Welcome to the "Dark Side" of diving.

All classes taught by Robert Berg

Congatulations on your choice to pursue "Technical" Diving. As a technical instructor I have to balance my eagerness to help other divers expierence the amazing things I have, but also to NOT promote technical diving. Why shouldn't technical diving be promoted? In all honesty, technical diving is still in it's infancy. Not all of our diving practices are scientific fact, but they are fairly well tested. Even if you do everything correctly while technical diving, you can still get hurt (or worse). Only through strict adherence to dive planning and execution can we mitigate the aditional dangers.

I've listed the prerequisits and course content on the left margin, feel free to check it out. Bear in mind that one of the most important prerequisites is YOUR attitude.

I am happy to answer any other questions by email,

 

 

 

 

TDI – Nitrox Gas Blender Course $250

Introduction
The objective of this course is to train candidates in the proper techniques, equipment requirements and hazards involved in blending Nitrox gases for recreational scuba.

Qualifications of Graduates
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in the blending of Nitrox gases, without direct supervision.

Student Pre-Requisites
The student must be a minimum age of eighteen (18).

Duration:
The minimum number of classroom and briefing hours is two (2).

Required Equipment
TDI Nitrox Gas Blending Manual.
O2 Analyzer (instructor may provide)

Required Subject Areas
The TDI Nitrox Gas Blending Manual is mandatory for use during this course but instructors may use any additional text or materials that they feel help present these topics.
Gases of Diving
A. Air.
B. Oxygen.
C. Nitrogen.
Oxygen Handling
A. Oxygen hazards.
B. Causes and prevention of oxygen fire.
C. Oxygen system design.
D. Local regulations for gas blending and handling.
Gas Production Equipment
A. Compressors.
B. Cylinders.
C. Filtration systems.
D. Analog gauges.
Mixing Techniques
A. General Considerations.
B. Continuous blending systems.
C. De-nitrogenated air systems.
D. Pre-mix systems.
E. Partial pressure blending mathematics.
Oxygen Analysis
A. Procedures.
B. Oxygen analyzers.
Cylinder Handling and Sign Out.

Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements:
1. Candidates must successfully blend and analyze five (5) cylinders of Nitrox gas.
2. Satisfactorily complete the TDI Nitrox Gas Blender written examination.
3. Demonstrate understanding of Nitrox blending and oxygen analysis

 

TDI advanced gas blender (tri-mix) $350

Introduction
The objective of this course is to train candidates in the proper procedures needed for the preparation and blending of high quality Nitrox and Trimix gases for use in technical diving.

Qualifications of Graduates
Upon successful completion of this course candidates will be able to prepare high quality scuba gases utilzing Nitrox and Helium.

Student Pre-Requisites
1. Be a minimum age of eighteen (18).
2. Show proof of certification of TDI Nitrox Gas Blender or equivalent.

Duration:
The minimum number of classroom and briefing hours is six (6).

Required material
The following are required for this course:
1. TDI Advanced Gas Blender Manual.
2. Access to a helium analyzer (instructor will suppy)

Required Subject Areas
The TDI Advanced Gas Blender Manual is mandatory for use during this course but instructors may use any additional text or materials that they feel help present these topics.
The Responsibility of the Gas Blender.
Gases of Diving
A. Oxygen.
B. Nitrogen.
C. Helium.
D. Other gases.
Oxygen Handling
A. Oxygen hazards.
B. Causes and prevention of oxygen fire.
C. Oxygen system design.
D. Local regulations for gas blending and handling.
E. Oxygen compatible systems components.
Gas Production Equipment
A. Compressors.
B. Cylinders.
C. Filtration systems.
D. Gauges.
Mixing Techniques
A. General considerations.
B. Continuous blending systems.
C. Membrane separation systems.
D. Pre-mix systems.
E. Partial pressure blending
Mathematics of partial pressure.
Oxygen analysis
A. Procedures.
B. Oxygen analyzers.
Cylinder Handling and Sign Out.

