Technical Training Courses

Equipment Requirements

The diver wishing to expand their diving knowledge and skills with Technical Training must be prepared for extensive training before committing to these courses. Unlike our traditional Advanced or Specialty courses, where relatively inexpensive additional equipment may have been required or recommended, by contrast, Technical training requires specialized equipment purchases that can become quite costly.

This page is designed to give you additional guidance regarding the additional equipment necessary for our Technical Training courses. All additional questions should be directed to the staff at Tiedemann's Diving Center or Jim Vafeas.

Technical Training Equipment Requirements

The below chart, also available as a downloadable pdf document, is section is designed to give you a general idea of the additional equipment requirements necessary for our Technical Training courses. 

Print the below chart as a

Key: A=Acceptable for use, R=Required, H=Highly Recommended, #=Quantity of specific item required

Equipment	Intro to Tech	Advanced Nitrox Singles	Advanced Nitrox Doubles	Deco Procedures
Basic Equipment *	R	R	R	R
1 Regulator with 2 second stages or BC Integrated Air Source	R	R	- -	- -
2 Regulators with 2 second stages	H	H	R	R
7 foot hose for primary second stage	H	H	R	R
2 Tanks (80 cuft or greater)	R	R	- -	- -
H-Valve (single Tank)	A	H	- -	- -
Doubles (80 cuft or greater)	H	- -	R	R
Dive Computer or Auto Bottom Timer	R	R	R	R, 2
Backplate / Bladder / Harness system	H	A	R	R
Primary Wreck Reel – 250’ minimum	R	R	R	R
Backup Reel or Spool – 150’ minimum	H	H	H	R
Primary Light	H	H	R	R
Backup Light	H	H	R	R
Cutting Devices	R	R,2	R, 2	R, 2
Lift Bag (minimum 50 lbs. lift)	R	R	R	R, 2
Slate	H	H	R	R
O2 Clean Dedicated Deco Regulator with minimum 39” regulator Hose and pressure gauge (on 6” HP hose recommended)	- -	R	R	R
O2 Clean Deco Bottle (30 cuft minimum)	- -	R	R	R
Emergency Signaling Device	R	R	R	R, 2
Desktop Decompression Software	- -	- -	H	R
Dive Accident Insurance	R	R	R	R

* Basic Equipment includes: Mask, Fins, Boots, Gloves and a Hood.

 

Technical Training Equipment Descriptions and Options

This section is designed to provide descriptions and options regarding your Technical Diving equipment purchases.  Where applicable, recommendations from our Technical Training staff is listed as a Top Choice in their respective category.  For your convenience, links to the manufacturers websites mentioned here are listed below at the end.  Please consult the staff at Tiedemann's Diving Center for current pricing and additional details.

• Advanced Nitrox Dive Computers and Bottom Timer
  An advanced Nitrox computer is not required for Technical Training, but since 2 timing devices are required, you can use an existing computer (or 2) assuming it has a "Gauge Mode" or purchase a new “Advanced Nitrox” computer capable of Nitrox 21% to 99% and at least 2 mixes. If you already have an Advanced Nitrox computer, you will need another computer or a separate automatic bottom timer. Of course, 2 identical dive computers is the ideal.
  Top Choice: Advanced Nitrox computer is our Dive Rite Duo. For a dedicated bottom timer, the OMS Bottom Timer.
   
• Doubles Bladders
  Bladders for doubles should have an optimal lift capacity of between 55 lbs. and 65 lbs. of lift.  Redundant bladders, greater lift capacity bladders or bladders with restraining bungee type systems are not necessary nor recommended for northeast saltwater doubles divers using drysuits.
  Top Choice: OMS 60lb or Dive Rite Classic Wing bladders.
   
• Doubles Backplates
  The technical diver should strongly consider purchasing a standard backplate system. A steel backplate is commonly used when diving locally in a drysuit and doubles, and especially if diving singles. Plastic and Titanium plates are also available but are not recommended. For divers in wetsuits or who dive mostly fresh water, an Aluminum backplate may be a better choice for them. Aluminum plates average about 2 lbs. negatively buoyant while Steel average about 6 lbs. negatively buoyant.
  You should try to best match the backplate with the type of diving you mostly do.
  Top Choice: Dive Rite or OMS Steel or Aluminum plates.
   
