recreational trimix

[vlada]

Below is the letter that i lifted from scubadiving.com - just wanna know what you think.

Seems to me they are doing it in reverse compared to TDI and IANTD who would not let you close to trimix before you complete your deco procedures or whatever is IANTD's deco course

Actually it makes sense to me - i will be doing up my TDI deco couse dives in the spring - i think i am supposed to go to 150 ft in couple - i really wish i could do those on trimix, since i do get narc'ed

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Copied from the GUE membership mailing list.

As GUE continues to set the standard as the leading, cutting edge training
agency in the world, we have a new recreational diving program called
“Recreational TriOx”. (The training standards can be found @
http://www.gue.com/classroom/standards/index.shtml.) This “New for 2003”
program is an excellent recreational program geared towards divers wanting
to use TriOx in their everyday diving. The course is a no-decompression*
class structured to prepare divers for deeper recreational diving using
proper breathing mixtures and correct ascent procedures. Recreational TriOx
training focuses on amplifying the skills learned in the DIR Fundamentals
course (or other GUE Classes) and is designed to cultivate, integrate and
expand the essential skills required for safe deeper diving. This will
include problem identification and resolution, as well as other skills
required to build the capacity for progressively more challenging diving. In
this class, students will be trained in: (a) the use of single or double
back gas tanks/cylinders and in the potential failure problems associated
with each; (b) the use of Nitrox and TriOx for extended bottom times; (c)
the use of Helium to minimize narcosis, CO2, gas density and post-dive
"nitrogen stress;" and (d) correct ascent procedures. This class does not
teach people the use of a Deco/Stage bottle (Oxygen Window) to accelerate
decompression and is not a prerequisite for Tech 1, Cave 1 or our Rebreather
class. It is purely a Recreational Class.

If you have any other questions please feel free to e-mail me.

Andrew Georgitsis
GUE Training Director

[Scubaroo]

from the GUE text quoted above...
This class does not teach people the use of a Deco/Stage bottle (Oxygen Window) to accelerate decompression...So an advanced Nitrox class would still be required if you wished to offgas on EAN50 or 100% O2?

Sounds great - I'm (occasionally) doing dives to 120', and would love to be able to tool around down there with a clearer head.

But the big question is, when is Suunto bringing out a no-deco trimix computer? :out:

[Uncle Pug]

Scubaroo once bubbled...
But the big question is, when is Suunto bringing out a no-deco trimix computer? :out:
you take the class from Andrew and you won't need no stinking computer ;)

Rec triox sounds like a good deal for a lot of folks who don't want to get into technical staged decompression diving.

[joens]

I would not be surprised if in 10 or so years trimix is like nitrox is now . considering that a recreational diver could reduce narcosis to a safe level within the recreational depths .
joens

[Dryglove]

Here is a review from a student who took the class. http://www.baue.org/reports/banta_rectriox.html

[crazyc]

Thanks for posting the link, that was an excellent review of the course.

[MechDiver]

Uncle Pug once bubbled...

you take the class from Andrew and you won't need no stinking computer ;)

Rec triox sounds like a good deal for a lot of folks who don't want to get into technical staged decompression diving.

Just curious. Has anyone done a check with other agencies and dive shops to see if this course will be supported? IOW, once someone has the card, will they will able to get mix at a facility other than GUE?

Presuming of course that the facility asked for a trimix card.

Phil

[MHK]

I'm not exactly sure what the specific question and/or concern is, however that being said Andrew G and I co-wrote the recreational Triox program, with JJ and George Irvine providing their invaluable editorial perspective, so I feel very comfortable answering ANY question you have as it relates to the GUE Triox program, but it just seems that your question is very generic in nature rather then specific so if you can modify your question I'll be happy to respond privately or publicly..

Thanks for your interest...

Michael Kane

[MechDiver]

lal7176 once bubbled...
Here is a review from a student who took the class. http://www.baue.org/reports/banta_rectriox.html

Agree. Excellent writeup and review. I had thought the course was strickly NDL dives, so got that straightened out for me by the review.

Phil

[Uncle Pug]

that is a good question Phil. Certainly here in the Puget Sound area fills will be obtainable in Kent through 5th D... but I wouldn't be surprised if they were not available elsewhere around here.

We had so much difficulty getting Nitrox(!) fills here in a timely manner that we went to blending our own.

