The TDI Helitrox Diver course focuses on the theory, methods and procedures for planned stage decompression diving utilizing Helium with no greater than 20% helium content in the breathing mixture.
This program is designed as a stand-alone course or it may be taught in conjunction with TDI Advanced Nitrox.
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 45 m. The most common equipment requirements, gear set-up, and decompression techniques are presented.
Pre-Requisites
- Be a minimum age of eighteen (18).
- TDI Advanced Nitrox diver or equivalent.
- Show proof of fifty (50) logged open water dives.
Required Equipment
- Cylinder volume appropriate for planned dive and student gas consumption (twinset).
- Decompression Cylinder
- Depth gauge and automatic bottom timer andIor dive computer programmable with appropriate breathing mixture(s).
- Buoyancy Compensator(s) appropriate for equipment configuration.
- Line Cutting Device
- SMB and reel appropriate for maximum planned depth.
- Exposure suit adequate for the open water environment. (dry suit)
- Underwater notebook.
Graduation Requirements
- Gas matching among buddy team and limits based on personal and team gas consumption.
- Demonstrate familiarity with basic hand signals
- Demonstrate adequate pre-dive planning
- Demonstrate buoyancy control (ability to hover at fixed position in water column without moving hands or feet)
- Show good awareness of buddy and other team members through communications, proximity and team oriented dive practices
- Demonstrate comfort swimming on surface and at depth carrying single decompression stage bottle
- Demonstrate ability to drop and retrieve decompression cylinder while maintaining position in the water column
- Demonstrate ability to deploy a SMB solo and as member of team
- Demonstrate controlled staged ascent on SMB
- Remove and replace mask (deploy backup mask)
- Demonstrate appropriate reaction to gas hemorrhage from manifold or first stage, SPG and primary regulator
- React to BC inflator malfunction
- Demonstrate ability to confirm gas switch(es) at depth with buddy/team members
- Buddy breathing deco gas for at least one minute
- Demonstrate appropriate reaction to simulated free-flowing deco regulator
- Demonstrate appropriate modifications to deco schedule in decompression emergency (over time,over depth) (to be simulated)
- Demonstrate tired diver tow at depth and on surface
- Complete a horizontal breath hold swim at depth for 15 meters.
- Demonstrate (simulated) emergency gas sharing at a stationary depth
- Satisfactorily complete the TDI Decompression Procedures Course written examination.
- Demonstrate mature, sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution.