Technical diver training begins on Koh Tao

Koh Tao, Thailand – Today Big Blue Tech starts a tec course for Magnus Baer who comes from season and has been travelling for the past 4 months on a round the world trip.

Magnus has been to Koh Tao before working on the Island as a diving instructor so this would be a familiar setting for him t o learn more challenging diving.

Magnus’ tech diving course will include the ‘Intro To Tech’ , ‘Advanced Nitrox’ , ‘Decompression Procedures’ and ‘Extended Range’ modules from TDI (Technical Diving International) which is the leading and most recognized technical diving certification agency in the world. TDI’s motto of ‘We lead, Others Follow’ is indicative of their and our style of technical diving.

While Magnus joined us for specifically TDI training it was the small touches provided by Big Blue Tech which made the difference. The equipment provided for use during the course is staggering and top of the line.

Magnus was issued the following equipment today for use for the duration of his course.
-    Boots, OMS Slipstream Fins, 3mm Wetsuit
-    OMS 60lbs Double Bladder Wing with Aluminium Back plate and Comfort Harness
-    Oms Thigh Pocket, 2 lift bags, OMS Cavern Reel, Finger Reel
-    Titanium Knife, Wrist Slate, Primary and Secondary Torch
-    Backup and Primary Mask
-    Uwatec Bottom Timer and Depth Gauge
-    Suunto Vytec Ds, Compass
-    Apeks XTX 20 back gas regulators
-    Scubapro decompression regulators
-    Personal O2 tank, personal twinset, personal lean mix tank and hardware
-    OMS deco clip hardware and rigging

This is the standard equipment issued to all our students and fun divers. The choice to use this equipment has been based on years to testing other types to fail.

In addition to equipment, Magnus was taken through a refresher of his dive theory including basic physics and physiology to help bring him up to speed with the coming theoretic knowledge needed to succeed on this course.

At lunch Magnus was also taken out by James, Ash and Andy from the team for his 800m swim test which was completed under the required time of 10 minutes.

Tomorrow would be the start of the shallow water skills with his Intro to Tech course which focuses on buoyancy, trim and water control, which is a required foundation for all future technical diving.

Today Big Blue Tech and divers under instruction for their TDI Extended Range course leave Koh Tao island for the main land for 5 days of deep technical diving in Khao Sok National Park. In Khao Sok National Park resides a sunken village and buddhist temple which has become a popular attraction for technical divers since it’s discovery by Big Blue Tech in February of 2009.

This expedition takes 6 technical divers half way across thailand for true remote diving.

Today consisted of boosting o2, servicing regulators, emergency planning and loading of massive pile of technical diving equipment needed for such diving which is enough. One diver alone will be equiped with the following.

3 torches, 2 reels, 2 lift bags, 1 o2 at 200 bar, 1 nitrox and 1 twin set. Double bladder wing, spare mask, cutting tools, gloves and pockets.

With 6 of us diving and 1 for surface cover you can imagine the day has been very hot and sweaty while sorting out the logistics. However, on the up side all the work and planning gives these divers a unique experience unlike any other.

During this time there will be no news. We will be back in contact on the 24th of September.

Deep down you want the best, so that’s why we spared no expense in stocking top of the line equipment. For details about our CCR Units please contact us, Rebreathers are only rented for courses.

For The Student

During your course you will use Apeks XTX series regulators, double bladder wings and a soft harness for the perfect fit. These are provided to you as part of your course and we don’t charge extra for equipment.

For The Diver

We are fully stocked to rent everything from deco regs to reels, from spare masks to lift bags, twin sets to o2 bail outs. All these things can be rented at your leisure and can be arranged whenever you like. We simply ask that if you break something, you fix it.

Computers

We primarily use Suunto Vytecs with 3 gas modes for our diving. They’re inexpensive, reliable and perfect for our diving. We have access to VR3 computer for those doing their Trimix course and CCR Courses.

Suppliers

At this time we only use OMS, Halcyon and Apeks gear for rental, sales and service.