INTRODUCTION

This course provides training and experience to competently conduct advanced wreck dives. This program includes penetration skills and techniques. Depths shall not exceed the level in which the diver is trained and competent, but in no case shall the maximum depth in this program exceed 180 fsw/55 msw.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The objective of this course is to train divers in the proper techniques, equipment requirements and hazards of wreck diving.
 
QUALIFICATIONS OF GRADUATES

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may engage in wreck diving activities without direct supervision so long as:
1. The diving activities approximate those of training
2. The area of activities approximate those of training
3. Environmental conditions approximate those of training

WHO MAY TEACH

Any active TDI Advanced Wreck Diving Instructor may teach this course.

STUDENT - INSTRUCTOR RATIO

A. Classroom and Field Exercises
Unlimited, so long as adequate facility, supplies and additional time are provided to insure comprehensive and complete training.

B. Open water
A maximum of 4 (four) students per TDI Instructor are allowed. The ratio should be reduced as required due to environmental or operational constraints.

STUDENT PRE-REQUISITES

1. Minimum age 18

2. Certified as an SDI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent

3. Provide proof of a minimum of 50 logged dives

4. Be certified as TDI Basic Wreck or Cavern Diver or equivalent

REQUIRED COURSE MINIMUMS

A. Classroom / Briefing Hours - 8
B. Open water Dives 4 penetration / overhead dives with an accumulated bottom time of 100 minutes.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

The following equipment is required for each student

A. Primary Cylinder(s)
1. Cylinder volume appropriate for the planned dive and student gas consumption rate
2. Dual valve, double manifold or independent doubles
3. Labeled in accordance with TDI Standards

B. Travel or Decompression Cylinders as required by site conditions.

C. Regulators
1. Primary and primary redundant required on all primary breathing cylinders
2. Submersible pressure gauges are required on all primary cylinder(s)
3. A contingency use long hose second stage should be designated and appropriately rigged to facilitate air sharing at depth if necessary

D. Buoyancy Compensator(s) adequate for the open water environment

E. Back-up Depth and Timing Devices
Air decompression computers allowed for use as depth and timing devices

F. Light Systems
1. Primary
2. Back-up

G. Ascent reel with lift bag/surface marker buoy or up-line
1. Adequate for the planned maximum depth
2. Minimum of 25 lb. lift

H. Exposure suit adequate for the open water environment

I. Line Cutting Device (2)

J. Underwater Slate

K. Reels
1. Primary penetration reel
2. Safety reel

L. Options that the instructor may require
1. Submersible dive tables
2. Bail-out cylinder with regulator
3. Jon-line
4. Slate, compass, surface signaling device (flare, strobe, etc.)

REQUIRED SUBJECT AREAS

The following topic must be covered during this course. Instructors may use any text or materials that they feel best presents these topics.
A. Equipment Considerations
1. Redundant scuba
2. Lights
3. Reels
4. Tools

B. Procedures
1. Pre-dive
2. Pre-penetration
3. Penetration
4. Exiting the wreck

C. Hazards of Wreck Diving and Overhead Environments
1. Disorientation
2. Reduced visibility
3. Entrapment
4. Entanglement
5. Environmental
6. Loss of gas supply
7. Line traps
8. Separated buddy teams

D. Penetration Lines
1. Types
2. Proper use

E. Research and Locating
1. Local regulations
2. Sources of information
3. Tools
4. Surveying

F. Contingency Planning
1. Chamber locations
2. Communications
3. Emergency gases

REQUIRED LAND DRILLS

The following land drills must be covered during this course
A. Guideline Use
B. Guideline Following
C. Emergency Procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS

The student must complete the following skills during wreck dives. All dives should be conducted with a maximum depth no deeper than the least certified students capabilities.

A. Properly analyze all gas mixtures to be used

B. Demonstrate adequate pre-dive planning
1. Limits based on personal and team gas consumption
2. Limits based on oxygen exposures at planned depths for
actual mixes
3. Limits based on nitrogen absorption at planned depths for actual mixes

C. Properly execute the planned dive within all pre-determined limits

D. Demonstrate the proper navigational techniques for the specific dive

E. Demonstrate out of air sharing with long hose through a restriction
F. Demonstrate the proper procedures for switching and isolating a
malfunctioning regulator (This exercise shall not be conducted deeper than 130 fsw /40 msw)

G. Demonstrate the proper techniques for locating a lost penetration line

H. Deployment of lift bag or up line for decompression

I. Silt-out procedures (if applicable)

J. Follow line with eyes closed

K. Follow line while sharing air

L. Follow line with eyes closed while air sharing

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

In order to complete this course, students must
A. Complete all field exercise and open water requirements safely and efficiently
B. Demonstrate mature, sound judgment concerning dive planning and execution

SUPPORT MATERIALS

TDI Student Record Folder