Diver training
What is Technical Diving?
A common definition for tech diving is a dive, throughout which multiple breathing gas mixes are used. The breathing mixes may be enriched air (nitrox) or a mix of oxygen, nitrogen and helium (trimix). The ascent or decompression phase of the dive is often shortened by using nitrox and / or pure oxygen. These dives are different compared to recreational dives as most them require decompression. This means that an ascent to surface in an emergency situation is not possible without significantly increasing the risk of decompression sickness.
Why should I seek tech dive training?
The skills learned on a technical diving course will of course be required if and when you choose to advance to the next levels of technical diving. However, the skills learned will also make recreational dives safer and more fun! Mastering buoyancy, different propulsion methods and dive planning as well as applying a team work perspective are essential to all technical diving, but will also enhance your recreational diving.
How should I prepare for a tech diving course?
Before attending a course, it is a good idea to train basic skills. Your buoyancy should be at a level where you are able to hover 50 cm off the bottom without silting. Your equipment should be rigged so that you are able to reach your valves. It is also a good idea to make sure your drysuit fits and doesn't leak.
The equipment requirements for most courses is a twinset with two first stages, one of which is equipped with a low pressure hose no shorter than 150 cm (preferably 210 cm). A harnessed backplate and a wing will be used with the twinset. If needed, deco tanks and regulators as well as spools and surface markers are available for rent for the course dives.
The course fee includes instruction, work book(s) and the certification fee. Travel costs, breathing gases etc. will create additional costs. If needed, the course fee can be tailored to include all these costs.
In order to pass the course and be certified, the student needs to learn the skills and knowledge base, both of which will be evaluated through the course dives as well as a written theory exam. The courses will emphasize the diver's personal skills, skills as a buddy and skills as a team member. The most important tool for a good technical diver is his / her brain.
The course is paid for but the certification is earned!
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I teach the following IANTD courses:
Basic EANx Diver (1 day)
During the course, the student will be taught the use of oxygen enriched air as a breathing gas on no-decompression dives.
Advanced Nitrox Diver (2.5 days)
The course consists of one confined water training session and four open water course dives, two of which will be made to a depth of about 30 metres. Skills emphasized during the course are dive planning, buoyancy control, propulsion techniques, decompression cylinder handling, spool and surface marker operation and working as a team member. Breathing gases during the courses will be nitrox (EAN21-EAN36) for bottom gas and decompression (EAN50 or O2, max PPO2 1.5). After certification, the student has the skills to safely dive to 40 metres using one decompression gas.
Advanced Recreational Trimix Diver (2.5 days)
The course follows the Advanced Nitrox course outline with the exception of the bottom gas, which on at least two of the open water training dives will contain helium. After certification, the student has the skills to safely dive to 45 metres using one decompression gas.
Normoxic Trimix Diver (5 days)
This is the first of the IANTD technical diver courses. The theory framework is more extensive than on the previous courses and contains the gas physiology of all gases used as well as the most common decompression models. After certification, the student has the skills to safely dive to 60 metres using a maximum of two decompression gas.
Cavern Diver (2.5 days)
During the cavern diver course, all dives are made in an overhead environment with daylight in direct sight. Skills emphasized during the course are dive planning, buoyancy control, propulsion techniques and reel handling. The course contains a confined water training session and four cavern training dives. A common site for the cavern course is the Kaatiala Quarry in Kuortane.
Intro to Cave (2.5 days)
This is the first real cave diving course, where most of the essential cave diving skills are trained. The dives are limited to 1/6 gas rule. There will also not be any decompression diving. All dives are done on the main line, no jumps or restrictions are negotiated. The course consists of 4 - 6 dives.
Mine Diver (2.5 days)
The course is intended for experienced tech divers wanting to dive safely in mines. Routine diving twinsets and a good buoyancy control are essential. The essential cave diving techniques are trained. Dives are done partly on the mainline, but jumps and short restrictions such as doorways are negotiated. The course consists of 4 - 6 dives.
Technical Cave Diver (6 days)
The course is intended for experienced technical divers wanting to extend their diving to overhead environments. The course schedule is tight and includes 12 dives, on which all skills and techniques for safe cave diving are trained. The theory lessons and open water training dives can be done in Finland beforehand so that only cave dives remain on the course part done in Lot county in France.
Cave DPV (2 days)
The course is intended for trained and experienced cave divers, who want to extend their dives with the use of a dpv. The course consists of at least four dives, on which skills such as correct riding posture and technique as well as towing and gas sharing emergencies are trained. In addition to these, dpv construction, maintenance and handling are parts of the course.
Multistage (2 days)
The course is intended for trained and experienced cave divers, who want to extend their dives with the use multiple bottom gas stage cylinders. The course consists of at least four dives, on which handling and management of at least two stages is trained.
OW DPV (2 days)
The course consists of at least four dives, on which skills such as correct riding posture and technique as well as towing and gas sharing emergencies are trained. In addition to these, dpv construction, maintenance and handling are parts of the course.
OW Sidemount (2 days)
The open water sidemount course is intended for divers wanting to try a sidemount rig and tanks as well as rebreather divers, who want to sidemount their bailout stage cylinders. Sidemounting can also be used at dive spots where no twinsets are available. Instead of a twinset, sidemounted single cylinders can be used.