• Harness Systems
  When it comes to harness systems, the prevailing philosophy is the simpler the better. The simplest, 1-piece system with a single belt buckle and crotch strap, once properly adjusted, is extremely comfortable, streamlined and virtually failsafe. This system offers the most flexibility and easiest integration with additional items designed for 2” harnesses.
  If you are considering a backplate, we strongly recommend a continuous (Purist or Hogarthian) webbing system over Comfort systems with pieces that individually attach to the backplate. Comfort systems options include shoulder pads, chest straps and shoulder quick release buckles. These systems may restrict the D-ring positioning necessary for properly attaching stage bottles and don’t offer the same stability as continuous harnesses.
  Top Choice: OMS BP-166 system.
   
• Softpacks
  Softpacks are an alternative to backplate systems and offer shoulder pads, backpadding and quick release buckles. Doubles bolt to the softpack using mounting brackets. You should realize that your drysuit, whether shell or neoprene, along with typical undergarments will usually provide all the padding necessary.  Softpacks may attach to single tanks easier but add a slight bit of positive buoyancy. Softpacks do not offer the stability of rigid backplates.
  Manufacturers offer a few configuration options between the simple continuous webbing setup and a dedicated BC.
  While there are “Technical” BC’s that can attach to doubles available from various manufacturers, none of them are acceptable nor can they be recommended for use in any of our technical courses.
   
• Primary Dive Reels and Backup Spools
  The following choices are available in regard to purchasing a primary dive reel. If you plan on doing local wreck diving as well as Cavern and Cave diving in the near future, you should get a reel spooled with #24 line that can be re-spooled with #48 or #60 line (assuming the reel has the capacity).
  If you only plan on doing local diving, you can get a reel spooled with #36 line. Few reels come spooled thicker.
  Manufacturers are now offering side handle or ambidextrous reels.  We have no experience on using them so we cannot comment on them at this time.
  You will also need a backup reel with 150’ of line to deploy a backup lift bag. The finger spool satisfies this requirement. Finger spools can also be used as Jon lines, thus eliminating the need of carrying a traditional Jon line.
  Top Choice: OMS RL 229, RL 229-400 or Dive Rite RE4300 for a Primary reel.  OMS or Dive Rite for a finger spools.
   
• Primary Lights
  (All pistol grip or above-unit handle styles are unacceptable)
  A primary dive light is one of the most important single dive equipment purchase decisions you need to make. This light will probably be with you for years to come and must be versatile, durable and properly sized.
  The most popular primary lights today are rechargeable canister HID lights with 10 watt adjustable heads. Less expensive non-HID lights use 50 watt Halogen or Xenon bubs.
  18 watt HID heads offer more light but shorter burn times and for the most part are considered overkill except for the diver who does the majority of their diving in low light (night/cave) environments or needs the light for videography.
  A “Goodman” handle is necessary for hands-free operation while using a reel.
  Top Choice: Sartek CBPS4.5H10MRFS.
   
• Backup Lights
  Backup lights can be small and inexpensive or longer and more expensive. They are only used in the even of a Primary light failure to get you back to the ascent line or entry point.
  The diver planning on taking Technical Training courses, should look into purchasing a larger, high quality, narrow light that is easily harness-clipable. All lights have fixed narrow or wide beams. 2 identical lights are ideal.
  Lights should be of the twist-on type to prevent accidental turn-on and because switches may be difficult to operate with thick gloves. If a diver already has a switch type light it will be acceptable however, switch type lights should not be purchased for technical courses.
  Backup lights too small to properly clip to the harness should be stored in easily accessible pockets or pouches.
  Top Choice: Sartek EBL 1000C, Pelican Super Pelilite, Princeton Tec Surge.
   
• Cutting Devices
  The Technical diver requires a minimum of 2 different types of cutting devices. 3 cutting devices would be ideal.
  In order of priority:
  Trauma or Emergency cutting shears
  Provide leverage and cutting surfaces that grip what is being cut.
  Top Choice: Trident Super Shears or OMS Emergency Cutting Shears with pouch.
  
  Dive Knife
  This knife should be BC or Harness mountable in an easy to deploy position with a short blunt tip blade, no longer than 4” with a 7” total length.  One edge is serrated and the other standard.
  Top Choice: OMS Titanium Knife, Akona Coqui, UK Fusilier, Oceanic Arrow.
  
  Line Cutter or Z-knife
  A cold water version of a line cutter that can be manipulated with thick gloves is necessary.
  Top Choice: Trident KN15, OMS Cold Water and Cable line cutter, Dive Extra Large Z-Knife.
   