Required Skill Performance And Graduation Requirements
In order to complete this course, students must:
1. Candidates must successfully blend and analyze a minimum of five (5) cylinders of Nitrox and three (3) cylinders of Trimix.
2. Satisfactorily completes the TDI Advanced Gas Blender written examination.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in blending and analysis of Nitrox and Trimix gases.

 

 

TDI Advanced Nitrox $400
This class can be combined with deco procedures and the total cost is $700

Introduction
The objective of this course is to train divers in the benefits, hazards and proper procedures for utilizing EAN-21 through one hundred (100) percent oxygen for dives not requiring staged decompression. Decompression techniques may be combined with this course at the discretion of the instructor.

Qualifications of Graduates
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in diving activities utilizing EAN-21 through one hundred (100) percent oxygen without direct supervision so long as:
1. The diving activities approximate those of training.
2. The areas of activities approximate those of training.
3. Environmental conditions approximate those of training.

Student Pre-Requisites
1. Be a minimum age of fifteen (15).
2. Have a minimum certification of TDI Nitrox Diver (or equivalent).
3. Show poof of twenty-five (25) logged open water dives.
4. If this course is taught in conjunction with the TDI Decompression Procedures Course, then the
minimum age is eighteen (18).

Open Water Execution:
1.Four (4) dives are required with a minimum accumulated bottom time of one hundred (100)
minutes.
2. If Advanced Nitrox is taught in conjunction with Decompression Procedures only a total of six (6)
dives are required with a maximum depth of forty five (45) meters / one hundred fifty (150) feet.

Required Equipment
The following equipment is required for each student:
1. A primary first stage with primary and secondary second stage and a redundant scuba unit ( 30ft3 minimum, 40ft3 recomended).
2. A submersible pressure gauge.
3. Depth gauge and automatic bottom timer and/or dive computer.
4. Buoyancy Compensator with power inflator.
5. Exposure suit adequate for the open water environment.
6. Cylinder and Regulator properly labeled and cleaned as required for EAN mixtures.
7. Access to oxygen analyzer (Instructor may supply).
8. TDI Advanced Nitrox student manual

Required Subject Areas
The TDI Advanced Nitrox Manual is mandatory for use during this course but instructors may use any additional text or materials that they feel help present these topics.
Physics
Pressure review
Physiology
A. Hypoxia
B. Oxygen Toxicity .
C. Nitrogen Narcosis.
D. Nitrogen Absorption and Elimination.
E. Carbon Dioxide Toxicity.
F. Carbon Monoxide Toxicity.
Formula Work
A. Best mix computations.
B. Maximum Operating Depth of mixture computations.
Equipment Considerations
A. Up to forty (40) percent oxygen content.
B. Above forty (40) percent oxygen content.
Dive Tables
A. Equivalent air depth with any table.
B. Computer generated tables.
Dive Computers
A. Mix adjustable.
B. 02 integrated.
Dive Planning
Operation Planning
Common Mixing Procedures
A. Partial pressure blending.
B. Continuous blending.
C. Membrane separation system.
Decompression
A. EAN usage as a decompression gas i.e. 50/50, 80/20 etc.
B. Oxygen for decompression.
C. Advantages / disadvantages of multiple gas switches.

Required Skills and Graduation Requirements
Maximum training depths shall not exceed forty (40) msw / one hundred thirty (130) fsw. The following
open water skills must be completed by the student during all open water dives:
1. Satisfactorily complete the TDI Advanced Nitrox Course written examination.
2. Complete all open water requirements safely and efficiently.
3. Demonstrate mature, sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution.
In-water Drills
1. Demonstrate buoyancy control
2. Show good awareness of buddy and other team members through communications, proximity and team oriented dive practices
3. Demonstrate ability to manage freeflow from primary regulator in controlled fashion (shutdown cycle), and switch to back-up regulator.
4.Conduct appropriate safety stop while maintaining neutral buoyancy
5. Demonstrate ability to share “air” with buddy as both recipient and donor in a controlled manner while maintaining position in water column.
6. Demonstrate correct body position (appropriate trim, such as horizontal / streamlined when moving forward)
7. Demonstrate proper stress analysis with self and team mates

 

Decompression Procedures Diver Course $400

Introduction
The objective of this course is to train divers how to plan and conduct a standard staged decompression dive not exceeding a maximum depth of forty five (45) msw / one hundred fifty (150) fsw unless taught in conjunction with the Extended Range Course. The most common equipment requirements, gear set-up, and decompression techniques are presented. Students are permitted to utilize Enriched Air Nitrox mixes or oxygen for decompression provided the gas mix is within their current certification level.

