TDI Extended Range
The TDI Extended Range course at Dive Subculture Technical is designed for divers looking to push their depth limits while staying within the boundaries of traditional air diving. This course allows you to extend your depth range up to 55 meters (180 feet) using air as a breathing gas, and it focuses on the skills and techniques necessary to safely manage these deeper dives.
During the course, you’ll learn about advanced gas planning, decompression strategies, and the proper use of multiple cylinders to manage your gas supply. You will gain the knowledge to calculate extended bottom times, prepare for staged decompression stops, and handle potential problems that can arise in deep diving environments. The course includes both classroom theory and practical training, with dives that progressively increase in depth to ensure you are comfortable with the skills at each stage.
This course is ideal for experienced technical divers who wish to explore deeper wrecks, reefs, and other underwater sites while still using air as the primary breathing gas. By completing the TDI Extended Range course, you’ll be equipped with the skills and confidence to plan and execute dives to greater depths, opening up new possibilities for exploration in more challenging and adventurous environments.
The TDI Extended Range course also emphasizes critical safety protocols and emergency management techniques essential for deep diving. You will learn how to handle potential in-water emergencies, including out-of-gas situations and equipment failures. Additionally, the course will cover the physiological effects of deep diving, including nitrogen narcosis and its impact on cognitive functions. Understanding these concepts will empower you to make informed decisions underwater and enhance your ability to respond effectively to unforeseen challenges.
Furthermore, this course is structured to foster a strong sense of team dynamics and effective communication among divers. You will practice essential skills such as buddy checks, dive briefings, and contingency planning to ensure safety and preparedness for every dive. The experience gained through collaborative exercises and simulated scenarios will not only enhance your confidence but also prepare you for the responsibilities that come with deeper diving. By the end of the TDI Extended Range course, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the depths with the knowledge and skills needed for safe and exhilarating underwater adventures.
TDI Extended Range FAQs
- The certified TDI Advanced Nitrox/Decompression Procedures diver looking for the next step in technical dive training. Whether you’re looking to expand upon your skills, experience, or just go a little deeper to see an area of interest, this course is for you!
- Minimum age 18
- Certified as a TDI Advanced Nitrox Diver and TDI Decompression Procedures Diver, or equivalent
- Proof of a minimum of 100 logged dives, of which 25 must be deeper than 30 metres/100 feet
The TDI Extended Range Diver Course takes an in-depth look at all of the following and more:
- History of deep air diving
- Physics
- Pressure review
- Formulas for solving dive planning problems, maximum operating depth (MOD), best mix, and more
- Physiology
- Hypoxia
- Oxygen toxicity
- Nitrogen narcosis
- Nitrogen absorption and elimination
- Carbon dioxide toxicity
- Carbon monoxide
- Hyperthermia
- Hypothermia
- Decompression Options
- Air
- Nitrox
- Oxygen
- Equipment considerations
- Dive tables
- Dive planning
- Operation planning
- Team planning
- Emergency planning
- Diving procedures
- Descent considerations
- Ascent considerations
- Technical dive support
- Navigation
Some of the required skills you will have to demonstrate include:
- Use START before every dive
- Stress analysis and mitigation
- Gas matching procedures
- Demonstrate buoyancy control; ability to hover at fixed position in water column without moving hands or feet
- Show good awareness of buddy and other team members through communications, proximity and team oriented dive practices
- Demonstrate competence managing 2 stage cylinders, either 2 deco gas or 1 deco and extra bottom gas, including drop and recovery while maintaining position in the water column
- Demonstrate ability to confirm gas switches at depth with buddy/team members
- Demonstrate lift bag deployment from depth and use of bag as back-up buoyancy device
- Demonstrate air-sharing ascent from depth while one member of buddy team is without mask, both as a donor and recipient
- Create contingency decompression schedule after simulated loss of decompression gas
- Remove and replace mask, deploy back up mask
- Demonstrate tired diver tow at depth and on surface; 30 metres/100 feet lateral
- Complete a horizontal breath-hold swim at depth for 15 metres/50 feet with mask off or blacked out
- Properly execute the planned dive within all pre-determined limits
- Demonstrate the proper procedures for switching and isolating a malfunctioning regulator, this skill is to be performed at a depth no deeper than 40 metres/130 feet
- Demonstrate the proper navigational techniques for the specific dive
- During 2 dives, demonstrate an ascent with ascent reel and lift bag and perform staged decompression
- During one of the dives, tow a simulated unconscious diver, while at depth, 9 metres/30 feet to ascent line and simulate an emergency rescue ascent technique
- The diving activities approximate those of training
- The areas of activities approximate those of training
- Environmental conditions approximate those of training
- Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are qualified to enroll in the TDI Advanced Wreck ,TDI Trimix, and TDI Advanced Trimix courses
- Satisfactorily complete the TDI Extended Range Course written examination with a passing score of 80%, followed by 100% remediation by the instructor
- Complete all open water requirements efficiently
- Demonstrate mature and 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
1. History of Deep Air Diving
Overview of the evolution of deep air diving techniques and practices.
