Extended Range Diving: What You Need to Know About Advanced Exploration

Here you are, reading about extended range diving.

You are an experienced diver with a passion for exploring the deepest and most challenging corners of the ocean.

You’ve come a long way since your first dives, accumulating years of experience and an advanced certification that has allowed you to dive into beautiful underwater destinations around the world.

But you feel like something is missing.

You’re ready to take the next step. How can you advance? You wonder.

Yes, this article is for you. Definitely, extended range diving is for you.

Being an extended range diver means having the opportunity to explore underwater environments that are only accessible to those with advanced training.

From hidden caves to shipwrecks submerged at great depths, this type of diving requires special training and a focus on safety that goes beyond what conventional recreational diving offers.

If the idea of venturing into these unique spaces and challenging your limits underwater fascinates you, obtaining a certification in extended range diving is the next step for you. But how do you start in the world of technical diving? Who do you trust with your extended range training?

Take a look at the table of contents. Your next great ocean adventure awaits!

1. What is Extended Range Diving?

Extended range diving is the gateway to a level of underwater exploration that goes beyond what traditional recreational diving offers. Imagine descending to greater depths, venturing into mysterious caves, and exploring hidden shipwrecks, all with the confidence and safety provided by advanced training.

Difference Between Extended Range Diving and Recreational Diving

The term “extended range” specifically refers to the ability to go beyond the limits of recreational diving. In other words, you engage in extended range diving when you enter decompression.

In essence, we’re talking about technical diving.

It’s a step into more challenging territories where human physiology faces greater pressures and specialized techniques are crucial. To venture into these deep and complex waters, you’ll need specific certifications and additional training that will teach you everything necessary to dive safely and efficiently.

2. Why Become an Extended Range Diver?

Because you’re one of those divers who refuse to settle for the ordinary and want to explore the extraordinary.

• You Want to Explore the Unexplored: Dive into deeper shipwrecks, discover hidden underwater caves, and experience the thrill of being among the few who have seen these natural treasures.
• You Wish to Extend Your Time Underwater: With extended range diving techniques, you can enjoy longer dives, giving you more time to explore and appreciate the beauty of the underwater world.
• You Aim to Push Your Limits and Become an Expert Diver: Learn challenging new techniques, master gas management, and improve your buoyancy control by diving with rebreathers and multiple tanks. Your goal is to go further, but to do so in very prepared manner.
• Meet Like-Minded People: You can’t be the only one with this passion for diving; there must be others like you. You want to meet fellow enthusiasts of extreme diving and share experiences, forming lifelong friendships.

It seems there’s no other option; you need to take the plunge and become an extended range diver as soon as possible. But how do you get started in the world of technical diving?

3. Extended Range Diving Courses

You are currently an open-circuit recreational diver, but you want to voluntarily enter decompression diving. Well, you’ve made your choice. To enter decompression diving, you need to learn how to do it step by step. Now, you need to:

• Learn the fundamentals and procedures of decompression diving,
• Plan and execute extended range dives,
• Understand and use different special gas mixes (trimix, heliox),
• Develop skills for managing emergencies in extended range diving.

Afterward, you’ll learn to use closed-circuit systems, explore caves, and investigate wrecks at great depths.

3.1. What Extended Range Diving Courses Are Available?

There are different certifying organizations you can trust for extended range diving training. However, be aware that they might not call it exactly that. Note that all technical diving courses are essentially extended range courses. Thus, it’s not strictly about a specific course but comprehensive training programs that do not necessarily align from one agency to another.

Let’s consider three internationally recognized agencies with high safety standards:

PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors®)

Program: TecRec

The TecRec program is divided into five main areas of knowledge: Tec, Sidemount, Trimix, Rebreather (CCR), and Instructor. To compare the open-circuit programs of these agencies, we will focus on TEC and Trimix. Here are the courses:

• Discover Technical Diving: Introduces divers to the basic skills and procedures of extended range diving in a confined water environment. It can serve as a foundation for the Tec 40 Diver course.
• Tec 40 and Tec 40 Trimix: Designed for divers transitioning from recreational to extended range diving. Allows diving up to 40 meters/130 feet. You will learn about dive planning, decompression procedures, and specialized equipment.
• Tec 45 and Tec 45 Trimix: Extends the depth limit to 45 meters/150 feet. Teaches planning and executing repetitive decompression dives using a stage/decompression cylinder.
• Tec 50 and Tec 50 Trimix: Allows extended range dives up to 50 meters/165 feet. Teaches performing dives with multiple decompression stops, using two decompression gases.
• Tec Trimix Diver: Turns experienced extended range divers into extreme divers. Allows dives up to 90 meters/300 feet, using multigas trimix computers and managing up to 4 stage/decompression cylinders.
• Tec Trimix 65: Extends the depth range to 65 meters/210 feet using a helium, oxygen, and nitrogen mix (trimix).