Qualifications of Graduates
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in decompression diving activities without direct supervision so long as:
1. The diving activities approximate those of training.
2. The areas of activities approximate those of training.
3. Environmental conditions approximate those of training.
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are qualified to enroll in:
1. TDI Advanced Nitrox Course.
2. TDI Extended Range Course.
3. TDI Advanced Wreck Course.
4. TDI Entry Level Trimix.

Student Pre-Requisites
1. Be a minimum age of eighteen (18).
2. Have a minimum certification of SDI Advanced Diver, Advanced Adventure Diver or equivalent.
3. Show proof of twenty five (25) logged open water dives.

Course Structure and Duration
1. Four (4) dives are required, two (2) of those dives must be deeper than 30 metres / 100 feet.
2. If Advanced Nitrox is taught in conjunction with Decompression Procedures only a total of six (6) dives are required.
3. Only two (2) dives from Advanced Wreck course may be credited towards the total dives required.
4. The minimum number of classroom and briefing hours is six (6).

Required Equipment
1. Primary Cylinder(s). Cylinder volume appropriate for planned dive and student gas consumption.
2. Decompression Mix Cylinder(s)
A. Cylinder volume appropriate for the planned dive and student gas consumption with submersible pressure gauge.
B. Labeled in accordance with TDI Standards.
3. Depth gauge and automatic bottom timer and I or dive computer.
4. Regulator(s)
A. Primary and alternate 2nd stage required on all primary cylinders.
B. Submersible pressure gauges are required on all primary cylinders.
5. Buoyancy Compensator(s) adequate for equipment configuration.
6. Jon-line and other rigging lines as dictated by site conditions.
7. Ascent Reel with Lift Bag /Surface Marker Buoy.
A. Adequate for maximum planned depth.
B. Minimum of eleven (11) kg / twenty five (25) lb lift bag.
8. Oxygen Analyzer (may be supplied by the Instructor).
9. Exposure Suit adequate for the open water environment.
10. Underwater Slate.

Required Subject Areas
Review of “safety stops” compared to required stops. Physics
A. Pressure review.
Physiology
A. Mechanics of bubble formation.
B. Advantages of hyperoxic mixes for decompression.
C. Nitrogen Absorption and Elimination.
D. Carbon Dioxide Toxicity.
E. Ascent / Descent rates.
F. Hyperthermia.
G. Hypothermia.
H. Psychological aspects
Decompression Options
A. Air.
B. Nitrox.
C. Oxygen.
Equipment Considerations
A. Twin cylinder or single cylinder option, valve options.
B. Stage cylinder options.
C. Regulator Options.
D. Harness / BC options.
E. Computer, depth gauge, bottom timer options.
F. Ascent and navigation reels.
G. Lift bags/surface marker buoys for drifting or free decompression.
H. Jon-line or Garvin clips.
I. Proper weighting and buoyancy control during dive phase and decompression.
Dive Tables vs. Computers
A. Introduction and review of different models (Buhlmann, DCIEM, US Navy, etc).
B. Proper use of electronic multi-level dive computers for dive planning and decompression
Dive Planning
A. Standard Operation
B. Emergency planning
Procedures
A. Primary and Decompression Gas
B. Descent
C. Ascent
D. Fixed or Drifting Decompression Methods
E. Support

Required Skill And Graduation Requirements
The following open water skills must be completed by the student during open water dives:

Pre-dive Drills
1. Use START* before every dive
2. Stress analysis and mitigation