[MechDiver]

MHK once bubbled...
I'm not exactly sure what the specific question and/or concern is, however that being said Andrew G and I co-wrote the recreational Triox program, with JJ and George Irvine providing their invaluable editorial perspective, so I feel very comfortable answering ANY question you have as it relates to the GUE Triox program, but it just seems that your question is very generic in nature rather then specific so if you can modify your question I'll be happy to respond privately or publicly..

Thanks for your interest...

Michael Kane

Ahh, I'm not sure if this is directed toward my question or not Mike.

If so, I'll try to rephrase my question.

I guess bottom line is: will shops that are not familiar/aware of GUE or the triox class, give trimix fills to someone who does not have a "recognized" (read, well known) trimix card? This in no way implies anything about the course or GUE, as the course sounds pretty good, just "name recognization" more than anything.

Phil

[MechDiver]

Uncle Pug once bubbled...
that is a good question Phil. Certainly here in the Puget Sound area fills will be obtainable in Kent through 5th D... but I wouldn't be surprised if they were not available elsewhere around here.

We had so much difficulty getting Nitrox(!) fills here in a timely manner that we went to blending our own.

And argon, and mix, and...well, you already know.

I was floored by the unavailability of trimix in the PNW, at least from what I have found, only 5thD and HSD in Hoodsport have it and argon. I can see this as a real problem with a "rec" triox diver as I presume they would not have the experience/money/ability to mix their own. And with a smaller name recognition level for GUE outside of the core areas, would be a bummer to take the class and not get anyone to fill your tanks.

Phil

[MHK]

MechDiver once bubbled...


Ahh, I'm not sure if this is directed toward my question or not Mike.

If so, I'll try to rephrase my question.

I guess bottom line is: will shops that are not familiar/aware of GUE or the triox class, give trimix fills to someone who does not have a "recognized" (read, well known) trimix card? This in no way implies anything about the course or GUE, as the course sounds pretty good, just "name recognization" more than anything.

Phil

I was trying to answer a wide variety of general question in this thread, so in part I was addressing you, but in part I was adressing others. I have been teaching classes and out of town so it's somewhat difficult to answer on a specific basis all of the questions on all of the lists that I'm on when I get backed up, so I try to be generic, rather then specific.. Sorry if that wasn't clear..

As to your question about *shops* recognizing "well-known" cards I can only speak to my experiences.. It seems to me that the vast majority of shops that blend trimix are aware [ ie; "well known] to the GUE agency and thus should accept the card. That being said, I am personally VERY well aware of first hand knowledge of a few shops that are very well aware [ you can read that as I'v been commisioned by those shops to teach classes for them] of GUE but refuse to accept the GUE c-card for political purposes. I will quickly add that this is the excpetion rather then the rule, but in all fairness there are shops that have a vested interest in hoping that we fail. In fact, I have had shops and boats that have issued written e-mails to their members that erroneously have stated that GUE does NOT have insurance so therefor they should NOT allow us to teach in their shop and/or boat. TDI has issues written memorandum, that we have copies of, that specifically tells their members that they should NOT allow GUE instructors in thier shop and/or on their boat because we don't carry insurance.

I have in the past publicly disclosed that our insurance carrier is GALE SMITH & Company, their phone number is 1-800-327-2802. We have previously disclosed our entire policy on our website but that notwithstanding certain agencies have a vested interest in circulating unsubstantiated rumors that we lack coverage in an attempt to stiffle competition..

So as I am able to answer yor question, the answer is, short of an ulterior motive, our card is *well-known* and given that we are recognized worldwide I can't imagine having a problem getting fills short of someone that is fixed on seeing GUE fail..

Please let me know if that hellps..

Later

[Scubaroo]

Found this on the TDI website:

http://www.tdisdi.com/insur/CInsuranceQuestions.pdf

Basically TDI will insure any instructor with any agency, except GUE. Now there's an inventive way to stifle competition.

[Genesis]

NOT!

[MikeFerrara]

As a shop owner and the only trimix blender around here I'll except the card. However we may decide not to except cards from agencies that don't require dives though.

[nradov]

MechDiver once bubbled...
IOW, once someone has the card, will they will able to get mix at a facility other than GUE?