TDI (Technical Diving International)

Program: TDI Technical Diving Program

TDI’s extended range program is also divided into five main areas of knowledge: Open Circuit, Rebreather, Service, Technical (cave and wreck diving), and Professional. TDI’s open circuit courses start with TDI Nitrox, TDI Advanced Nitrox Diver, and TDI Sidemount, but without decompression yet. These serve as a precursor to what comes next.

• TDI Decompression Procedures Diver: Prepares divers for planned decompression dives up to a maximum depth of 45 meters/150 feet. Forms the basis for all additional extended range courses.
• TDI Extended Range Diver: Teaches techniques to use compressed air as a breathing gas for dives up to 55 meters/180 feet that require staged decompression, using nitrox or oxygen mixes during decompression.
• TDI Trimix Diver: Expands depth range and reduces narcosis during deep dives by adding helium to the breathing gas. Allows planning and executing dives up to 60 meters/200 feet with appropriate helium mixes.
• TDI Advanced Trimix Diver: Advanced course for divers wishing to reach depths up to 100 meters/330 feet using hypoxic oxygen levels (less than 17%).

SSI (Scuba Schools International)

Program: Extended Range

SSI’s extended range program also consists of five main blocks of knowledge: Open Circuit, Rebreather, Extended Range Cave Diving, Extended Range Mine Diving, and Extended Range Wreck Diving.

• SSI Extended Range Foundations Diver: Enhances confidence and control in the water through confined water/pool sessions (<12 meters). Certification upon completion.
• SSI Extended Range Nitrox Diver: Introduction to decompression diving and nitrox up to 40 meters. Use of breathing gases up to 100% oxygen for decompression.
• SSI Extended Range Trimix Diver: Course for technical dives with trimix up to 45 meters. Teaches use of trimix and nitrox up to 100% oxygen for decompression. Certification upon completion.
• SSI Extended Range Sidemount Diver: Use of sidemount configuration to explore confined spaces. Techniques for using stage bottles during decompression. Certification upon completion.
• SSI Technical Extended Range Trimix: Unlimited decompression dives up to 60 meters with twinset or sidemount configuration. Certification upon completion.
• SSI Hypoxic Trimix: Use of three stage bottles and twinset system for dives up to 100 meters with hypoxic trimix. Certification upon completion.

3.2. Comparative Table of Extended Range Scuba Diving Programs PADI / TDI / SSI

The differences lie in the approach, course structure, and terminology used. This table provides an overview of the differences between PADI, TDI, and SSI in terms of approach, course structure, and terminology. Each organization has its own approach and structure for extended range diving training, allowing divers to choose the path that best suits their needs and goals.

Differences Between PADI, TDI, and SSI Extended Range Diving Programs:

3.3. Recommendations for Choosing an Agency to Become an Extended Range Diver

The choice of agency depends on your personal preferences, the availability of instructors in your area, and the specific requirements of the courses you are interested in.

Review Opinions and Testimonials

• Look for reviews and experiences from other divers who have completed extended range diving programs with different agencies.
• Consult with certified instructors from each agency to gain insider perspectives on the benefits and challenges.

Evaluate the Availability of Training Centers

• Check the availability of diving centers certified by PADI Tec, TDI, and SSI in your area or where you plan to undertake your training.
• Consider the quality and reputation of the available extended range diving training centers.

Compare Costs and Duration of Courses

• Review the total cost of programs with each agency, including course materials, necessary equipment, and certification fees.
• Consider the duration of the courses and how they fit into your availability and schedule.

Assess Advancement and Specialization Opportunities

• Explore opportunities to advance to higher levels within each agency.
• Investigate available specializations and how they align with your specific interests in extended range diving.

Now that you have an overview of extended range diving, it’s time to consider taking the next step in your diving journey. Proper preparation and training will allow you to do so responsibly and effectively.

Remember to keep learning. It is the only way to prioritize safety in such demanding environments. Extended range diving is a continually evolving field, with new techniques and equipment being developed all the time. Stay updated and continue to refine your skills to make the most of every dive.