PADI TecRec couses overview

PADI Tec Basics

Tec Basics is a foundational skills course designed for divers who want to develop technical‑level

control, precision, and awareness,before committing to full decompression or depth‑based technical training.

This course focuses on core technical diving skills, equipment configuration, and disciplined in‑water

behavior. It is ideal for divers who want to refine their fundamentals and build a solid platform for future technical courses such as Tec 40, Tec 45, and Tec 50.

 

What Is Tec Basics?

Tec Basics is not about depth or decompression. It is about how you dive. The course concentrates on:

  • Stable buoyancy and trim
  • Efficient propulsion techniques
  • Team positioning and communication
  • Equipment configuration and streamlining
  • Task management and situational awareness

These skills form the backbone of all technical diving and are often the limiting factor, not depth or gas.

 

Course Focus

During Tec Basics, you will work on:

  • Precise buoyancy control in a horizontal position
  • Trim and balance with technical equipment
  • Propulsion techniques suitable for confined and overhead environments
  • Team awareness and communication
  • Basic problem‑solving under task load
  • Equipment setup and configuration principles

The emphasis is on control, consistency, and repeatability.

 

Who Is Tec Basics For?

Tec Basics is ideal for:

  • Divers considering PADI Tec 40 or other technical training
  • Divers who want to improve fundamental skills before progressing
  • Divers who feel limited by buoyancy, trim, or task loading
  • Divers who want to adopt a technical diving mindset without immediately adding decompression or depth

It is equally valuable for experienced recreational divers and early technical divers who want to refine their foundation.


Why Take Tec Basics before Tec 40?

Many divers enter technical training with adequate experience but insufficient control.

Tec Basics allows you to:

  • Build confidence in technical equipment
  • Develop stable in‑water behavior before adding decompression
  • Identify and correct habits early
  • Enter Tec 40 better prepared and less stressed

This often results in more effective training, better performance, and a smoother progression through the

TecRec pathway.

 

Course Outcome

After completing Tec Basics, you will:

  • Dive with greater control and awareness
  • Understand how technical equipment affects trim and buoyancy
  • Communicate more effectively as part of a team
  • Be better prepared for formal technical training

Tec Basics is not a shortcut, it is a smart investment in long‑term diving competence.

 

Questions? Click here

PADI Tec 40 

The PADI Tec 40 course is the first formal step into technical diving for experienced recreational
divers who want to move beyond no-decompression limits and learn how to plan
and execute controlled decompression dives using technical equipment.

 

Tec40 introduces the mindset, procedures, and discipline required for technical diving, with a strong
emphasis on planning, precision, and safety. The course focuses on building a
solid foundation that prepares divers for more advanced technical training.

 

What you will learn   

  • During the PADI Tec 40 course, you will learn to:
  • Dive with technical equipment, including a twinset or sidemount configuration and a stage tank
  • Plan and execute decompression dives to a maximum depth of 40 meters
  • Apply gas management strategies and safe gas switching procedures
  • Use decompression planning software to create and evaluate dive plans
  • Manage task loading and stress in a controlled and methodical way

The course emphasizes understanding and decision making rather than simply following procedures.

You will learn to:

  • Dive with additional equipment such as a twinset and stage tank.
  • Plan and execute decompression dives to a maximum depth of 40 meters.
  • Apply gas management strategies and decompression theory.
  • Use decompression planning software.
  • Maintain precise buoyancy, trim, and team awareness in a technical configuration.

The course also serves as the foundation for PADI Tec 45 and Tec 50, ensuring you are properly prepared for deeper and more complex dives.

Questions? Click here

PADI Tec 45 (option with Trimix)

PADI Tec 45 is the next major step in your technical diving development. Building directly on the skills and discipline from Tec 40, this course takes you deeper into the world of staged decompression diving and introduces you to accelerated decompression using up to 100% oxygen.

 

Tec 45 is where divers begin to operate with greater autonomy, increased task loading, and more complex dive planning. The focus is on confidence, precision, and controlled
execution at depths down to 45 meters. 

There is an option for divers to earn a Tec 45 Trimix Diver certification

 

What You Will Learn:

During the Tec 45 course, you will develop the ability to:

  • Plan and execute single‑stage decompression dives to a maximum depth of 45
    meters
  • Use one decompression gas (up to 100% O₂) for accelerated
    decompression
  • Perform complex gas switches safely and efficiently
  • Apply advanced gas management strategies
  • Handle equipment failures, stress, and problem‑solving under realistic task load
  • Maintain stable trim, buoyancy, and propulsion in a full technical configuration
  • Conduct detailed pre‑dive planning, including contingency and emergency procedures

The course builds your capability to think, plan, and act like a technical diver, not just follow a checklist.

The goal is to develop a diver who is self‑sufficient within a team, capable of handling real‑world technical diving challenges.

