Advanced Nitrox Diver

TDI Certification Courses - Technical Diving

Introduction

This course examines the use of EAN21 through one hundred (100) percent oxygen for optimal mixes to a depth of forty (40) msw / one hundred thirty (130) fsw. 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.

Student Pre-Requisites

The student must:

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.
3. Only two (2) dives from Advanced Wreck course may be credited towards the total dives required.

Course Structure:

• TDI allows instructors to structure courses according to the number of students participating and their skill level.

Duration:

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

Required material:

• TDI Advanced Nitrox Student Manual.

Optional Material:

• TDI EAD/P02 Tables.
• TDI Advanced Nitrox Power Point Presentation.

Required Skill Performance 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:

Land Drills

1. Review of Nitrox Skills
2. Demonstrate correct use of oxygen analyzer including optimal procedure for calibrationm
3. Demonstrate adequate pre-dive planning
• Limits based on personal gas consumption.
• Limits based on oxygen exposures at planned depth with actual mix.
• Limits based on nitrogen absorption at planned depth with actual mix.
4. Calculate and Log CNS loading for each dive including cumulative exposure where appropriate
5. Demonstrate understanding of gas labeling.
6. Demonstrate adherence to conventions regarding prep of equipment for Oxygen service.
7. Program nitrox computer with appropriate oxygen percentage if used.
8. Properly execute the planned dive within all pre-determined limits.

Pre-dive Drills

Use START* before every dive START is S-Drill (OOA drill and Bubble Check), Team (buddy equipment checks), Air (gas matching), Route (entry/exit and planned path underwate), Tables (depth, duration, waypoints and schedule)
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 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

In order to complete this course, students must:

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.