TEC DIVING

Technical diving, often referred to as TEC diving, is a form of scuba diving that goes beyond the limits of recreational diving. Technical divers use specialized equipment and techniques to explore underwater environments that are more challenging and require advanced skills. Here are some key aspects of technical diving:

Deeper Depths:

Technical divers often go deeper than recreational divers, reaching depths beyond the typical recreational limit of 40 meters (130 feet). Some technical dives can extend to depths of 60 meters (200 feet) or more.

Extended Bottom Times:

Technical divers may stay underwater for longer periods than recreational divers. They use mixed gases, such as nitrox or trimix, to extend their bottom times and reduce the risk of decompression sickness.

Specialized Equipment:

Technical divers use specialized equipment to handle the challenges of deeper and longer dives. This may include multiple gas cylinders, different gas mixes, redundant systems (such as two regulators), and advanced dive computers.

Advanced Training:

Technical diving requires additional training beyond basic scuba certification. Divers typically undergo specialized courses that cover topics such as decompression theory, gas management, equipment configuration, and emergency procedures.

Gas Mixtures:

Technical divers often use gas mixtures other than regular compressed air. Nitrox, which is enriched air with a higher oxygen content, and trimix, a blend of oxygen, helium, and nitrogen, are common choices. These gas mixtures help manage the risks associated with deep diving.

Decompression Diving:

Decompression stops are an integral part of technical diving. These stops allow the body to off-gas safely and reduce the risk of decompression sickness. Technical divers plan and execute decompression stops based on dive tables, dive computers, or decompression software.

Wreck and Cave Diving:

Technical diving often involves exploring underwater wrecks and cave systems. These environments pose additional challenges, such as confined spaces, limited visibility, and potential entanglement hazards.

Risk Management:

Due to the increased complexities and risks associated with technical diving, careful planning and risk management are essential. Divers need to be proficient in emergency procedures and have the ability to handle unforeseen situations.

It's important to note that technical diving is not for everyone and individuals interested in pursuing it should have a solid foundation in recreational diving, undergo proper training, and gain experience gradually. Additionally, adherence to safety protocols and standards is crucial in technical diving to minimize the inherent risks associated with exploring challenging underwater environments.