2. Physics
a. Review of pressure concepts and their implications for diving.
b. Formulas for solving dive planning problems, including Maximum Operating Depth (MOD) and optimal gas mixes.
3. Physiology
a. Understanding hypoxia and its effects on divers.
b. Recognizing carbon dioxide toxicity (CO₂) and its impact on breathing.
c. Identifying the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure.
d. Managing hyperthermia and its symptoms.
e. Recognizing hypothermia and prevention strategies.
4. Decompression Options
a. Use of air as a primary gas.
b. Benefits and considerations of using Nitrox.
c. Oxygen utilization for decompression.
5. Equipment Considerations
a. Evaluating twin cylinder vs. single cylinder configurations.
b. Exploring stage cylinder options for extended range dives.
c. Choosing appropriate regulator options.
d. Understanding harness and BCD configurations.
e. Utilizing dive computers, depth gauges, and bottom timers.
f. Implementing ascent and navigation reels.
g. Deploying lift bags and surface marker buoys for drifting or free decompression.
h. Considering dive lights for visibility.
i. Using redundant masks and knives for safety.
j. Understanding the purpose of Jon-lines and Garvin clips.
6. Dive Tables
a. Introduction and review of various models, including Bühlmann, DCIEM, and U.S. Navy recommendations.
b. Overview of computer-generated dive tables.
7. Dive Planning
a. Operational Planning:
i. Support systems and resources.
ii. Team organization and roles.
b. Team Planning:
i. Gas requirements and calculations.
ii. Understanding oxygen limitations.
c. Oxygen Toxicity:
i. Whole body (OTUs) and central nervous system considerations.
d. Understanding nitrogen narcosis and its effects.
e. Managing nitrogen absorption and elimination.
f. Setting nitrogen limitations for dive safety.
g. Emergency Planning:
i. Procedures for omitted decompression.
ii. Managing oxygen toxicity situations.
iii. Recognizing and responding to decompression sickness.
iv. General emergency protocols.
8. Procedures
a. Managing bottom, travel, and decompression gases:
i. Standard operational procedures.
ii. Response to failure, loss, or inadequate emergency procedures.
iii. Dive analysis and logging.
b. Descent:
i. Methods of entry, using down lines, or free descent techniques.
ii. Recognizing symptoms of narcosis.
iii. Breathing techniques during descent.
iv. Organizing equipment carried by the diver.
c. Ascent:
i. Managing variable ascent rates.
ii. Maintaining trim and compensation during ascent.
iii. Support systems during ascent.
d. Navigation:
i. Navigating from shore.
ii. Using descent lines for navigation.
iii. Navigating from a live-aboard vessel.
1. Equipment Familiarization
Donning and doffing the extended range diving equipment, including twin cylinders and regulators.
Adjusting harness and BCD for optimal fit and comfort.
