This is the entry point into the UTD technical diving program and a prerequisite to further technical training. The class is conducted entirely in doubles and a drysuit and you will gain skills in using these vital tools. No matter whether or not you chose to further your technical training, this course will sharpen your skills as a diver making you more comfortable, confident and enabling you to focus on having FUN!
UTD’s Essentials of Tech class continues the students’ path as a “Thinking Diver” and brings an increased awareness of the underwater environment. Although this class prepares the diver for more advanced, technical dive training, the Essentials of Tech student will also develop excellent diving skills for use in all diving situations.
Prerequisites
Minimum 18 years of age
UTD Rec 2 or equivalent
Minimum of 50 dives beyond open water certification. 25 of which must be non-training dives
Course limits
Maximum depth is 60’/18m
Standard gas is Nitrox 32
No stage decompression
Who this class is designed for?
Many divers find all the adventure they need in recreational dives to 100' or less, but perhaps you feel that you're missing out on something. Perhaps you linger at the top of the wall, looking down into the inky abyss? Does the idea of penetrating a wreck, with only your lights and a guideline to lead you give you good goose bumps? Do you think you'll never be happy unless you're flying past a pinnacle at 200' on a scooter? Perhaps you've seen technical divers and wondered what it was that they're up to? Technical diving is about having fun, just like any other pastime. However, like anything worth doing, it requires perseverance and hard work. This class is designed for the diver eager to learn some basic technical diving skills which can help improve their recreational diving ability or want to begin building a strong foundation to start pursuing the challenge of technical diving.
Why Take this Class?
Maybe you want to learn something new (like the UTD configuration) or you want to improve your safety by learning to do horizontal air sharing drills. Regardless of your motivation, in this class you will be introduced to the technical diver's toolbox. You will learn to hover motionless, move forward and backward, turn around without disturbing the environment. You will learn to share gas with your teammate in a reasonable and efficient manner. You will learn to ascend, making appropriate stops, you will also learn to deploy a surface marker to alert boats overhead or provide a reference for drifting. In the classroom, technical divers need to know which gas to choose and why, also how to properly plan a dive including decompression techniques. In other words, how to ensure that everyone has a great time and gets home safely! Essentials of Tech isn't about showcasing the latest equipment, or rushing you into the next class. It's about working to develop skills that will improve your dive, and thus propel you into a world of exploration. If this sounds a bit more than you had envisioned, or you are unsure about your preparation, please feel free to contact us, or see our Recreational Essentials class. More information can be found on UTD's website HERE.
Cost: $450
Includes: One 4-hour classroom session, two 3-hour pool sessions, unlimited open water evaluation dives for 1 year, and certification card
Does NOT include: Rental equipment, UTD membership, or materials