By Jeremy Asher
Technical diving is a demanding sport that requires a meticulous approach to planning, gas management, and safety protocols. As a technical diver, whether you’re delving deep into wrecks, exploring expansive cave systems, or navigating long decompression schedules, the margin for error is slim. Fortunately, technology is here to aid us with precision, efficiency, and real-time updates, making our dives safer and smoother.
While dive computers are essential, mobile and desktop applications can be equally crucial in pre-dive planning and post-dive analysis. Here’s a guide to some of the most indispensable apps for technical divers, specifically tailored for TDI courses and beyond.
1. MultiDeco
For decompression planning, MultiDeco is a top choice among technical divers. Its detailed algorithm options, like Buhlmann ZHL-16 and VPM-B, allow divers to create precise decompression schedules for multi-gas dives. This app helps ensure that deep, complex dives are executed safely, minimizing decompression sickness risks.
2. Subsurface
Subsurface is a versatile dive log app that supports complex dives with multi-gas blends, including trimix. It’s particularly useful for TDI divers tracking extended depth dives. What makes it stand out is its open-source nature, offering rich features like dive profile visualization, gas consumption analysis, and rebreather support.
3. V-Planner
Another decompression tool built for technical divers, V-Planner specializes in the Varying Permeability Model (VPM-B), a favorite algorithm among tech divers who prefer a more conservative approach to decompression stops. This app ensures that gas switch timings and ascent rates are carefully planned, giving you confidence before you hit the water.
4. Dive Log
As divers, logging your dives becomes critical not only for personal records but also for understanding the patterns and decisions in your past dives. Dive Log allows for detailed logging of technical dives, including mixed gases and deep profiles. The app’s compatibility with numerous dive computers makes it easy to sync your data post-dive.
5. iDeco Pro
Technical divers often deal with complicated decompression profiles and gas mixtures, and iDeco Pro is designed to handle just that. It supports everything from air and nitrox to trimix, allowing you to generate precise decompression schedules based on your dive plan. The app is particularly useful for TDI courses like Extended Range or Advanced Trimix, where precision is key.
6. Garmin Dive
If you’re a Garmin dive computer user, this app seamlessly syncs your dive data for review and analysis. Garmin Dive is more than just a logging tool—it offers dive planning functions, which can be particularly helpful when you’re preparing for technical dives requiring multiple gas switches.
7. OSTC Planner
For divers using the OSTC (Heinrichs Weikamp) dive computers, OSTC Planner offers an integrated way to plan dives. It works directly with your OSTC device and helps you set up decompression dives with the right gas mixtures and profiles. This app becomes invaluable during technical dive planning, giving you precise control over your ascent strategy.
8. Shearwater Cloud
Designed to work with Shearwater dive computers, Shearwater Cloud allows divers to download and review their dive data, analyze gas consumption, and track their dive profile. For TDI divers, this app is particularly useful for trimix and rebreather dives where detailed analysis of dive performance is essential.
9. Gas Blender
In technical diving, proper gas mixing is vital. The Gas Blender app is a handy tool that helps TDI divers precisely calculate the required oxygen and helium to achieve the right gas blend, whether it’s for nitrox or trimix. This app is particularly helpful if you’re taking a TDI Gas Blender course or blending gases for your upcoming technical dives.
10. Dive Plan
When you’re preparing for technical dives, Dive Plan helps to calculate critical dive metrics, including gas requirements, decompression stops, and ascent schedules. Its minimalist interface makes it quick and easy to plan dives, which is ideal for both beginner and advanced technical divers.
11. DecoPlanner
DecoPlanner is widely used among technical divers for generating customized decompression tables. Whether you’re diving with open circuit or closed circuit rebreathers, the app supports complex dive scenarios with multiple gas switches and decompression models, making it ideal for TDI divers who need to plan dives with precision.
12. TecRec Planner
For technical divers, pre-dive planning can be the difference between a smooth dive and a stressful experience. TecRec Planner offers gas consumption calculations, decompression schedules, and gas switch alerts, helping you plan your dive with confidence.
13. SAC Calculator
Accurate gas consumption calculations are essential for technical dives, and the SAC Calculator app helps you estimate your Surface Air Consumption (SAC) rate. For TDI divers, monitoring your gas consumption can be a game-changer in planning deeper, longer dives with optimal gas management.
14. DiveMate
DiveMate allows you to log your dives directly from your dive computer, and it supports a wide range of models from popular brands. It’s a great tool for TDI divers who are looking to easily store and analyze their dive data, particularly for those who dive with multiple gas switches and deeper profiles.
15. Trimix Tools
As the name suggests, Trimix Tools is specifically designed for technical divers who use helium mixes. It helps you calculate the optimal gas blend for your dive profile, ensuring that you have the correct amount of oxygen, nitrogen, and helium for safe dives.
The Future of Technical Diving
The world of technical diving is as demanding as it is rewarding. The deeper you go, the more complexity you need to manage. But with the right tools—like these essential apps—you can approach each dive with the precision and preparedness necessary to ensure your safety and success.
As TDI divers, we strive to push our limits while respecting the risks involved. These apps allow us to stay organized, streamline our dive planning, and make better decisions underwater. So before your next deep dive or cave exploration, make sure your smartphone is as well-equipped as your dive kit.
By integrating these apps into your technical diving routine, you’ll not only elevate your dive planning but also enhance your overall diving experience. Remember, as tech divers, preparation is key—and these apps can help you stay one step ahead.