In-water Drills
1. Demonstrate buoyancy control (ability to hover at fixed position in water column without moving
hands or feet)
2. Show good awareness of buddy and other team members through communications, proximity and
team oriented dive practices
3. Demonstrate comfort swimming on surface and at depth carrying single decompression stage
bottle
4. Demonstrate ability to drop and retrieve single decompression cylinder while maintaining position
in the water column
5. Demonstrate ability to deploy a lift bag solo and as member of team
6. Demonstrate controlled / staged ascent on lift bag / emergency ascent line (lost ascent line)
7. Remove and replace mask (deploy backup mask)
8. Demonstrate appropriate reaction to gas hemorrhage from manifold or first stage, SPG and
primary regulator
9. React to BC inflator malfunction (disconnect LP hose, dump gas and orally inflate BC/Wing to
neutral buoyancy)
10. Demonstrate ability to confirm gas switch(es) at depth with buddy/team members
11. Buddy breathing deco gas for at least one minute
12. Switch to back-up mask (remove and replace mask)
13. Demonstrate appropriate reaction to simulated free-flowing deco regulator
14. Demonstrate appropriate modifications to deco schedule in decompression emergency (over time, over depth) (to be simulated)
15. Demonstrate tired diver tow at depth and on surface (30 meters / 90 feet lateral each)
16. Complete a horizontal breath hold swim at depth for 15 meters / 45 feet.
17. Properly execute the planned dive within all pre-determined limits
18. Contingency Situations and Problem Solving
19. A safety stop of at least three (3) minutes shall be conducted on all No-Decompression dives and proper staged decompression stops whenever and wherever mandated.
20. Demonstrate (simulated) emergency gas sharing at a stationary depth not to exceed thirty (30) msw / one hundred (100) fsw.
21. Demonstrate emergency deployment of a backup regulator or bail-out scuba system containing bottom mix at a depth not exceeding thirty (30) msw / one hundred (100) fsw.
22. Demonstrate the proper deployment, management and use of the bottom mix, decompression mix
and travel mix.

In order to complete this course, students must:
1. Satisfactorily complete the TDI Decompression Procedures Course written examination.
2. Complete all open water requirements safely and efficiently.
3. Demonstrate mature, sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution.

TDI – Extended Range Diver Course $600

Introduction

utilizing Nitrox mixtures or oxygen for staged decompression.

Qualifications of Graduates
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in decompression diving activities without direct supervision so long as:
1. The diving activities approximate those of training.
2. The areas of activities approximate those of training.
3. Environmental conditions approximate those of training.
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are qualified to enroll in:
1. TDI Advanced Wreck Course.
2. TDI Entry Trimix Course.
3. TDI Advanced Trimix Course.

Student Pre-Requisites
The student must:
1. Be a minimum age of eighteen (18).
2. Be certified as a TDI Advanced Nitrox Diver and TDI Decompression Procedures Diver (or equivalents) is required.
3. Have a minimum of one hundred (100) logged dives, of which twenty (25) must be deeper than thirty (30) msw / one hundred (100) fsw.

Course Structure and Duration:
1. Six (6) dives with a minimum accumulated bottom time of one hundred (100) minutes.
2. All dives must be deeper than thirty (30) msw / one hundred (100) fsw with four (4) dives deeper than forty (40) msw / one hundred thirty (130) fsw.
3. No more than two (2) dives may be credited from previous training.
4. Only two (2) dives from Advanced Wreck course may be credited towards the total dives required.
5. The minimum number of classroom and briefing hours is eight (8).

Required Equipment
The following equipment is required for each student:
1. Bottom Mix Cylinder(s)
A. Cylinder volume appropriate for planned dive and student gas consumption.
B. Dual outlet valve, double manifold or independent doubles.
C. Labeled in accordance with TDI Standards.
2. Travel Mix Cylinder(s) if used
A. Cylinder volume appropriate for planned dive and student gas consumption.
B. Labeled in accordance with TDI Standards.
3. Decompression Mix Cylinder(s)
A. Cylinder volume appropriate for planned dive and student gas consumption.
B. Labeled in accordance with TDI Standards.
4. Regulator(s)
A. Primary and primary redundant regulators required on all bottom mix cylinders.
B. Submersible pressure gauges are required on all primary / bottom mix cylinder(s).
C. A contingency use long hose second stage should be designated and appropriately rigged to facilitate air sharing at depth if necessary.
5. Buoyancy Compensator(s) adequate for equipment configuration.
6. Redundant Depth and Timing Devices.
7. Air decompression computers allowed for use as depth and timing devices.
8. Redundant Light System if needed for site conditions.
9. Jon-line and other rigging lines as dictated by site conditions.
10. Ascent Reel with Lift Bag/Surface Marker Buoy
A. Adequate for maximum planned depth.
B. Minimum of eleven (11) kg / twenty five (25) lb. lift bag/surface marker buoy.
11. Exposure Suit adequate for the open water environment.
12. Two (2) Line Cutting Devices.
13. Underwater Slate (for decompression/contingency tables).