Presuming of course that the facility asked for a trimix card.
The card is no big deal, you are taking the class to improve your skills, not to get a card. I never had a problem getting trimix fills from the local shop even before I had the card. Conversely, a shop that is going to "card" you is not the type of business you would generally want to deal with anyway.

And before someone misses the point and jumps all over me, no, I am not encouraging people to do deep dives without proper training.

-Nick

[MikeFerrara]

nradov once bubbled...

The card is no big deal, you are taking the class to improve your skills, not to get a card. I never had a problem getting trimix fills from the local shop even before I had the card. Conversely, a shop that is going to "card" you is not the type of business you would generally want to deal with anyway.

And before someone misses the point and jumps all over me, no, I am not encouraging people to do deep dives without proper training.

-Nick

Actually I'n not comfortable doing business with a shop that doesn't keep a log or check cards.

[MechDiver]

nradov once bubbled...

The card is no big deal, you are taking the class to improve your skills, not to get a card. I never had a problem getting trimix fills from the local shop even before I had the card. Conversely, a shop that is going to "card" you is not the type of business you would generally want to deal with anyway.

And before someone misses the point and jumps all over me, no, I am not encouraging people to do deep dives without proper training.

-Nick

You missed my point entirely.

I am not planning on taking the class as I already HAVE a trimix card. And I disagree with you. The card IS important because it signifies that the training has been given and completed and shows the bearer is qualified (hopefully) to use the gas he/she is requesting. Contrary to you, I would not support a business that did not check if I had a mix card before filling my tanks.

Phil

[MechDiver]

MikeFerrara once bubbled...
As a shop owner and the only trimix blender around here I'll except the card. However we may decide not to except cards from agencies that don't require dives though.

Is there an agency that gives trimix cert without dives??? Or do you mean EAN?

Phil

[WreckWriter]

Just for the record I can tell you that GUE cards ARE widely accepted in Florida.

Tom

[joens]

[QUOTE]MechDiver once bubbled...


Is there an agency that gives trimix cert without dives??? Or do you mean EAN?

Phil [/QUOTE

well when the " rec" agencies get into trimix as they did with nitrox it is inevitable someone will come up with a course with no required dives . After all the reasons they give for not requireing dives for nitrox will be the same reasons they will give justifying not needing it for trimix .
joens

[MechDiver]

WreckWriter once bubbled...
Just for the record I can tell you that GUE cards ARE widely accepted in Florida.

Tom

As I would expect them to be Tom. I was thinking more about West Bumscrew, Montana :D

I'm sure it won't be a problem, just based on how limited trimix availability is lots of places, it would be a question I'd ask if taking the class.

Phil

[Genesis]

that will hold.

The big deal with 'mix, even at "recreational depths", is ascent control. Blow it with Nitrox and it might not be a big deal. Blow it with mix, from what I understand, and you may be getting a nice chamber ride, even if you otherwise did everything "by the book."

While I don't believe that EANx "training" consists of anything more than academics, the reality of mix is that if you don't have good buoyancy control and control of your ascent rates you're likely to bend yourself. That alone ought to mandate that actual dives be conducted, and it also ought to mandate that without that control you shouldn't be able to pass the class.

In fact, I'd go so far as to suggest that if you take the class that at least one dive should have to be made on Nitrox, with an instructor, to verify that you HAVE the ascent rate control necessary to safely use the 'Mix - BEFORE you dive it.

[WreckWriter]

MechDiver once bubbled...
As I would expect them to be Tom. I was thinking more about West Bumscrew, Montana :D

I'm sure it won't be a problem, just based on how limited trimix availability is lots of places, it would be a question I'd ask if taking the class.

Phil

You're right, the LDS in West Bumscrew only accepts PDIC cards :)

Tom

[WreckWriter]

Genesis once bubbled...
The big deal with 'mix, even at "recreational depths", is ascent control. Blow it with Nitrox and it might not be a big deal. Blow it with mix, from what I understand, and you may be getting a nice chamber ride, even if you otherwise did everything "by the book."

Karl,

Where are getting this information/theory? Sounds like a recreational agency scare tactic to me.

There's a danger of DCS from fast ascents on any gas, to my knowledge its no greater on helium mixes than on any other gas.

