Prerequisites (General Summary)

• Minimum age: Typically 18 years old

• Required certifications:

  • Nitrox Diver (basic nitrox)

  • Some shops may require Rescue Diver or equivalent water skills

• Experience:

  • Minimum logged dives (varies but typically 25 dives or more)

Course Structure

Academics

Covers technical-level gas planning, oxygen exposure management, equipment configuration, and decompression theory.

In-Water Training

• Minimum of 4 dives (training dives)

• Depth range commonly to 130 ft / 40 m (within no-decompression or limited deco depending on course combination)

• Use of high-oxygen mixtures up to 100%

• Often paired with Decompression Procedures, but can be taken independently

Key Skills & Topics (Summary)

1. Oxygen Exposure Management

• CNS and OTU tracking

• Managing multiple oxygen-rich gases

• Maximum Operating Depth (MOD) planning

2. Gas Planning & Decompression Concepts

• Calculating EAD, MOD, PO₂

• Gas switches and decompression strategies

• Safety protocols for accelerated decompression

3. Equipment Configuration

• Redundant gear setups

• Proper rigging for stage/deco bottles

• Valve management and emergency procedures

4. Dive Skills

• Precise buoyancy and trim

• Gas switch procedures (with verification protocols)

• Problem-solving, bailout, and emergency ascent drills

Certification Limits

Once certified, divers are qualified to:

• Use EANx mixes from 40% to 100% oxygen

• Conduct dives using oxygen-rich decompression gases

• Perform dives within training limits (varies depending on combination with Decompression Procedures)

• Participate in further technical courses such as Decompression Procedures, Trimix, or Extended Range