As a technical diving instructor, I get asked many times how people can prepare for their technical diving classes. Certainly there are skills that one could practice. However, there are certain things that people really need to think about prior to signing up for that technical diving course. Below is a quick list of a few topics that I tell people. I give two lists, one for in-water skills and the other more mental skills.

In Water Skills

1. Buoyancy, Trim, and General Comfort – These need to be instinctive such that divers do not need to think about them.
2. Awareness of Surroundings – This is critical in technical diving as we need to rely on our team more than in recreational diving.
3. Position in the Water Column – When on deco, students need to be able to hold their position in the water so that they can see their teammates. They should not have to swim around to keep their position. Divers need to be very comfortable in the water.

Mental Skills

The most important thing people can do to prepare for a technical diving class is to prepare their mind.

1. Open Your Mind – You have to come to class prepared to learn and ask questions. Instructors do not like it when students don’t ask the “Why” type questions. Limit the “internet” learning you do, unless it comes from your instructor.
2. Stay Awake – A good technical diving class will consist of long days. Stay awake during lectures and certainly don’t fall asleep underwater. Drink plenty of water and eat your three meals a day to keep your body fueled.
3. Be Prepared to Hear No – Many times people have bad days and may not meet the performance requirements for the course. Technical diving students need to realize that they may need more time to truly master technical diving skills before getting their tech c-cards.

What is on your list?

Dive Safe,
Duane
Precision Diving