DECOMPRESSION PROCEDURES WITH A TWIST
SAYING NO TO 'DEEP AIR'
Helitrox allows divers to train in and conduct stage decompression dives without having to deal with the problems associated with "deep air" diving. Designed to allow divers to use up to 20% Helium in their breathing mixtures for dives between 30-45 metres, the Helitrox Course examines the theory, methods and procedures for planned staged decompression diving. Heltirox can only be taught by instructors directly appointed by TDI HQ.
This course is an alternative to the TDI Decompression Procedures course for anyone diving deeper than 30m who wants to have the option of using Helium. It is designed as a stand alone course or it may be taught in conjunction with its prerequisite Advanced Nitrox. Read Advanced Nitrox + Helitrox Combo.
Begin your non-narcotic adventure at Underwater Explorers.
Helium is your friend... Take 'the edge' off depth
Why suffer full-blown narcosis on a deep dive?
Why not see 'the full picture' and safely enjoy your time?
SCOPE
- Examines the theory, methods and procedures for planned staged decompression diving to a max. depth of 45 m.
- Trains you to utilise Oxygen between 21-100% for bottom and decompression gas
- Gives you the experience, knowledge and skills to optionally utilise Helium up to 20% for deeper dives
- Develops and enhances the skills of using and dealing with a twinset and 1 stage bottle on your dives
- Covers the most common equipment requirements, gear set-up and decompression techniques
- Focuses on the use of (desktop) computer software to generate purpose-cut underwater decompression tables*
- *Please Note: You do not need a wrist mounted computer for this course when taken at UE.
Download the Helitrox Course Standards 
CONTEXT
If you want to learn stage decompression diving to conduct decompression dives, Helitrox is the way to go: At Underwater Explorers it encompasses the whole of the Decompression Procedures course together with the theory and skills of using Helium content when you want to. A bonus not to be missed.
Our Helitrox course focuses on the theory, methods and procedures for planned stage decompression diving utilizing Helium in the breathing mixture (up to 20%). This program is designed as a stand-alone course or it may be taught in conjunction with course. As part of the Helitrox course you will be practicing and using 1 (one) stage bottle with your twinset and utilise desktop software to plan and conduct your dives.
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 with the option of using Helium content where conditions and depth require an easier (lighter) and less narcotic "mix". Helitrox is ideal in the 35-45 metre range but can also be safely used at shallower depths.
The most common equipment requirements, gear set-up, problem management and decompression techniques are extensively presented, practiced and demonstrated.
PREREQUISITES
- Be a minimum age of eighteen (18)
- Advanced Open Water Diver + TDI Advanced Nitrox diver or equivalent*
- Show proof of fifty (50) logged open water dives*
* Due to this course covering stage decompression diving, students taking Helitrox (or Deco Procedures) should be at least Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent qualified and preferably rescue trained.
** UE reserves the right to ascertain the candidate's equivalent experience based on the number of genuine 'open water' dives conducted in sea conditions, outside the controlled environment of inland sites. For any course leading up to stage decompression diving we require at least 10 of these dives to have been logged in the 6 months prior to the course and at least 6 dives to have been conducted in the 30 metre depth range for enrollment on Helitrox/Decompression Procedures level courses at UE.
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.
PERFORMANCE 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
- 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