach the ultimate level in recreational diving and have the thrill of your life discovering sunken treasures.

 

Technical SCUBA diving is diving other than conventional commercial or research diving that takes divers beyond recreational diving limits.

It is further defined as and includes one or more of the following: diving beyond 40 metres/130ft, required stage decompression, diving in an overhead environment (wreck/cave/cavern) beyond 40 linear metres/130 ft of the surface, accelerated decompression and/or the use of variable gas mixtures during the dive.

Technical SCUBA divining uses extensive methodologies, technologies and training to manage the added risk. Typically this means using complex equipment in situations where direct access to the surface is inaccessible due to a ceiling imposed by decompression, or other physical barrier such as that found in a cave or wreck diving environment.

It calls for comparatively complex and extensive training requirements, with physical and mental characteristic demands that limit technical diving to a narrower population.

So…do you think you’re up to the challenge? Xtreme Gap have partnered with one of Thailand’s leading Technical Diving organizations to instruct you how to execute technical dives safely. Qualifications in Technical Diving can lead to a very lucrative career in marine/maritime archeology, research and preservation.

If you are interested in becoming a Technical Diver however, currently have no diving experience, you will first need to enroll in our Divemaster Option. On completion you will then be automatically be upgraded.

The Wreck Hunter Programme will first take you through a full PADI Divemaster Internship. During your DM Internship you will also be trained up as a PADI Specialty Divers in both Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diving and Deep Diving.

Once certified as a PADI Divemaster and having accumulated the required number of dives, you will then be eligible to begin your DSAT Tec Deep Diver training. The DSAT Tec Deep Diver course lasts 10 days, culminating in a 3 day technical dive expedition aboard the shipwreck research vessel the M.V. Trident.

The DSAT Tec Deep Diver Course Covers: Technical risks and responsibilities, technical equipment rigging, gas planning, technical pre-dive checks, team diving, specific tech diving hand signals, gas shut down drills, gas switching, long hose gas sharing, lift bag deployment, removal and replacement of deco cylinders, executing decompression stops, equipment and gas failure procedures, handling technical diver emergencies and rescue drills, oxygen management and learning how to plan dives on a computer using decompression software. Pre-study of the DSAT Tec Deep Training Manual is essential (manual can be posted at time of booking).

The DSAT Tec Deep Diver Course itself takes 10 days. Your 3 month internship is designed to surround the course, initially preparing you for it, then fine tuning you once you become certified. This involves assisting the instructors and helping with teaching operations. Every Wednesday you will have the opportunity to be involved with a wreck dive trip. You will be taught how to read maps, operate Ultrasound Scanners looking for new wrecks, how to maintain technical dive equipment and be mentored to become a first class Technical Dive Leader.

During your internship you will be introduced to almost all aspects of the technical diving industry. Should a certain area inspire you to want to learn more, you will be given the opportunity to gain additional certifications in subjects such as Nitrox Blending, Trimix Blending, Equipment Servicing, Rebreather Diving and Trimix Diving (please note these courses are not included in Wreck Hunter Package price).

Already a qualified diver interested in tech training?

Before you start this course you need to have to following prerequisites:

Open Water Diver, Advanced  Open Water and Rescue Diver + 20 dives on Nitrox

However, if you decide to do this course as an add on to your Divemaster course, it will be much cheaper and quicker….. Contact us for details.

 

The total course duration will be 12 weeks and includes the following:

▪ 12 Weeks Accommodation at a PADI 5 Star Dive Resort

▪ Comprehensive Travel Insurance including dive cover

▪ Full PADI Divemaster Programme

▪ PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver Specialty

▪ PADI Deep Diver Specialty

▪ DSAT Tec Deep Diver (Levels I & II)

▪ Discount on all equipment purchases [pre-order service available so your gear is ready here waiting for you].

▪ Includes Divemaster Pack [for you to keep] – Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving, Divemaster Manual, Divemaster Slates, Diving Knowledge Workbook, RDP Wheel and more.

▪ Includes all PADI/DSAT training manuals for each course.

▪ Full recreational and technical equipment hire: Regulators, BCD, Wing, Back Plate + Comfort Harness, Reels, Lift Bags, Weights, Tanks, Wet suit, Gloves, Cutting Equipment, Torch, Mask and Fins

▪ All boat and certification fees [please note there is a direct payment required to join PADI for Divemaster membership which is not included].

▪ Unlimited diving [minimum of 100+ dives will be achieved by certification].

▪ Opportunity for weekly local wreck diving

▪ Exploratory technical liveaboard to deep wrecks with shipwreck research vessel M.V. Trident

▪ Unlimited pool access

▪ All gas fills including Nitrox

▪ Dedicated PADI/DSAT Instructor / Mentor

▪ Specialist Dive Insurance

▪ Access to library of dive books journals, magazines and articles.

▪ Seminars & workshops with guest technical divers, shipwreck & cave diving enthusiasts.

▪ Free internet access

▪ Snacks, fresh fruit, tea, coffee and water on every dive

▪ Travel advice prior to departure

▪ We will supply a letter to you to get an extended Visa for 3 months – negating the need to do an expensive and irritating “Visa Run”

▪ Hotel in Bangkok on the night before leaving for Paradise

▪ Transfer from Bangkok to Koh Tao

▪ ‘In Country Representative’ to meet you off the boat

▪ Welcome Gift: Dry bag, T-shirt, Thai SIM card for mobile phone and more...

▪ Island introduction and dinner party on arrival

Organized monthly night out for Xtreme Gappers

 

What is not included in the price:

▪ Flight tickets to and from Bangkok

▪ Food and drinks in Bangkok

▪ Evening meals and drinks during the whole course

▪ Costs for Visa’s