Required Subject Areas
History of Deep Air Diving.
Physics
A. Pressure Review.
B. Formulas for solving dive planning problems, MOD, best mix, etc.
Physiology
A. Hypoxia.
B. Oxygen toxicity
C. Nitrogen Narcosis.
D. Nitrogen Absorption and Elimination.
E. Carbon Dioxide Toxicity.
F. Carbon Monoxide.
G. Hyperthermia.
H. Hypothermia.
Decompression Options
A. Air.
B. Nitrox.
C. Oxygen.
Equipment Considerations
A. Twin cylinder or single cylinder option.
B. Stage cylinder options.
C. Regulator options.
D. Harness / BC options.
E. Computer / depth gauge / bottom timer options.
F. Ascent and navigation reels.
G. Lift Bags/surface marker buoys for drift or free decompression.
H. Lights.
I. Redundant mask and knife.
J. Jon-line or Garvin clips.
Dive Tables
A. Introduction and review of different models (Buhlmann, DCIEM, U.S. Navy recommended).
B. Introduction to computer generated tables.
Dive planning
A. Operation Planning
B. Team planning
C. Emergency Planning
Procedures
A. Bottom, Travel and Decompression Gas.
B. Descent
C. Ascent
D. Support.
E. Navigation

Required Skill and Graduation Requirements
The following open water skills must be completed by the student during open water dives: The maximum depth for this course is fifty five (55) msw /one hundred eighty (180) fsw.
1. Demonstrate familiarity with basic and intermediate hand signals
2. Selection and preparation of equipment suitable for soft overhead environment with long decompression obligations
3. Conduct team oriented drills for lift bag deployment and gas switching procedure
4. Drills for buddy rescue
5. Drills for Toxed diver / Unconscious diver ascent
6. Properly analyze all gas mixtures to be used.
7. Demonstrate adequate pre-dive planning
A. Limits base on personal and team gas consumption.
B. Limits based on oxygen exposures at planned depths for actual mixes.
C. Limits based on nitrogen absorption at planned depths for actual mixes.

 

TDI – Advanced Trimix Diver Course $995

Introduction
The TDI Advanced Trimix Course provides the training required to competently and safely utilize breathing gases containing helium for dives that require staged decompression, utilizing Nitrox and / or oxygen
mixtures during decompression to a maximum depth of one hundred (100) msw / three hundred and thirty (330) fsw.

Qualifications of Graduates
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in technical diving activities utilizing
custom Trimix mixtures without direct supervision as long as:
1. The diving activities approximate those of training.
2. The area of activities approximates those of training.
3. Environmental conditions approximate those of training.

Student Pre-Requisites
The student must:
1. Be a minimum age of eighteen (18).
2. Have a minimum certification as an Extended Range Diver or Entry Level Trimix Diver (or equivalent).
3. Show proof a minimum of one hundred (100) logged dives with 25 deeper than one hundred (100) feet/ thirty (30) meters.
4. Prior logged experience w/ double cylinders and any other unfamiliar equipment. I.E. Dry suit

Course Structure and Duration
1. Four (4) dives with a minimum accumulated bottom time of one hundred (100) minutes
2. At least two (2) dives should be deeper than seventy (70) msw / two hundred thirty (230) fsw.
3. The minimum number of classroom and briefing hours is eight (8).