Questions? Click here

PADI Tec 50 / Tec 50 Trimix

PADI Tec 50 is the final step in the core TecRec pathway sequence (Tec 40 → Tec 45 → Tec 50)
and represents your transition into full technical diving. Building on the
skills and discipline developed in Tec 40 and Tec 45, this course trains you to
plan and execute extended decompression dives using multiple gases, advanced
planning strategies, and a high level of personal control.

Tec 50 expands
your capabilities to depths of 50 meters, introduces multi‑gas decompression,
and develops the mindset required to manage complex dives with confidence and
precision.

 

What You Will Learn:

During the Tec 50 course, you will learn to:

  • Plan and execute extended decompression dives to a
    maximum depth of 50 meters
  • Use two decompression gases for staged and
    accelerated decompression
  • Perform multiple gas switches safely and
    efficiently under realistic task load
  • Apply advanced gas management, contingency
    planning, and decompression strategies
  • Handle equipment failures, stress, and problem‑solving
    at depth
  • Maintain stable trim, buoyancy, and propulsion in a
    full technical configuration
  • Conduct detailed pre‑dive planning, including
    backup plans and emergency procedures

Tec 50 is where
you learn to think, plan, and act like a fully capable technical diver.

Trimix Option
(Tec 50 Trimix)

For divers who
want to reduce narcosis and increase clarity at depth, Tec 50 can be taken with
a Trimix option.

The Trimix
version includes:

  • Use of Helium‑based breathing gases to reduce
    narcosis
  • Planning and executing decompression dives with normoxic
    Trimix
  • Understanding helium’s impact on gas density,
    decompression, and thermal considerations
  • Additional focus on gas selection, END limits, and
    contingency planning

This option is
ideal for divers preparing for deeper technical training or who want a more
controlled experience at 50 meters.

What Tec 50
Prepares You For:

Completing Tec
50 properly gives you the foundation for:

  • Deeper Trimix diving
  • Multi‑stage, multi‑gas technical profiles
  • Advanced technical expeditions
  • CCR technical pathways

Tec 50 is the point where divers transition from
“training for technical diving” to being technical divers.

Questions? Click here

PADI Tec DPV Distinctive Specialty

PADI Tec DPV
Distinctive Specialty

Developed and authored
by Kim Henriksen, officially approved by PADI

 

The PADI Tec DPV
Distinctive Specialty is a high‑level training program
designed for divers who want to use Diver Propulsion Vehicles in a technical,
disciplined, and mission‑oriented way. Unlike recreational DPV courses,
this program focuses on precision, control, team procedures, and system
integration, the skills required for DPV use in technical environments.

 

Developed by Kim Henriksen, technical diving instructor and course designer, this specialty is officially approved by PADI and fills the long‑standing gap between
recreational DPV training and the real operational demands of technical diving.

 

What This Course Covers

The Tec DPV Distinctive Specialty teaches you to operate a DPV as a technical tool, not a toy. You will learn to:

 

  • Configure a DPV for technical diving
  • Integrate the DPV into your existing equipment and procedures
  • Maintain stable trim, buoyancy, and propulsion while under power
  • Execute controlled ascents, descents, and stops with a DPV
  • Perform team‑based DPV procedures, positioning, and communication
  • Conduct gas checks, time checks, and navigation while managing the DPV
  • Handle failures, towing scenarios, and emergency procedures
  • Plan DPV dives using range, gas, and contingency calculations
  • The focus is on control, consistency, and operational discipline.

Why This Course Exists:

Recreational DPV courses do not prepare divers for the demands of technical diving.

 

Technical divers need:

•       Precise control at depth

•       Stable positioning during decompression

•       Reliable team procedures

•       Failure‑handling skills

•       Range and gas planning specific to DPV use

 

This course was created to provide exactly that, a structured, standards‑based DPV program for technical divers, written by an instructor who actively teaches and dives in
technical environments.

 

Who This Course Is For?

This specialty is ideal for:

•       Technical divers who want to integrate DPVs into their diving

•       Divers preparing for long‑range or high‑task‑load dives

•       Divers who want a disciplined, structured approach to DPV use

•       Anyone who wants to move beyond “fun scooter rides” and into real DPV operations

 

It is also an excellent preparation for advanced DPV use in caves, deep environments, or expedition‑style dives..

Questions? Click here

PADI Tec 40 CCR

The Tec 40 CCR Diver course is your entry point into the world of technical rebreather diving. This is where the transition from recreational CCR to true technical discipline begins. You’ll learn the mindset, structure, and operational discipline required of a technical diver while gaining hands‑on experience with Type T CCRs.

The future of deep technical diving belongs to closed‑circuit systems, and Tec 40 CCR is where that journey starts. The course builds a solid foundation in equipment setup, pre‑dive checks, dive planning, and failure management, preparing you for deeper and more complex CCR training.

