Three months of renovation reveal new facilities for technical divers.

Koh Tao, Thailand - What started as a 2 week project in November of 2009 developed into many months of painting, building, digging and drilling to build a dedicated technical diving facility which would host all the comforts and necessities for all our diving activities and staff.

One of the major problems experienced in November of 2009 was a lack of space for all our equipment and divers which came from an increase in popularity and reputation. As the major of the work was completed while we were closed during the monsoon season in November it was the small touches that took a long time.

These small touches including the continuous flow trimix system, private bathroom with shower, out door patio and facilities to accommodate 10 fully kitted technical divers along with class rooms space, wifi internet, fridge and surround stereo to create the perfect atmosphere for our way of doing things.

With the signs finally hung on the outside of the doors and the landscaping completed today we could finally put our feet up and enjoy the end of the extension of the “tech shack” Next month begins the expansion of the administration offices which don’t effect our divers and the re-opening of our 25 room accomodation facility which received a face lift recently including new beds and surfaces.

Technical Divers arrive on shore in Khao Lak after 4 days diving in the Similan National Park

Khao Lak, Thailand - Big Blue Tech arrived this afternoon in Khao Lak peir after a 4 day technical diving liveaboard in the similan and surin islands aboard their luxury liveaboard the Mv Pawara.

Over the 4 days expedition leader and senior technical instructor James Thornton-Allan delivered a TDI Compressor Operator, TDI Gas Blender and TDI Extended Range course to students Emily Billingham, Andy Cavell, Mark Slinn and Matt Payne. These course we taught using the on board continuos flow nitrox system installed by Big Blue Tech in November and during dives on the different sites.

The course went smoothly and everyone passed with the exception of Matt Payne who was unable to complete his training dives due to an allergic reaction but he will complete them later on Koh Tao along with his TDI Divemaster Course next month.

During the dives in the similans it was easy to see why it’s so attrractive to dives with clear blue water and white sand, large rocks to swim around and diverse marine life. With dives around 50m the diversity was even greater and the technical divers saw different life then the recreational divers showing a clear option for deeper diving.

While the majority of the diving was around boulders and coral there was a trip to a shipwreck and some deep drift hangs to spice things up a bit.

In general the liveaboard is perfectly suited for technical divers with amble space for technical diving gear. The dive deck is low and easy to get in and out of the water. Additionally the continuous flow and oxygen fills were easily accesible and accurate with operation.

Returning tpo khao Lak for one night and some well deserved rest and then on to Krabi for some Cave Diving.

Big Blue Tech and Big Blue Diving Khao Lak joined forces recently for the installation of a continuous flow nitrox blending system on our new liveaboard the Mv Pawara which will be providing liveaboard trips to the similan islands.

This combined effort was done to create a vessel that could support technical diving for the upcoming season.

Big Blue Khao Lak is the only technical diving facility in Khao Lak offering technical and cave diving course through the instruction of Big Blue Tech. All our training and diving will be done from our new vessel so it had to be installed correctly.

The blending system was organized by Samui Easytek and shipped to the area for installation. The existing ventillation system on the massive liveaboard had to be replaced along with compressor oil replacement from mineral oil to synthetic.

The installation took two days and was tested with 0.1% accuracy. (no leaks)

The install comes just in time as the first trip leaves the shore in just a few days.

In addition to the install, Big Blue Khao Lak is also opening a second shop to support it’s additional 2 speed boats which will be taking people daily to local dive sites.

As a side note, the larger more robust divers of Khao Lak are celebrating the opening of McDonalds directly across the street from the Big Blue Khao Lak office.

Big Blue Tech will be in Khao Sok National from October 23rd to October 28th conducting technical diving, cavern diving and exploring new areas for yet another underwater village. This expedition will be combined with a TDI Extended Range and TDI Cavern Course.

In addition, Big Blue Tech will be on the new liveaboard vessel from October 27th to 29th installing a new continuous flow nitrox system.

During this time email and news might not be as forthcoming as expected. We apologize for any interuption in service.

