Technical Diver Level 1

TECHNICAL DIVER 1

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?

Recent increased ocean exploration at greater depths has revealed a variety of hidden treasures, including deep pristine reefs, well-preserved wrecks, and valuable historical artifacts. However, venturing deeper bears inherent risks that can be mitigated with proper training, knowledge, teamwork, and gradual experience.

The GUE Tech 1 course prepares ambitious divers to begin their path to technical diving safely, with confidence, and with a base of solid skills and knowledge. This course also paves the way to GUE rebreather courses, to advanced technical GUE training, and to GUE project and exploration diving

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Technical Diver Level 1 course requires a certification at GUE Fundamentals level with technical certification requirements and a minimum of 100 experience dives.

Divers embarking on a technical path must be prepared to handle emergencies and execute dives during which they will not be able to make a direct ascent due to decompression obligations.

This type of diving requires an increased level of physical fitness, as there is more equipment to handle, and decompression stress is increased.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Course outcomes include, but are not limited to: cultivating, integrating, and expanding the essential skills required for safe technical diving; identifying and resolving problems; using the double-tank configuration and addressing the potential failure problems associated with doing so; using nitrox for acceleration and general decompression strategies; using helium to minimize narcosis; and applying single decompression stage diving with respect to decompression procedures

Applicants for a GUE Technical Diver Level 1 program must:

  • Be a minimum of 18 years of age.
  • Be physically and mentally fit.
  • Be a non-smoker.
  • Be able to swim.
  • Obtain a physician’s prior written authorization for use of prescription drugs, except for birth control, or for any medical condition that may pose a risk while diving.
  • Have earned a GUE Fundamentals - Technical certification.
  • Have a minimum of 100 logged dives beyond autonomous entry-level scuba diver.
  • For a full list of course prerequisites, click here.
The Technical Diver Level 1 course is normally conducted over six days. It requires a minimum of seven dives (including three trimix experience dives) and at least 48 hours of instruction, encompassing classroom lectures, land drills, and in-water work.

Tech 1 was a demanding class, but upon completion I felt prepared to start diving at the T1 level. Since then, I dive T1 profiles frequently and continue to work on skill development. My local community of GUE divers is active and has been very supportive. It has allowed me to continue to develop my capacity with the input of more experienced divers. Without good training that other GUE divers trust, I would not have had access to these opportunities.

Gavin C., Tech 1

It was one of the most rewarding courses I've ever taken. It was challenging and fun at the same time. I enjoyed the way we were briefed for every dive and how land drills were preparing you for the day in the water. It was really great how building on Fundamental skills we were introduced to new skills step by step, incrementally, day by day, dive by dive. I think it pays to come well prepared for the class. I think my teammate and I were ready for it and that made class to go fairly smoothly (or as smoothly as to be expected). The last day of experience dive to 51m (170ft) dive, finishing deco and getting a handshake from the instructor and fist bump from a teammate at 6m felt fantastic! Since then I've logged some Tech 1 dives with different teammates, and it feels good to know that your teammate has the same training and all the same skill set, and is always on the same page with you. We have a great GUE Technical community in Southern California and some really cool dives at the tech depth. The course was well worth the effort.

Vladimir D., Tech 1

The training was excellent, instruction was very clear and concise. Two students, one trainer and one assistant trainer - so the ratio was optimal. Practical scenarios were very challenging but fun, which made for a steep learning curve, quickly refining my diving skillset. The high quality and professionalism of the training meant the final deep trimix dives were a highly enjoyable and reasonably stress free event.

Peter M., Tech 1

Increased confidence and capacity - while the completion of the course opens the door to slightly more challenging diving, it also has an immediate impact on the recreational diving that I've been doing. Immensely satisfying course that challenged me, but also built on the skills laid out in Fundies. Most importantly, the completion of Tech 1 has taken me a step closer to my dream of diving the HMS Repulse! There is so much more diving and places to explore.

Galen M., Tech 1

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

TECHNICAL DIVER 2

Advanced underwater missions beyond 50 m/170 ft require a robust skillset, extensive experience and in-depth knowledge, as well as resilience to handle potential difficulties at greater depths.

GUE’s Technical Diver 2 course is designed to enhance deep diving proficiency while using helium breathing gases and oxygen-enriched decompression gases.

CCR FUNDAMENTALS

The GUE CCR Fundamentals course is designed to help divers make a smooth transition from open-circuit to closed-circuit diving. The course provides a structured and supportive environment where divers can develop essential skills in rebreather management, maintenance, and operational protocols.

Emphasizing safety and confidence, it challenges students to master the key aspects of rebreather diving while ensuring a solid foundation for future technical diving.
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