"Steve offers PADI TecRec Courses in Sidemount Only"  PADI Courses Chart - GSM Courses Chart

I have been offering PADI DSAT and later TecRec courses since 2004, in 2008 I learned to sidemount and have never looked back. It is true I loved diving with a backmouted twinset, but once tried sidemount I have yet in 3 years donned a twinset.

This is because quite simply put sidemount works in my opinion better for all forms of technical diving. The trick is knowing how to sidemount correctly and that is where I can help you. 

What course options are there..?

Tec 40 -The entry point into the technical range, it provides a transition from recreational to tech. Although the use of full tech gear (doubles and wings) is preferred, it does allow modified use of recreational gear in some situations, provided the diver has two separate regulators, with one of the first stages fitted with a long hose. The intended working limit for a diver of this grade is 40 metres/130 feet with up to 10 minutes of non-accelerated decompression while breathing up to EANx50.

Tec 45 -The diver now must wear the full ‘standardised’ tech rig, including wings and doubles, plus an additional deco cylinder. (Note that side mounted cylinders are an acceptable alternative to back mounted doubles throughout the TecRec range). The course will allow the diver to go to 45 metres/145 feet and make accelerated decompression dives using any mix of EANx or oxygen.

Tec 50 - At the end of this course the diver will have the same set of skills and knowledge as the present Tec Deep Diver. As such it represents a high level of competency for a technical diver. Although the option exists to make the last dive of the course using trimix, it is intended as an air/nitrox rating and by the end the diver can dive to a maximum of 50 metres/165 feet and make extended, accelerated decompression dives.

Tec Trimix 65 - This course opens up the advantages of trimix to the diver, and divers are qualified to make multi-stop decompression dives that employ EANx and oxygen for accelerated decompression, and any trimix with an oxygen content of 18% or more. They can dive to a maximum depth of 65 metres/210 feet.

Tec Trimix - This level is essentially the same as the existing course of this name. Therefore there is no numbered suffix after the course title — there are no limits are placed on how deep the diver can go after training, providing they build their experience gradually.

Please Note: I also offer all levels of instructor courses within the DSAT range; Tec Instructor, Tec Deep Instructor and Tec Trimix Instructor (I only teach in sidemount configuration)

What do I need to start..?

TecRec prerequisites vary (best to contact me), but the following applies to anyone interested in technical diving:

• 18 years or older
• Medically fit for tec diving (physician’s signature required)
• Willing to accept the added risks that tec diving presents
• An experienced diver with at least 100 logged dives
• Certified as a PADI Enriched Air Diver and PADI Deep Diver or equivalent (equivalencies vary please contact me for more information) 

It is best to contact me with the level your interested in and I will provide you with all information you require. For the costs of each course, please email me with your location. I do offer training all over the world, you just need to check with me when I will be close to your area and I can talk with a local dive centre and put together a course schedule for you. More details of how I operate are explained on my sidemount course training page.

What can I do once certified and what to try next..?