Handling a scuba diving compressor made easy with the TDI Course

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech recently completed the TDI Compressor Operator course for Paul Herygers during a one day hands on session in our blending room on Koh Tao.

The TDI Compressor Operator course which was written and authored by Big Blue Tech was approved for the teaching of divers the safe operation, handling, maintenance and theory of divers air quality compressors.

The course included filtration packing and changing, oil and air flow system checks, safety inspections, using air bank systems to increase output and filling oxygen clean air with both standard and din filling adapters.

The oxygen clean air is done using a double filter system to preserve oxygen clean ratings on cylinders used for high concentration of oxygen.

After completing the 3 required hours of filling time Paul had successfully graduated from the course and is now eligible to continue on to his TDI Gas Blender course next week.

Today Big Blue Tech conducted the first TDI Compressor Operator Course ever. This course was attended by Ash Dunn, Andy Cavell and Mark Slinn and conducted on Koh Tao island in the south east of Thailand. Big Blue Tech authored and submitted this course as a custom written certification and received authorization from TDI HQ to start teaching. We have been told that TDI plan to develop their own Compressor Operator course based on our outline.

The TDI Compressor Operator course is designed to introduce the safe operation and handling of scuba diving compressors and air bank systems. The students learned the proper checks, safety and hazards, minor maintenance and operation of 2 different compressors including the combination of a large air bank system. On our next Khao Sok expedition later this month they will also be operating a portable petrol powered compressor in the jungle.

Big Blue own over 10 compressors around thailand, on Koh Tao alone we have 2 Coltri Sub MCH16’s, 2 Bauer Mariner 1, 2 Bauer 250, 1 LW 450 and 1 Bauer Junior (for cave and remote diving). In Khao Lak we have 2 Bauer Mariner 250 and 1 Coltri Sub MCH16, which gives our students a lot different compressors to practice with and become familiar.

After our time in the shop and on the boat we filled all the twin sets and air systems in the shop giving the students ample time to practice and learn using a compressor un-aided. The students will later evolve their diving skills with future TDI Nitrox Gas blender and TDI Advanced Gas blender courses.

The certification earned will give the students the recognized ticket to operate scuba diving compressors in government controlled diving areas.

For those TDI instructors interested in teaching this course, feel free to contact us for authorization to teach this distinctive specialty course.