Definition Of Technical Diving

For safety reasons and to maximise the enjoyment of diving, PADI teach 'no decompression diving' - unless you accidentally exceed the no decompression limit (NDL) and need to complete a decompression stop in an emergency (see the guidance notes for the recreational dive planner - RDP). The maximum depth for all PADI recreational divers is 40 metres (with 'Deep Diver Specialty' training)

BSAC however, use a completely different set of diving tables which incorporate decompession stops where required - for use by divers who are trained to that particular level.

All training agencies recognise that the accepted maximum depth limit using air (21%), should not exceed 50 metres - due to the risk of oxygen toxicity caused by the increased partial pressure of the oxygen in compressed air.

PADI offer the 'DSAT Tec Deep Diver' course for divers who wish to go beyond recreational limits. This qualifies divers to make gas switches underwater, extend no decompression dives and complete accelerated decompression dives using air, enriched air and oxygen to a maximum depth of 50 metres - using technical diving equipment and procedures to manage the risks involved.

Using Trimix (Oxygen, Nitrogen and Helium) requires further additional training and there are NO depth limits!

Training in these areas will soon be available from Frog Squad with effect from June 2008