Yesterday Big Blue Tech certified 3 TDI Gas Blenders following a challenging 2 days of practical work and hands on compressor and blending use.

The students, Glen, Rich and Andy learned the following:

Theoretical:
Partial Pressure Blending
Top Up Blending
Bleed Down Top up with different banked mixed
Continuous Flow Blending
Oxygen use and hazards
Compressor design and basic operation
High pressure systems (banks, filling stations)
Rules of compression (high to low , hot and cold)
Working with PSI and BAR.

Practical:
Compressor use (Electric and Petrol powered)
Filter chemicals and their use
Compressor operation (maintenance and checks)
DIN and INT filling whips and valve use
Cylinder Visual Inspection Methods
Twin Cylinder with manifold cleaning and assembly
Partial pressure blending
Continuous flow blending
Oxygen Handling

The course started early on day one with theory and academics covering the various formulas and calculations needed to work in any nitrox facility. After a lunch break we moved into how a compressor works using both electrical and gas powered systems with ample time running each unit independently. The day was finished with home work and a introduction into nitrox filling use and visual inspection.

The final day was a round robin of events. With three students we broke the activities into several parts where one would do the exam, another servicing a cylinder and finally someone filling nitrox.

The majority of the 6 cylinders each had to fill were done with continuous flow making 23,27,32,36,38 percent mixes and finally a 60 percent mix that required partial pressure filling using pure oxygen. Each student had to perform these fills independently including turning on the compressor and oxygen.

The partial pressure part proved difficult with a inaccurate guage but the students got it within 1% which is the standard for the course.

All 3 students walked out confident they had actually learned something useful and not just another item for the CV. The students were awarded the TDI Nitrox Gas Blender certification.

On June 1st we will be conducting our signature Gas Blender - Compressor Operator course.

Certification: DSAT Gas Blender / PADI Distinctive Compressor Operator

The course will cover the following.

- Compressor Use
- Compressor Operation
- Air Filling Methods
- Oxygen Cleaning
- Continuous Flow Blending
- Partial Pressure Blending
- Cylinder Visual Inspection
- Oxygen Handling

This is a 3 day course where you will operate a compressor for a total of 6 hours (3 air and 3 nitrox). This is a crucial element missing from the course as many learn the theory but don’t get enough hands on experience. At Big Blue Tech we fill that gap with our in house gas compressing station.

Manual and certification included. Contact us for course price and availability.

Today we completed yet another DSAT Gas Blender course taking 2 new and lucky gas blenders from never touched a compressor to being very comfortable with all pressure gas toys we have.

The course included

- Manifolded Filling Station

- Partial Pressure, Continuos Flow filling systems

- 2 types of compressors (Bauer and Coltri) Use

- Air filter packing, oil changing and compressor trouble shooting

- Oxygen handling, oxygen cleaning

- Cylinder visual inspection process

- and of course theory and final exam.

Both Donna and Mickey did really well, we won’t mention this to him, but if you look at one of the pictures you can see mickey conrolling the flow to the panel with the calibration dial.. oops

Today is our weekly wreck diving trip where we take the thrill seekers and depth hunters away from the normal coral and fish environment and take them on the Unicorn Wreck located off the coast of Koh Tao.

The unicorn wreck was reported as sank by a hurricane but if you look into the story you’ll find that’s not the case exactly and more of an insurance scam. Either way what matters is that it did sink and that we know where it is.

Days like this however can be challenging and much like all aspects of diving has hazards. Thankfully we have access to the Mv Trident crewed by responsible staff who take every measure to ensure safety and comfort for their divers.

Today we have a diver called Jeurgen who hails from Germany and has done most of his training in Europe, thankfully that means he won’t be too bothered about the possible bad visibility, it’s still 30 degree water

The day runs like most trips, food, dives and drinks returning to land in the afternoon.

While that happens the technical crew quietly waits for the new continuous flow nitrox panel. We’ve cleaned the room, changed the oil in the compressor, got the oxygen but no panel… can’t rely on Thai post as much as British i suppose.