Tech Diving is not only a new trend in the diving scene, it actually makes a lot of sense for just about any diver. Here’s why.
For a long time, I’ve always wondered about how PADI and the likes are certifying divers who are absolutely not ready to explore an area of the world which is not man’s natural habitat. Also, some of the behavior these dive schools teach are deeply invasive to the environment. Open Water Divers are usually in an upright position whenever something comes up, and like to rest their fins on the reef or other fragile natural organisms. With some of their gear dangling around like a fully loaded Christmas tree, the risk of destroying something or getting stuck is pretty high.
But the main reason for going pro is safety: In a typical OWD course, you really just know the basics of staying within a very limited bubble. As soon as things are a bit off-nominal, hell breaks loose, and things become dangerous. Tech diving teaches you more insights into risks and how to avoid them. The redundant approach makes diving safer. And knowing that I can solve any problem right there, underwater, makes me calmer and less prone to panic.
The 5 main reasons to take tech training
1. Tech diving practices are safer. You’ll learn procedures much more advanced than in OWD, and how to deal with critical situations (like no-air situations in deep water).
2. Tech equipment is redundant and safer. Using – at least partially – some more professional equipment makes diving safer. Tekkies like to dive with a harness, double tanks, double first stages, double masks, and double light. It is very unlikely that a scenario throws you off into a panic.
3. The interplay between tech equipment and safe tech practices has important synergies. Tech diving is so efficient because of BOTH the safer practices and the equipment, and how they link into each other. A long hose helps you save a distressed buddy, and mask drill lets you know exactly what to do in case you don’t find the lost mask anymore – you know where the second one is. It’s like pilot training.
4. Knowledge makes you feel more secure. The feeling of knowing exactly what to do in each situation, and the certainty that you can deal with anything underwater makes your mind calmer and less likely to panic. Almost like a trained airplane pilot.
5. You just look better. Tech equipment is sleeker, has better materials and lets you look less like a Christmas tree. You’ll look the part, and people will notice!
So take the chance and go pro – you’ll not regret it.
