Open Circuit
TECHNICAL DIVING
Many divers incorporate simple advanced diving techniques such as using twin cylinders and surface marker buoys into their every day dives. True technical diving could be defined as going deeper or staying longer than recreational limits. For these techniques we choose to offer TDI certification. Courses cover from basic Nitrox to Advanced Trimix. We not only specialise in Technical dive training but we also offer a full range of technical dive gear for purchase. We are recognised as leaders in our field.
Nitrox is a term most divers have heard of. Nitrox does not allow you to go deeper for longer, rather it is best in the shallower depth of less than 40m. There are some dangers for nitrox divers if they are not aware of the hazards. It is important to get good training and advice first. Locally, nitrox will allow you to double your bottom time on the wrecks of the Lastingham and Rangitoto in Queen Charlotte Sounds.
Advanced Nitrox, up to 100% oxygen, can be used on many of our wrecks at the much shallower depths. Of course 100% oxygen must not be used below 6m. This is a clever way to reduce your decompression liability, by speeding up nitrogen off-gassing. For deeper wrecks we need to know how to safely plan for the decompression required.
The Decompression Procedures course provides this information and training. By combining these planning techniques and using Advanced Nitrox to decompress with, you can safely enjoy hours on the wreck of the Russian cruise liner - Mikhail Lermontov in Port Gore.
To achieve the maximum benefit while diving with an air bottom gas, the Extended Range course is a must. This training can be conducted to a maximum depth of 55m, incorporating all you have learnt so far. We would use twin cylinders on the back and at least two deco/travel gas cylinders slung off the diver. This training makes diving the USS President Coolidge wrecked in Vanuatu, a real technical divers dream.
If you want to go deeper then you need to get rid of some of the nitrogen. Narcosis is a problem from 30m onwards. The Advanced Trimix course uses a back gas of oxygen/helium/nitrogen mix. This training course has a maximum depth of 100m. This qualification would be acceptable for a dive on the Hippalos 63m, Port Kembla 97m and the Niagara 120m.
If you become a passionate deep deep wreck diver, you may decide that a rebreather is the way to go. This is a trimix capable machine that will prove cost effective when overseas in such locations as Truk Lagoon or the Solomons. Apart from the USS Aaron Ward 70m, there are many deeper exciting wrecks in Iron Bottom Sound. Our Classic KISS mCCR is the ultimate in rebreather diving simplicity.
SHEARWATER COMPUTER FEATURES
We are now dealers for the impressive Shearwater computer. This is an ideal partner for either open circuit using air, nitrox or trimix - or for our KISS Closed circuit rebreathers. The Shearwater has many features described below:
• Depth, time and oxygen sensor display
• Buhlmann ZHL-16C algorithm with gradient factors for conservatism
• Choice of imperial and metric displays
• Two set points, each of which can be set between .4 and 1.5
• A menu system that adapts to diving status
• Automatic turn off after 30 minutes on the surface
• Depth sensor is rated to 450 feet
• Any combination of oxygen, nitrogen, and helium
• Open and closed circuit, switchable during a dive
• 5 CC and 5 OC gases
• Gases can be changed and added during a dive
• Tracks sensor readings to give CNS & deco status
• No lockout
• Automatic setpoint switching (configurable)
• Battery life of over 100 hours of diving or 1 year of standby
Call us on 04 233-8238 or call and you can see one.
| Mana 04 233 8238 |
| 9 Marina View |
| nzsa@scubadiving.co.nz |