Tom

[MechDiver]

joens once bubbled...
well when the " rec" agencies get into joens

Ah, but they already have. The GUE course is recreational triox :eek:

As I have not been folded, spindled or multilated by a nitrox diver who did not do any cert dives, I don't let it worry me much.

Phil

[MechDiver]

WreckWriter once bubbled...


Karl,

Where are getting this information/theory? Sounds like a recreational agency scare tactic to me.

There's a danger of DCS from fast ascents on any gas, to my knowledge its no greater on helium mixes than on any other gas.

Tom

I would assume because He offgasses much faster than nitrogen? That was stressed in my class, slow "controlled" ascents were a "must do". True, more important for deeper stops I believe, but I think Genesis is correct.

Phil

[Genesis]

Where are getting this information/theory? Sounds like a recreational agency scare tactic to me.


Its a matter of perfusion....

He perfuses faster than N2 does, both in and out. This makes ascent rate control (and deep stops for those doing deco) more important than it is on Nitrogen-based gasses, because the critical tension differential before you get bubbles is likely smaller for He than it is for N2.

My understanding (and this is from doing a LOT of reading on the subject; I haven't managed to "bend" myself yet and hopefully won't!) is that He-based gasses require much more studious attention to ascent rates and deep stops than N2-based gas does.

Looking at deco schedules for both Mix and Air at depths in the 180-190' range, and also in the 100-130' range, it appears that for most recreational (e.g. "NDL" style) exposures there is no SIGNIFICANT difference - that is, you could even dive Trimix using a Nitrox computer, provided that the mix was either normoxic or hyperoxic (so the O2 percentage can be set), IF you keep ascent rates under 30ft/min.

For deeper exposures there are some exposures where the deco curve "inverts" (that is, it takes MORE time to deco on 'Mix than Air), so for planned-deco diving, particularly "spikes", you have to be even more careful, and the idea of using a non-He-based model looks VERY dangerous in those situations.

But for the "normoxic" or "hyperoxic" Trimix diver within recreational depth limits, the primary concern beyond the usual MOD and NDL concerns appears to be one of ascent rates, and from the playing around with deco planners that I have access to it appears (and I stress - this is from my playing around with dive planning software on the surface - I don't have hard facts to back this up) that you could dive Normoxic Trimix on an air table within the NDLs and be ok.

[MASS-Diver]

Interesting.

I'm planning in the future to learn to dive with He-mixes for what some people consider close to rec depths (there are several wrecks I want to dive in the 130-160' range) which is alot different from wrecks in the 300-400' range. When I began to discuss this with peope their response, these were people who knew alot about diving (DMs, instrucuctors, etc) but where not TRIMIX cert, was that I would be racking up alot more deco time at these "shallow depths" with MIX as opposed to air.

But, as I just ran through V-planner - deco time for a 130' for 30minutes with air was just about identical to that of triox (21). Now if only He itself was so darn expensive.

[MikeFerrara]

MechDiver once bubbled...


Is there an agency that gives trimix cert without dives??? Or do you mean EAN?

Phil

For the time being I am refering EAN hower someone will come up with a no-dive trimix class eventually.

Ascent rate is always critical and divers should be tought to control it and be evaluated and (if needed) receive remedial training in all classes.

An instructor can't eveluate diving skills without being in the water so a non-diving EANx (or other) card means nothing to me.

OK... there are other card that don't mean anything to me too.

[Genesis]

the LEVEL of control necessary for a He-based mix is higher than that for an N2-based mix, correct?

Is there not a difference in the level of skill that is a "safe minimum" for the two mixes?

[WreckWriter]

I'm still not buying that there's a major difference.

[MikeFerrara]

I have heard that ascent speed and holding ones stop depth is more critical with He but I don't know how much of a factor it really is though especially within the "NDL" or "minimum " decompression. It seems to me that if we give up the concept of working to minimums and teach/learn good technique at all levels there wouldn't be a big difference in skill requirements.

Someone like BRW or Dr. Deco might be able to tell us if He would actually form bubbles faster. I think there may be more to it than just how fast the gas comes out of solution. I have also heard that He bends are worse than Nitrogen bends. I havent worked up the nerve to test it though.

[MechDiver]

MikeFerrara once bubbled...
I have heard that ascent speed and holding ones stop depth is more critical with

Is that not what the RGBM tables/software is based on? When we went to RGBM table based profiles, the ascent speed from depth (>160) was 10 fpm vs 30 using VPlanner. And we held that speed through the entire deco profile.