2. Buoyancy Control
Achieving and maintaining neutral buoyancy in the confined water environment.
Demonstrating controlled hovering at various depths without using hands or feet.
3. Trim and Positioning
Maintaining proper horizontal trim during various phases of the session.
Demonstrating trim adjustments while managing gear and positioning.
4. Gas Management
Demonstrating proper gas switching techniques between cylinders.
Monitoring and calculating remaining gas supply throughout the session.
5. Emergency Procedures
Practicing emergency ascent techniques and maintaining safety protocols.
Simulating out-of-gas situations and practicing gas-sharing exercises.
6. Descent Techniques
Executing controlled descents using various methods (down lines, free descent).
Managing buoyancy and trim during the descent phase.
7. Ascent Techniques
Performing controlled ascents with variable ascent rates.
Practicing safety stops and maintaining buoyancy during ascent.
8. Navigation Skills
Navigating using reference points and understanding situational awareness.
Practicing navigation from designated entry points in confined water.
9. Regulator Management
Demonstrating proficiency in managing multiple regulators and gas supplies.
Performing regulator recovery drills and identifying potential failures.
10. Lift Bag Deployment
Practicing the deployment of lift bags for ascent assistance and buoyancy control.
Demonstrating how to properly manage lift bags in the water.
11. Team Dynamics
Engaging in buddy checks and pre-dive briefings.
Practicing effective communication and teamwork during exercises.
12. Controlled Breathing Techniques
Practicing relaxed and controlled breathing to enhance buoyancy control.
Applying breathing techniques to manage stress and anxiety underwater.
13. Emergency Equipment Management
Familiarizing with redundant systems (e.g., secondary regulators, knives).
Practicing the use of additional safety equipment and tools.
14. Equipment Analysis and Logging
Learning to log dive data, including depth, duration, and gas usage.
Understanding the importance of equipment checks and maintenance.
1. Pre-Dive Equipment Checks
Conducting thorough pre-dive checks of all gear, including cylinders, regulators, and BCDs.
Ensuring proper gas supply and verifying that equipment is functioning correctly.
2. Descent Techniques
Executing controlled descents using various methods (e.g., down lines, free descent).
Demonstrating buoyancy control and maintaining trim during descent.
3. Buoyancy Control
Maintaining neutral buoyancy while moving through the water column.
Hovering at designated depths without using hands or feet.
4. Trim Management
Demonstrating proper trim throughout all phases of the dive, including descent, bottom, and ascent.
Making adjustments to trim in response to changes in gear or gas supply.
5. Gas Management and Switching
Performing gas switches between cylinders during the dive.
Monitoring gas consumption and calculating remaining gas supplies.
6. Emergency Procedures
Simulating out-of-gas scenarios and practicing gas-sharing techniques with a buddy.
Executing emergency ascents while maintaining buoyancy and trim.
7. Ascent Techniques
Performing controlled ascents with attention to ascent rates and safety stops.
Managing buoyancy and trim during the ascent phase.
8. Navigation Skills
Navigating to designated points using reference markers or natural features.
Practicing navigation techniques from the descent line or other entry points.
9. Regulator Management
Demonstrating proficiency in handling and managing multiple regulators.
Recovering from regulator failures and switching to backup systems.
10. Lift Bag Deployment
Practicing the deployment of lift bags for ascent assistance and emergency buoyancy.
Managing lift bags during ascent and ensuring proper buoyancy control.
11. Team Dynamics and Communication
Engaging in effective communication with dive buddies throughout the dive.
Practicing buddy checks and pre-dive briefings.
12. Environmental Awareness
Demonstrating awareness of the diving environment and its potential hazards.
Practicing conservation techniques and minimizing environmental impact.
13. Emergency Equipment Handling
Utilizing redundant systems, such as secondary regulators and dive knives.
Practicing the deployment and management of safety equipment.
14. Post-Dive Procedures
Conducting post-dive equipment checks and logging dive data.
Discussing the dive experience and any issues encountered with the dive team.
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
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