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Tech Diver Training

In 2009, PADI announced it was replacing the original 12-dive Tec Deep program with three, four-dive segments — the Tec 40, Tec 45 and Tec 50 courses. Although the intention is that anyone who begins the Tec 40 course will eventually achieve the Tec 50 level, the new curriculum provides the opportunity to do so in more convenient and affordable steps (very much like how we break the 16-dive Cave Diver curriculum into four, four-dive segments).

The numbers 40, 45 and 50 refer to depth in meters. Thus, the Tec 40 trains divers to 130 feet, Tec 45 to 150 feet Tec 50 to 165 feet.

Tec 40

Tec 45

The PADI Tec 45 course provides a transitional qualification while continuing to develop the student as a technical diver. Tec 45 divers are qualified to make limited technical decompression. However, qualifications are narrow, reflecting comparatively limited training and experience.

Tec 50

The PADI Tec 50 course is the complete, entry-level skill set for extensive open circuit deep decompression tec diving (formerly Tec Deep Diver). The diver is qualified to make technical decompression dives to 50 m/165 ft, within the limits of training and equipment.

Prerequisites

• Certification as PADI Advanced Open Water (or equivalent)
• Minimum age of 18 years old
• Certification as PADI Enriched Air Diver (or equivalent)
• Certification as PADI Deep Diver (or equivalent)
• Have a minimum of 50 logged dives, of which at least
  • 10 dives must be on enriched air
  • 12 dives must be deeper than 18 metres/60 feet
  • 6 dives must be deeper than 30 metres/100 feet
• Have a medical form signed by a physician

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