It's my understanding He creates smaller bubbles that offgas faster and deeper, making deep slow ascents and spot on deco stops much more important than non-mix profiles. That is training issues aside.

Also very interested in Dr. Deco's comments.

Phil

[WreckWriter]

MikeFerrara once bubbled...
I have also heard that He bends are worse than Nitrogen bends. I havent worked up the nerve to test it though.

I've also heard, and seen some evidence of it, that helium hits are worse. Perhaps this is part of the reasoning behind thinking that the asdcent rate might be more critical, in that it's a heck of a lot worse of you do get bubbles.

Tom

[nradov]

I've seen a lot of bad information posted in this thread so let me see if I can clear up a few misconceptions. Certainly it is always important to do the proper ascent, but for relatively short and shallow dives the presence of whatever percentage helium makes no difference. In other words, the ascent from a dive to 80ft for 40 minutes on 30/30 trimix should look the same as with 30% nitrox. Part of the confusion here has arisen from divers looking at flawed tables and decompression programs based on the Buhlmann model. They seem to tell you that trimix requires longer and deeper deco than nitrox. But in reality the ascent profile it gives you for trimix is closer to correct, and the nitrox profile is often less deco than would be optimal for minimizing damage. Keep in mind that no profile you get straight out of a deco program will really be correct, it's just a rough starting point.

If for some reason you do end up going straight to the surface without stopping at all the helium doesn't increase the risk of getting bent, or cause worse DCS symptoms than nitrogen. This is just more nonsense spread by those who don't understand deco, and has no reliable evidence to back it up.

In summary, breathing helium does not make any aspect of diving more dangerous.

The hilarious thing is that Max Nohl was diving with helium back in the 1937, yet here it is 2003 and most divers still see it as some huge scary mystery. You can thank the dive industry for that one.

-Nick

[MechDiver]

nradov once bubbled...
I've seen a lot of bad information posted in this thread so let me see if I can clear up a few misconceptions. snip

If for some reason you do end up going straight to the surface without stopping at all the helium doesn't increase the risk of getting bent snip

In summary, breathing helium does not make any aspect of diving more dangerous.


Sorry, but everything you said in this post is contrary to everything I have been taught or read concerning trimix diving and deco. What you say "may" be accurate, but I need alot more evidence of that fact that your opinion. If you can backup your statements with fact...?

Phil

[newton]

MechDiver once bubbled...


As I would expect them to be Tom. I was thinking more about West Bumscrew, Montana :D


Hey, I live there! :) :)

In any case, getting Nitrox is a problem here, let alone mix. However, over in Montana most places have never even here of *any* dive agencies aside from the big-3 (PADI, NAUI, SSI). I suspect TDI, IANTD, and GUE cards would all be looked at with suspicion. But, the upside is there isn't any need for deep diving. The water is way too murky by the time you get that deep, so why bother when there's really not that much to see except the bottom of a lake anyway?



Nate

[MechDiver]

newton once bubbled...


Hey, I live there! :) :)

In any case, getting Nitrox is a problem here, let alone mix. However, over in Montana most places have never even here of *any* dive agencies aside from the big-3 (PADI, NAUI, SSI). I suspect TDI, IANTD, and GUE cards would all be looked at with suspicion. But, the upside is there isn't any need for deep diving. The water is way too murky by the time you get that deep, so why bother when there's really not that much to see except the bottom of a lake anyway?

Nate

Yes, but with mix you can see and remember the murk so much better :D :D

Phil

[nradov]

MechDiver once bubbled...
I need alot more evidence of that fact that your opinion
My "evidence" is that I have done the dives and know what works, and have discussed this stuff with those who have been doing it from the beginning. Other than that I have no interest in proving anything or arguing about it, but if you take the class that started this thread I'm sure the instructors will be willing to go over it in detail.

-Nick

[MechDiver]

nradov once bubbled...

My "evidence" is that I have done the dives and know what works, and have discussed this stuff with those who have been doing it from the beginning. Other than that I have no interest in proving anything or arguing about it, but if you take the class that started this thread I'm sure the instructors will be willing to go over it in detail.

-Nick

Thanks, but I think I'll just muddle along in my apparent ignorance along with the majority of the rest of the world.

