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:

1. Skills Review: Complete a review of skills from previous TDI requirements during open water dives.

Land Drills:

1. Equipment Preparation: Select and prepare equipment suitable for a soft overhead environment.
   
   
2. Team Drills: Conduct team-oriented buddy checks for:
   • Lift bag deployment.
   • Gas switching procedures.
     
     
3. Gas Matching: Perform gas matching within the buddy team.
   
   
4. Hand Signals: Demonstrate familiarity with basic hand signals.
   
   
5. Pre-Dive Planning: Conduct adequate pre-dive planning, focusing on:
   
   • Limits based on personal and team gas consumption.

Pre-Dive Drills:

1. 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)
2. 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.

1. Buoyancy Control: Demonstrate the ability to hover at a fixed position in the water column without using hands or feet.
   
   
2. Team Awareness: Show effective communication and awareness of buddy and team members through proximity and teamwork.
   
   
3. Surface and Depth Comfort: Swim comfortably on the surface and at depth while carrying a single decompression stage cylinder.
   
   
4. Cylinder Handling: Drop and retrieve a single decompression cylinder while maintaining position in the water column.
   
   
5. Lift Bag Deployment: Successfully deploy a lift bag both solo and as part of a team.
   
   
6. Controlled Ascent: Perform a controlled ascent on a lift bag or emergency ascent line when the ascent line is lost.
   
   
7. Mask Skills: Remove and replace the mask, including deploying a backup mask.
   
   
8. 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.