This is it, time to get serious! At this stage you have now completed your IANTD Advanced Diver Certification (or equivalent), perfected both your dive skills and equipment configuration, and are now outgrowing your existing boundaries. If this really is where you're at right now then read on, if not maybe you should wait just a little longer

The earlier levels of the IANTD diver programme have been designed specifically as a "grooming stage", for the higher level courses. This is especially true with your previous course, IANTD Advanced Nitrox Diver, where you were introduced to correct technical diving practices and equipment configuration. If you took away the correct message after this course then, you will have now spent some time perfecting and tweeking your diving and equipment to be ready for the IANTD Technical Nitrox Diver Programme.

The entire purpose of this course is to enable you to push the limits yet further, training you to conduct dives safely to depths of up to 54m, using custom blend mixtures as required, right up to 100% oxygen for decompression purposes. As the levels increase so do the pre-requisites, and for this one you must already have completed at least 100 dives, be incredibly comfortable with your own equipment and have the greatest level of respect for the nature of diving you are now entering into.

In order for you to get the most out of your IANTD Technical Nitrox Diver Programme it is run on a residential basis, generally out of Oban with Phil Short, this gives you the chance to get away from any distractions and absorb yourself fully into the task in hand. It of course is an incredibly demanding course, and certainly not for everyone, but if you are already pushing the limits and are eager for adventure then you're probably ready. If you would like detail of a sample schedule please get in touch.

During the theory development portions of this programme you will find that a generous amount of self study of the IANTD Technical Encyclopaedia is invaluable. As you progress through the specific theory for this level you will have to not only listen, but fully and without exception, understand and be able to use all of the information; theories and calculations to their maximum. In the equipment workshops there is now no room for clutter and unnecessary items, at this level you must have your equipment prepared and rigged to perfection, a skill you will perfect during this course.

Of course the classroom work will be demanding, but this will pale into insignificance in comparison to the open water dive portions. Here you will complete over 280 minutes of dive time, performing a massive range of skills ranging from the normal gas shut downs, emergency drills and planning right through to deco station deployment and their use in water. As with all our technical diver programmes our world class training team will be with you throughout your training, always on hand to discuss and offer advice on every aspect of your programme.

Ok you've got the facts, but now only you can decide if you really are ready, and have put in the hours, to move up to the next level I