• Lift Bags
  A lift bag of 50lbs of lift is adequate. The Technical diver is required to have 2 lift bags each with 50lbs of lift.
  A Surface Marker Buoy with 50lbs of lift that can be conveniently stored qualifies as the second lift bag. This Surface Marker Buoy can also be used as a Safety Sausage, thus eliminating the need of carrying a traditional Safety Sausage.
  Top Choice: Dive Rite 50lb or 100lb lift bag in "Quick Draw" sleeve, OMS 50lb Surface Marker Buoy.
   
• Dive Slates
  A small 3” x 5” or 4” x 6” dive slate that can easily be stored in a thigh pouch or pocket is required. Slates are necessary to record SAC rate data, decompression schedules and for complex emergency communications.
  A wrist slate can also be used but depending on where the dive computer is worn, it may be difficult to write on.  This slate is excellent for writing decompression schedules onto.
  WetNotes are an underwater, spiral bound notebook with waterproof pages. Available in 3” x 5” or 5” x 7” versions they can easily be purchased from EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports) or most marine supply stores. The size purchased must be able to fit in a thigh pouch or pocket. While not required, they are good alternative for the technical diver.
  Top Choice: Trident Armband Slates, Dive Rite Wrist Slate, OMS Ultimate Dive Slate.
   
• Deco Regulators
  For Advanced Nitrox you will require a dedicated O2 clean regulator.
  There are several options regarding this regulator:
  1. Purchase a new, O2 clean regulator for up to 100% Oxygen out of the box.
  2. Purchase a new regulator that is O2 compatible and have it O2 serviced.
  3. Convert an existing regulator that is O2 compatible and have it O2 serviced.
  
  Not all regulators can be converted. Manufacturer specifications must be consulted to determine that a regulator can be safely O2 serviced. Since the Deco regulator will not be used deeper than about 70’, a simple unbalanced regulator is what most manufacturers sell as their O2 dedicated regulator.
  Deco regulators need to have a DIN fitting and should be converted if necessary.
  The length of the regulator hose needs to be 40” for ease of deployment and to maintain streamlined.
   
• Decompression Cylinder
  For Advanced Nitrox the diver will require a dedicated O2 clean cylinder for decompression.
  A 40cuft aluminum cylinder with a 300 BAR DIN valve is the combination of choice for local diving.  Cylinders should also have appropriate contents and warning stickers attached.
  
  Stage Bottle Straps and Hose Retaining Wraps
  Several manufacturers offer preconfigured stage bottle straps but it is actually quite simple, inexpensive and fun to make your own. Assembling your own stage bottle strap will be covered during the course lectures. Metal to metal connections are not allowed.
  The problem with preassembled straps is that we feel the bottom bolt snap is too small to properly grip and maneuver with thick gloves and are not ideal.
  To secure the regulator hose to the tank, some form of retaining wraps are recommended.
   
• Pee Valves / P-Valves
  It is strongly recommended that any (male) drysuit diver interested in the Decompression Techniques course consider installing a p-valve. This is really the only option to staying well hydrated and maintain normal urination. They are normally installed on the inner thigh.
  P-valves can be balanced (automatic) or unbalanced. All versions have built-in check valves to prevent water from entering the tubing.
  This probably be the single most appreciated purchase decision the Decompression diver will ever make.
   
• Accessory Pouches / Thigh Pockets
  Several required items listed above need to be stored in a drysuit thigh pocket or pouch since there are no BC pockets available on harness systems.
  Divers who have drysuits without attached pockets will need to have thigh pouches installed or use the Dive Rite Thigh Pouch (BC2761) strap on thigh pouch. 2 thigh pouches are necessary and since they attach to the 2” waist webbing, the diver must have a system that will accommodate this.  OMS makes and aftermarket thigh pouch that can be permanently attached to your dive suit.

Technical Diving Equipment Manufacturers

OMS - http://www.omsdive.com
Dive Rite - http://www.diverite.com
Trident - http://www.tridentdive.com
Sartek - http://www.sarind.com
Oceanic - http://www.oceanicworldwide.com/indexmain.cfm
Akona - http://www.akona.com
Pelican - http://www.pelican.com
UK (Underwater Kinetics) - http://www.uwkinetics.com
Princeton Tec - http://www.princetontec.com

Please consult the staff at Tiedemann's Diving Center for current pricing and additional details or any other questions you may have.