 

What You Will Learn:

 

  • Proper CCR setup, configuration, and pre‑dive safety checks
  • Loop control, setpoint strategies, and oxygen exposure management
  • Planning and executing limited decompression dives using air diluent
  • Recognizing and managing failures: hypoxia, hyperoxia, hypercapnia, electronics issues, and loop integrity problems
  • Open‑circuit bailout procedures and controlled ascent strategies
  • Teamwork, communication, and situational awareness in CCR diving
Typical training range:
  • Max depth: 40 m
  • Limited decompression

Focus on:

  • buoyancy and loop stability
  • disciplined procedures
  • controlled bailout execution
  • building the habits of a technical diver
Questions? Click here

PADI Tec 60 CCR

Tec 60 CCR Diver is the second major step in the PADI TecRec closed‑circuit rebreather pathway. This level takes you from entry‑level technical CCR diving into true deep, normoxic trimix operations. By completing Tec 60 CCR, you extend your CCR diving capability to 60 metres, gain the ability to conduct multiple decompression stops, and learn to dive using trimix or heliox as a diluent.

This is where CCR diving becomes serious technical exploration. You refine the discipline introduced at Tec 40 CCR and learn to manage complex life‑support problems, advanced bailout strategies, and deep‑water decision‑making. If you’re committed to becoming a capable, confident tec CCR diver, Tec 60 CCR is your next step.

 

What students learn:

  • Use of normoxic trimix or heliox diluent for deeper CCR profiles
  • Planning and executing full decompression dives to 60 m
  • Managing multiple decompression stops with precision
  • Advanced bailout sequencing and emergency ascent strategies
  • Handling life‑support failures at depth:
  • electronics and sensor issues
  • loop integrity problems
  • gas delivery failures
  • Work‑of‑breathing considerations, thermal load, and deep‑water stress management
  • Team protocols for deep CCR operations

Typical training range:

  • Max depth: 60 m
  • Full decompression procedures

Emphasis on:

  • deep bailout execution
  • stable loop control under high task load
  • advanced problem‑solving
  • disciplined ascent management

Questions? Click here

Prerequisites to enroll the Tec Basics course, you must meet these qualifications:

  • PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and PADI Rescue Diver recommended
  • PADI Enriched Air Diver
  • 15 years old


Prerequisites to enroll the Tec40 course, you must meet these qualifications:

•        PADI Advanced Open Water Diver with PADI Rescue Diver recommended

•        PADI Enriched Air Diver

•        PADI Deep Diver or proof of 10 dives to 30 metres/100 feet or deeper

•        30 logged dives

•        18 years old

Prerequisites to enroll the Tec45 course, you must meet these qualifications:

• PADI Tec 40 Diver

• PADI Rescue Diver*

• 10 dives deeper than 30 metres/100 feet

• 50 logged dives

• 18 years old

* If meeting this with a qualifying certification, provide proof of CPR/First Aid training within previous two years

Prerequisites to enroll the Tec50 course, you must meet these qualifications:

• PADI Tec 45 Diver

• PADI Rescue Diver*

• 100 logged dives or 75 hours

• 18 years old

* If meeting this with a qualifying certification, provide proof of CPR/First Aid training within previous two years.

You also need to have a Diver Medical Form signed by a physician within the last 12 months.


To qualify for the Tec Diver Propulsion Vehicle DPV Diver course, an individual must:

 

Student Diver Prerequisites

•        Certified as PADI Tec 40 or higher or have a qualifying certification from another training organization.

•        Be at least 18 years old.

•        Minimum 25 logged dives, including 5 technical dives.

•        Medical clearance: Fit to dive

•        Diver Medical Form signed by a physician within the last 12 months.

 

Instructor Prerequisites

•        PADI OWSI or higher, with Tec 40 instructor or higher.

•        Recreational DPV instructor

•        Diver Specialty Instructor

•        Diver Medical Form signed by a physician within the last 12 months.

Prerequisites to enroll PADI Tec40 CCR Diver course, you must meet these qualifications:

 

  • Be a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
  • Be a PADI Enriched Air Diver
  • Be a PADI Deep Diver or show proof of 10 dives to 30 metres/100 feet
  • Have a minimum of 30 logged dives, with at least 10 dives using EANx deeper than 18 metres/60 feet
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Before Training Dive 5, be certified as a PADI Rescue Diver
  • Before certification, have at least 50 logged dives
  •  a Diver Medical Form signed by a physician within the last 12 months. 

Note: that qualifying certifications from other diver training organizations may apply. 

 

 

Prerequisites to enroll PADI Tec60 CCR Diver course, you must meet these qualifications:

 

  • Be a Tec 40 CCR Diver on the specific Type T CCR used in training
  • Have 150 logged dives, including:
  • 25 dives and 50 hours on the same Type T CCR using an off‑board bailout system following Tec 40 CCR principles
  • 10 CCR dives deeper than 30 m
  • Meet any manufacturer‑specific requirements
  • a Diver Medical Form signed by a physician within the last 12 months. 

Note: Equivalent certifications from other agencies may be accepted with instructor approval.

 

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