The third part of the full PADI Tec Deep Diver program is Tec 50. As a Tec 50 diver, you show that you’ve developed competency as a tec diver and have the skills to dive to a maximum of 50 metres/165 feet. You know how to make extended, accelerated decompression stops using up to two gases. It’s not easy to reach this level and earning your Tec 50 certification opens the door to deeper diving expeditions.

To enroll in the Tec 50 course, you must:

• Be a PADI Tec 45 diver
• Have a minimum of 100 logged dives or 75 dives.
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a  Diver Medical Form signed by a physician within the last 12 months

The Tec 50 course includes two knowledge development sections, three practical application sessions and four open water dives. A primary focus of this course is mission planning and execution. You also learn more about handling emergencies and how to think like a technical diver.

You’ll use full technical equipment and you may use a technical sidemount configuration, plus two stage/decompression cylinders. Your Tec Deep Instructor may also introduce you to using trimix on the last open water dive.

Curious about the benefits of using Trimix gas, like decreased gas density and reduced narcosis? Tec 50 divers can also learn to use trimix with not less than 21 percent oxygen and not more than 40 percent helium. This course prepares the diver to move into deeper, more complex trimix diving, such as the PADI Tec Trimix 65 and PADI Tec Trimix courses. Ask your dive instructor what additional requirements you may need to complete the Tec 50 Trimix option.