TDI Decompression Procedure
The TDI Decompression Procedures course at Dive Subculture Technical is designed for divers who wish to expand their technical diving skills by mastering decompression techniques. This course focuses on the principles of safe decompression diving, enabling divers to plan and execute dives that exceed no-decompression limits. You will learn how to utilize various gas mixes, manage multiple cylinders, and apply advanced dive planning strategies to minimize the risk of decompression sickness.
Throughout the course, you’ll engage in both theoretical instruction and practical training, including confined water exercises and open water dives. Participants will gain critical knowledge about dive tables, computer-assisted planning, and the physiological effects of pressure and gas exposure. You will also develop skills in emergency management and handling potential complications associated with decompression diving.
Ideal for divers with prior technical training, this course prepares you for more complex dive environments, enhancing your ability to explore deeper wrecks, caves, and other challenging sites. By completing the TDI Decompression Procedures course, you will be well-equipped to continue your journey into advanced technical diving and safely tackle more ambitious underwater adventures.
TDI Decompression Procedure FAQs
– The Certified Advanced Diver looking to expand their knowledge of decompression theory and diving techniques
– The Certified Advanced Diver who is interested in extending their bottom time
– The Certified Advanced Diver who has interest in moving forward with technical diving education
– Minimum age 18
– Minimum certification of SDI Advanced Adventure Diver, Advanced Diver, or equivalent
– Proof of 25 logged open water dives
- Decompression dive planning including:
(a) Decompression gas choices
(b) Tables vs. personal dive computers
(c) Emergency and contingency planning (equipment failure, omitted decompression, etc.)
2. Decompression diving procedures
(a) Equipment selection
(b) Pre-dive checks and drills
(c) Stress analysis and mitigation
(d) Following a decompression schedule
(d) Gas switching
(e) Team awareness and communication
(f) SMB/lift bag deployment
3. Proper trim, buoyancy and finning techniques
4. Emergency procedures (equipment failures, catastrophic gas loss, omitted decompression, navigational errors, etc.)
5. Equipment considerations, cylinder labeling, analyzing nitrox mixtures, and gas blending procedures
– Ability to conduct decompression diving activities without direct supervision provided:
(a) The diving activities approximate those of training
(b) The areas of activities approximate those of training
(c) Environmental conditions approximate those of training
– Ability to enroll in TDI Advanced Nitrox, TDI Extended Range, TDI Advanced Wreck, TDI Trimix courses
- Satisfactorily complete the TDI Decompression Procedures course written examination
- Complete all open water requirements safely and efficiently
- Demonstrate mature, sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution
Course Duration - 3 - 4 Days
Academics 1 Day
Pool Session 1 Day
Open Water 4 Dives
Course Structure
Physics:
- Review fundamental concepts of pressure in diving.
Physiology:
- Learn the mechanics of bubble formation and the benefits of hyperoxic mixes for decompression.
- Study nitrogen absorption and elimination, as well as carbon dioxide toxicity.
- Understand ascent and descent rates, hyperthermia, hypothermia, and psychological aspects including task loading, stress, panic, time management, and equipment handling.
Decompression Options:
- Explore the use of air, nitrox, and oxygen for decompression.
Equipment Considerations:
- Evaluate options for twin or single cylinders, valves, stage cylinders, regulators, harnesses/BCD, dive computers, depth gauges, and ascent/navigation reels.
- Learn about lift bags and surface marker buoys for drifting or free decompression, as well as proper weighting and buoyancy control.
Dive Tables vs. Computers:
- Review various dive models (Bühlmann, DCIEM, US Navy) and the proper use of electronic multi-level dive computers for planning and decompression.
Dive Planning:
- Cover standard operational planning including gas, oxygen, and nitrogen limitations.
- Discuss emergency planning for omitted decompression, decompression sickness, and equipment failure.
Procedures:
- Understand the use of primary and decompression gases during normal operations and emergencies, including analysis and logging.
- Learn rigging and deployment of decompression equipment, descent methods, ascent rates, and various decompression methods (fixed or drifting).
- Explore support strategies from shore, descent lines, fixed platforms, or live-aboard boats.
Land Drills:
- Skills Review: Complete a review of skills from previous TDI requirements during open water dives.
Land Drills:
- Equipment Preparation: Select and prepare equipment suitable for a soft overhead environment.
- Team Drills: Conduct team-oriented buddy checks for:
- Lift bag deployment.
- Gas switching procedures.
- Gas Matching: Perform gas matching within the buddy team.
- Hand Signals: Demonstrate familiarity with basic hand signals.
- Pre-Dive Planning: Conduct adequate pre-dive planning, focusing on:
- Limits based on personal and team gas consumption.
Pre-Dive Drills:
- S.T.A.R.T. Procedure: Implement the S.T.A.R.T. checklist before every dive, which includes:
- S: S-drill (Out of Air drill and Bubble Check)
- T: Team checks (buddy equipment checks)
- A: Air matching (gas matching)
- R: Route planning (entry/exit and underwater path)
- T: Tables (depth, duration, waypoints, and schedule)
- Stress Management:
Perform stress analysis and mitigation strategies.
This summary captures the essential skills and procedures students must master for effective diving preparation and teamwork.
- Buoyancy Control: Demonstrate the ability to hover at a fixed position in the water column without using hands or feet.
- Team Awareness: Show effective communication and awareness of buddy and team members through proximity and teamwork.
- Surface and Depth Comfort: Swim comfortably on the surface and at depth while carrying a single decompression stage cylinder.
- Cylinder Handling: Drop and retrieve a single decompression cylinder while maintaining position in the water column.
- Lift Bag Deployment: Successfully deploy a lift bag both solo and as part of a team.
- Controlled Ascent: Perform a controlled ascent on a lift bag or emergency ascent line when the ascent line is lost.
- Mask Skills: Remove and replace the mask, including deploying a backup mask.
- Gas Hemorrhage Reaction: Appropriately react to gas hemorrhage from the manifold, first stage, SPG, or primary regulator.
9.BCD Malfunction Response: Respond to a BCD inflator malfunction by disconnecting the low-pressure hose, dumping gas, and orally inflating the BCD or wing to achieve neutral buoyancy.
Equipments Required (All Technical Courses)
- Primary and Secondary Regulators (Depends on Configuration)
- Technical Back-mount BCD (Wing & Bladder) or a Technical Sidemount Harness
- Primary Mask + Back Up Mask
- Wet Notes and/or Slates
- One Lift Bag and/or SMB
- Dive Computer and Timing Device/or Backup Computer
- Decompression Regulator(s)
- Reels and Spools
- Compass
- Torch and Back Up Torches
- Exposure Protection 3mm/5mm or Dry Suit
Downloads
Please sign them and send them back to via email
