Introduction

This program is designed to develop the skills & knowledge necessary for an individual to lead certified Technical divers in the open water environment.
 
Qualifications of Graduates

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates may:
1. Assist an active TDI instructor during approved diving courses provided the activities are similar to the graduate’s prior training.
2. Supervise and conduct dives for certified Technical divers provided the activities are similar to the graduate’s prior training.
3. This program does not cover overhead environment with the exception of Advanced Wreck.

Who May Teach

Any active TDI Instructor may teach this program to the level they are qualified. For example: A TDI Decompression Procedures Instructor can qualify a student up to the level of TDI Technical DiveMaster for Decompression Procedures.

Student-Instructor Ratio

A. Academic- (classroom-like conditions)
Unlimited, so long as adequate facility, supplies and time are provided to insure comprehensive and complete training.
B. Open Water – Four students per active instructor

Student Prerequisites

A. Must be 18 years old
B. Candidates must be certified as a Sport Diver DiveMaster
C. Must hold Current CPR and First Aid certification
D. Have a current medical examination
E. Minimum 50 logged dives
F. Hold the Technical Diver Rating which they are applying for DiveMaster in. For example: A TDI Advanced Nitrox Diver, who is also a DiveMaster, may receive a Technical DiveMaster rating up to Advanced Nitrox.

Course Duration

A minimum of 10 hours for this course.

Required Equipment

The minimum equipment requirements for training by an Instructor, Assistant Instructor, DiveMaster and student is as follows:
A. Mask & Fins
B. Buoyancy compensator with low-pressure power inflator
C. Regulator with submersible pressure gauge*
D. Alternate air source
E. Weight system and/or weights
F. Personal dive computer
G. Exposure suit adequate for the training conditions
H. Compressed gas cylinder
I. Compass
J. Knife & Rescue signal
K. Flag (unless in a pool)
L. Extra Equipment associated with the particular technical diving activity they are part taking in.

* Students wearing air integrated hose-less computers are not required to carry a submersible pressure gauge.

A dive flag is required on all training dives unless otherwise specified by local laws or regulations.

Divemaster Performance Requirements

A. Must give a minimum of 2 briefs/debriefs
B. Show preparation, planning, and control in dive management and technical diving activities

Open Water Requirements
A. Three open water dives.
B. Training dives must not exceed the divers current experience.
C. Upon successful completion of the dives – students must complete their logbooks and the instructor must sign off on the completed dives.

Students must demonstrate all the skills required in the previous courses at Divemaster quality in leadership level equipment. Skills include:
· Diving equipment assembly and disassembly
· Equipment inspection
· Entries and exits
· Proper weighting and buoyancy control
· Regulator recovery
· Controlled descents and ascents
· Underwater swimming
· Buddy system techniques
· Weight /ballast system removal and replacement
· Scuba system removal and replacement
· Out-of-air emergency alternatives
· Equipment care and maintenance

Required Subjects

SDI standards and procedures

A. History of SDI

B. Products & Procedures
1. How to place an order
2. Yearly renewals

C. Liability & Insurance
1. Risk Management
2. Waivers & Releases
A wavier must be filled out for every course taken.
3. Filling out an Accident Report

Knowledge Development

A. Equipment
B. Physics of diving
C. Medical problems related to diving
D. Use of dive computers and tables
E. Diving environment
F. Technical Dive planning and dive management control
G. Underwater and surface communications
H. Diver assistance
I. Recommended safe diving practices
J. Boat diving procedures
K. Shore/Beach diving procedures
L. Accident management

Leadership Development

A. Planning group Technical dives
B. Divemaster check lists and logs

Graduation Requirements

In order to complete this course, students must:
A. Satisfactorily complete the TDI written examination according to the course they are applying for DiveMaster in.
B. Complete all water requirements.
C. Demonstrate mature and sound judgement concerning dive planning and execution.

TDI Support Material

TDI student record folder
TDI User Manuals
TDI Instructor Guides