Open circuit technical diving is an advanced form of scuba diving that pushes the boundaries of underwater exploration. It is a specialized discipline that allows divers to venture into greater depths and more challenging environments, offering unique experiences and opportunities for underwater discovery. Unlike recreational open circuit diving, which focuses on leisurely exploration within recreational limits, technical diving requires specialized training, equipment, and procedures to ensure safety and success.

Differences from Recreational Open Circuit Diving:

1. Depth and Time: Technical diving extends beyond the recreational depth limits of 40 meters (130 feet). Divers can descend to much greater depths, sometimes reaching 100 meters (330 feet) or more. These depths require careful planning and the use of specialized gas mixtures to manage decompression.

2. Gas Mixtures: Technical divers employ various gas mixtures, including nitrox, trimix, and heliox, to optimize breathing at different depths. These mixtures allow for extended bottom times and reduced risks associated with decompression sickness. The use of these gases necessitates additional training and understanding of gas management principles.

3. Equipment Configuration: Technical divers use different equipment configurations to enhance safety and functionality. Common setups include double tanks, manifold systems, and sidemount harnesses, allowing for redundancy and extended gas reserves. Additional equipment, such as stage cylinders for decompression gases, is also used to support longer and deeper dives.

4. Decompression Procedures: Technical diving involves more complex decompression profiles due to the increased depth and time spent underwater. Divers must carefully plan and execute decompression stops at predetermined depths to off-gas the accumulated nitrogen safely. The use of multiple gas mixtures during decompression is common to minimize the risk of oxygen toxicity and optimize the elimination of inert gases.

Types of Open Circuit Technical Diving:

1. Deep Diving: As the name suggests, this type of technical diving focuses on exploring greater depths, usually beyond 40 meters (130 feet). Deep diving often requires the use of trimix or heliox gas blends to manage narcosis and oxygen toxicity risks.

2. Wreck Diving: Technical divers are drawn to wrecks that lie deeper than the recreational diving limits. These dives involve penetration into the structure of the wreck, which demands specialized training and equipment to navigate confined spaces safely.

3. Cave Diving: Cave diving is an extreme form of technical diving that requires specialized training and equipment. Exploring submerged cave systems offers divers a unique and challenging experience. It demands exceptional buoyancy control, line laying skills, and knowledge of complex navigation techniques.

4. Mixed Gas Exploration: This type of technical diving involves utilizing different gas mixtures for various depths during a single dive. It allows divers to maximize bottom time while minimizing decompression obligations. This technique is commonly employed in deep dives, allowing for extended exploration of underwater environments.

Open circuit technical diving offers intrepid explorers the opportunity to discover hidden wonders in the depths of the ocean. However, it is crucial to emphasize that technical diving carries inherent risks, and proper training and experience are paramount.

For more information on the wide range of Open Circuit (OC), Closed Circuit Rebreather (CCR), Semi-Closed Rebreather (SCR) and Instructor Training courses available from Tekdeep Asia, please do not hesitate to contact us.