I. INTRODUCTION
This course provides the training and experience required to be certified to competently teach air dives to 180 fsw I 55 msw that require staged decompression, utilizing nitrox mixtures or oxygen during decompression.
II. COURSE OBJECTIVES
The objective of this course is to train Instructors in the proper techniques, equipment requirements, and hazards of deep air diving to a maximum of 180 fsw / 55 msw and utilizing nitrox mixtures or oxygen for staged decompression.
Ill. QUALIFICATIONS OF GRADUATES
A. Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may teach technical diving activities utilizing custom nitrox mixtures 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
B. Upon successful completion of this course, graduates are qualified to enroll in
1. TDI Advanced Wreck Instructor Course
2. TDI Entry Level Trimix Instructor Course
IV. WHO MAY TEACH
Any active TDI Extended Range Instructor Trainer may teach the course.
V. INSTRUCTOR - INSTRUCTOR TRAINER RATIO
A. Classroom
Unlimited, so long as adequate facility, supplies and additional time are provided to insure comprehensive and complete training
B. Open water
A maximum of four Instructor candidates per active TDI Instructor Trainer are allowed. This ratio should be reduced as required due to environmental or operational constraints
VI. INSTRUCTOR CANDIDATES PRE-REQUISITES
A. Minimum age of 21
B. Minimum of 250 logged dives with a minimum of 25 extended range dives
C. Proof of 10 certified advanced nitrox level divers or Decompression Procedures
D. Certification as an Extended Range Diver, TDI Advanced Nitrox Instructor & TDI Staged Decompression Instructor (or equivalent)
E. Show proof of assisting in one complete Extended Range Diver Program
VII. REQUIRED COURSE MINIMUMS
A. Classroom I Briefing Hours - 8
B. Open water Dives -6 with a minimum accumulated bottom time of 100 minutes. All dives must be deeper than 100 fsw /30 msw with four dives deeper than 130 fsw /40 msw. (No more than 2 dives may be credited from previous training)
VIII. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
The following equipment is required for each Instructor candidate
A. Bottom Mix cylinder(s)
1. Cylinder volume appropriate for the planned dive and candidate gas consumption
2. Dual outlet valve or manifold required
3. Labeled in accordance with TDI Standards
B. Travel Mix Cylinder(s) if used
1. Cylinder volume appropriate for planned dive and student gas consumption.
2. Labeled in accordance with TDI Standards
C. Decompression Mix Cylinder(s)
1. Cylinder volume appropriate for planned dive and student consumption
2. Labeled in accordance with TDI Standards.
D. Regulator(s)
1. Primary and primary redundant required on all bottom mix cylinders
2. Submersible pressure gauges are required on all primary / bottom mix cylinders
3. A sufficient length hose for air sharing leading from the primary or primary redundant to a second stage is recommended but not required
E. Buoyancy compensator(s)
As appropriate for equipment configuration
F. Redundant depth and timing devices
Air decompression computers allowed for use as depth and
timing devices
G. Redundant light system adequate for the open water environment
H. Jon-lines and other lines as dictated by site conditions
I. Ascent reel with lift bag/surface marker buoy
1. Adequate for maximum planned depth
2. Minimum of 50 lb lift bag
J. Exposure suit adequate for the open water environment
K. Line cutting device
L. Underwater slate
IX. REQUIRED SUBJECTAREAS
The following topics must be covered during this course. Instructor Trainers must use the current TDI Standards & Procedures Instructor Manual. In addition, IT’s may use any text or materials they feel best presents these topics.
A. History of Deep Air Diving
B. Physics
1. Pressure Review
2. Formulas for solving dive planning problems, MOD, best mix, etc.
C. Physiology
1. Hypoxia
2. Oxygen toxicity
a) Whole body.
b) Central Nervous System (CNS)
3. Nitrogen narcosis
4. Nitrogen absorption and elimination
5. Carbon dioxide toxicity
6. Carbon monoxide toxicity
7. Hyperthermia
8. Hypothermia
D. Decompression Option
1. Air
2. Nitrox
3. Oxygen
E. Equipment Requirements
1. Twin tank or single cylinder options
2. Stage tank options
3. Regulator options
4. Harness / BC options
5. Computer / depth gauge / bottom timer options
6. Ascent and navigation reels
7. Lift bags for drifting or free decompression
8. Lights
9. Redundant mask and knife
10. Jon-line or Garvin clips
F. Dive Tables
1. Introduction and review of different models DCIEM, U.S.
Navy recommended
2. Introduction to computer generated tables
G. Dive Computers
1. Mix adjustable
2. 02 integrated
H. Dive Planning
1. Operational Planning
a) Support
b) Teams
2. Team Planning
a) Gas requirements
b) Oxygen limitations
c) Nitrogen limitations
3. Emergency Planning
a) Omitted decompression
b) Oxygen toxicity
c) Decompression sickness
d) General
I. Procedures
1. Bottom, Travel and Decompression Gas
a) Normal operations
b) Failure, loss or inadequate emergency procedures
c) Analyzing and logging
2. Descent
a) Methods of entry, down-lines or free descent
b) Recognizing narcosis
c) Breathing
d) Organization of equipment carried on diver
3. Ascent
a) Variable rates
b) Trim and compensation
4. Support
5. Navigation
a) From shore
b) From descent line
c) From live boat
X. REQUIRED OPEN WATER SKILLS
The following skills must be completed by the instructor during open water dives. The maximum depth of 180 fsw/ 55 msw should not be exceeded.
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 depth with actual mixes
C. Demonstrate the proper procedures for switching and isolating a malfunctioning Regulator
D. Demonstrate the proper navigational techniques for the specific dive
E. On one of the dives, demonstrate an ascent with the ascent reel and bag or a Jersey up-line and perform staged decompression
XI. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
In order to complete this course, Instructors candidates must:
A. Satisfactorily complete the TDI Extended Range Course written examination and be able to adequately explain each answer to a prospective student
B. Demonstrate mature, sound judgment concerning training, dive planning and execution
C. Complete all open water requirements safely and efficiently
D. Demonstrate proficiency in teaching the TDI Extended Range Diver Program
E. One graded presentation on an Extended Range topic
XII. SUPPORT MATERIALS
A. Instructor Registration
B. TDI Standards & Procedures Instructor Manual
Recommended text: Deep Diving: An Advanced Guide to Physiology, Procedures and Systems, Revised 2nd edition 1995 by Bret Gilliam with John Crea.