Required Equipment
The following equipment is required for each student:
1. Bottom Mix Cylinder(s)
A. Cylinder volume appropriate for planned dive and student gas consumption.
B. Dual outlet valve, double manifold or independent doubles.
C. Labeled in accordance with TDI Standards.
2. Travel Mix Cylinder(s)
A. Cylinder volume appropriate for planned dive and student gas consumption.
B. Labeled in accordance with TDI Standards.
3. Decompression Mix Cylinder(s)
A. Cylinder volume appropriate for planned dive and student gas consumption.
B. Labeled in accordance with TDI Standards.
4. Suit Inflation Cylinder (required for dry suit divers only).
5. Regulators
A. Primary and primary redundant required on all bottom mix cylinder(s).
B. Submersible pressure gauges are required on all primary bottom mix cylinders.
C. A contingency use long hose second stage should be designated and appropriately rigged
to facilitate air sharing at depth if necessary.
D. It is strongly recommended that all four (4) required regulators be DIN or all four (4) regulators be yoke.
6. Buoyancy Compensator(s) adequate for equipment configuration.
7. Redundant Depth and Timing Devices. Air decompression computers allowed for use as depth and timing devices.
8. Redundant Light System if required by site.
9. Ascent Reel with Lift Bag/Surface Marker Buoy
A. Adequate for maximum planned depth.
B. Minimum of twenty three (23) kg / fifty (50) lb. lift bag (a dump valve highly recommended).
10. Exposure suit adequate for the open water environment.
11. Line Cutting Device.
12. Underwater Slate (for decompression / contingency tables).
13. Helium analyzer (recommended)

Required Subject Areas
The TDI Trimix Manual is mandatory for use during this course but instructors may use any additional text or materials that they feel help present these topics. The following topics must be covered during this course:
Physics
A. Pressure review.
Physiology
A. Hypoxia.
B. Oxygen toxicity
C. Nitrogen Narcosis.
D. Nitrogen and Helium absorption and elimination.
E. Carbon Dioxide Toxicity.
F. Carbon Monoxide Toxicity.
G. Helium
H. Counter Diffusion.
I. Hyperthermia.
J. Hypothermia.
Decompression Options
A. Air.
B. Nitrox.
C. Helium.
Equipment Considerations
A. Cylinder options.
B. Stage cylinders options.
C. Suit inflation options.
D. Regulator options.
E. Harness / BC options.
F. Computer / depth gauge bottom timer options.
G. Ascent and navigation reels.
H. Lift bags/surface marker buoys.
I. Lights.
J. Redundant mask and knife.
K. Jon-line.
Dive Tables
A. Computer generated tables.
B. DCIEM Heliox Tables and / or other published tables.
Dive Planning
A. Operational Planning
B. Team Planning
C. Emergency Planning
Procedures
A. Bottom, Travel and Decompression Gas

Required Skill and Graduation Requirements
The following open water skills must be completed by the student during open-water dives. It is recommended that all dives be conducted between fifty five (55) msw / one hundred eighty (180) fsw and one
hundred (100) msw / three hundred and thirty (330) fsw.
1. Demonstrate buoyancy control (ability to hover at fixed position in water column without moving
hands or feet)
2. Show good awareness of buddy and other team members through communications, proximity and team oriented dive practices
3. Demonstrate competence managing three stage cylinders (either three deco gas or two deco and extra bottom gas) including drop and recovery while maintaining position in the water column
4. Ability to manage multiple failures in adverse conditions
5. Complete a horizontal breath-hold swim at depth for 20 meters / 66 feet with mask off or blacked out
6. Deploy lift bag while sharing air on buddy’s long hose
7. Properly execute the planned dive within all pre-determined limits.
8. Demonstrate the proper navigational techniques for the specific dive.
9. On two (2) of the dives, demonstrate an ascent with ascent reel and lift bag and perform staged decompression.
10. Demonstrate the proper procedures for switching and isolating a malfunctioning primary regulator. (This exercise should not be practiced deeper than forty (40) msw) / one hundred thirty (130) fsw

In order to complete this course, students must:
1. Satisfactorily complete the TDI Trimix Course written examination.
2. Complete all open water requirements safely and efficiently.
3. Demonstrate mature, sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution.