Technical Diving at Chester Sub-Aqua Club

What is 'Technical Diving'

In its simplest form, technical diving is the use of additional equipment and techniques to allow for more challenging and adventurous diving to be undertaken safely. It covers a broad spectrum of diving activities such as 'extended range diving' and diving in 'overhead environments' such as shipwrecks and caves. Many of our members have now progressed to the point where they dive with a twin cylinder configuration (twin-set) and exclusively use Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) as a breathing gas. Additionally the use of stage cylinders and high percentages of Nitrox (50% and above) are used to aid and accelerate decompression obligations. In 2009 a number of our members are taking the additional step of training in the use of Tri-Mix, a breathing gas consisting of Helium, Nitrogen and Oxygen.

The use of this equipment and techniques requires additional training, meticulous dive planning and, most importantly, the ability to follow the plan underwater. In addition to the equipment and techniques, many members also choose to progress their training with skill development courses and workshops to improve their diving.

In order to facilitate this type of diving within the Branch, we have a ‘Nitrox Club’ allowing us to blend our own nitrox on-site. We also carry out additional training within the Branch such as the new BSAC 'Buoyancy and Trim Workshop', a Skill Development Course focusing on improving the divers buoyancy control and horizontal trim within the water. There is also a BSAC 'Wreck Appreciation' course that enables divers to safely dive wrecks and recognise and appreciate what they see.

Additionally, we have members who have received additional training from external agencies such as TDI (Technical Diving International), PSA (Professional Scuba Association) and GUE (Glocal Underwater Explorers) to further develop and enhance their skills and knowledge.

Opportunities in 2009

Diving the remains of the German warships that were scuttled at Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands, along with other wrecks in the area.
Diving the offshore wrecks off the coast of North Wales and Anglesey, including the Cartagena, Delfina and Bijou.
Locating and diving one of the three U-Boats in the Irish Sea.