Phil

[Spectre]

MechDiver once bubbled...
Yes, but with mix you can see and remember the murk so much better

Or realize that it's not all just murk :)

[newton]

Spectre once bubbled...

[i] Mix helps you see the murk better [/]
Or realize that it's not all just murk :)

:)

Except that I have been to the bottom of the more shallow lakes (60-80'), and it really is just murk. Silt, rocks, and the occasional boulder to break up the monotony. Boulders piles are Montana's version of a reef system. ;) No fish to speak of, but at least we have some bottom relief.

Now, river diving is another thing altogether. The blue-ribbon trout streams are *awesome* current dives. Shallow, clear, and you feel like you're in a pod racer from Star Wars. Plus, it's alot easier to 'sneak' up on a fish when you're doing 3-4 knots. ;)


Nate

[vnp514]

Some good info on trimix.

Pete



http://www.cisatlantic.com/trimix/trimix.html

[The Pirate]

the LEVEL of control necessary for a He-based mix is higher than that for an N2-based mix, correct?

Huh! Where in the world did you get this from? Somebody who knows someone who is a He-based mix diver? If you can walk and chew gum then you have the necessary LEVEL of control for a He-based mix. FACT (for the guy who wants everything backed up by Fact).


Is there not a difference in the level of skill that is a "safe minimum" for the two mixes?

Is there a difference in the level of skill that one needs to breath clean fresh mountain air vs. polluted city air, or fresh rose scented air vs. a smelly fart? I don't think so. Level of skill has nothing to do with what gas you put in a tank. The gas that goes in a tank should always be the proper gas for the dive, what ever the dive may be. FACT (for the guy who wants everything backed up by Fact).

The Pirate :pirate:

[Genesis]

but this is how GUE is selling it :)

[MechDiver]

The Pirate once bubbled...


If you can walk and chew gum then you have the necessary LEVEL of control for a He-based mix
The Pirate :pirate:

Too funny thar Mate!. Are you a sock puppet, or is that a pigeon on your shoulder?

[Uncle Pug]

...pay no attention to the sockpuppets...

If you use helium in your mix then you had better be able to do a slow controlled ascent and make all necessary stops.

[The Pirate]

You better be able to do a slow controlled ascent and do all necessary stops no matter what gas you are diving. The rate of ascent from depth should be no different with trimix, nitrox or regular air. If you can't control your ascent, you shouldn't be diving.

The Pirate :pirate:

[MechDiver]

The Pirate once bubbled...
You better be able to do a slow controlled ascent and do all necessary stops no matter what gas you are diving. The rate of ascent from depth should be no different with trimix, nitrox or regular air. If you can't control your ascent, you shouldn't be diving.

The Pirate :pirate:

That is not what your previous post stated or implied. Have you make up your mind yet as to what you want to say?

[The Pirate]

You are getting confused. There are no additional performance based skills needed to dive trimix, nitrox or air. There is however, additional knowledge needed to safely and effectively dive different gasses (i.e., depth limits with higher ppO2's, etc.). In fact, contrary to popular misconceived belief, helium based dive gasses are more forgiving that nitrogen rich air. Buoyancy control is still buoyancy control no matter what gas you are breathing.

The Pirate :pirate:

[Fiscus]

IANTD is training divers in use of "Normoxic Trimix for those who dive to regularly to 40-56 metres and are not comfortable using air at those dephts.". Someone got more info on that?

[MikeFerrara]

Fiscus once bubbled...
IANTD is training divers in use of "Normoxic Trimix for those who dive to regularly to 40-56 metres and are not comfortable using air at those dephts.". Someone got more info on that?

The IANTD Normoxic Trimix class envolves staged decompression and multiple gasses. It is a "tech" course with a floor of 200 ft. Since the GUE course is Triox I would assume (I haven't read anything specific) that we're talking shallower depths and no mandatory deco. Hence the term Recreational Triox. Maybe someone will come in with some specifics.

[MechDiver]

Fiscus once bubbled...
IANTD is training divers in use of "Normoxic Trimix for those who dive to regularly to 40-56 metres and are not comfortable using air at those dephts.". Someone got more info on that?

As Mike already said, the IANTD is a technical class using staged deco and large doubles, and requires prior classes or experience. Their website, www.iantd.com, has all the info on the class.

I believe, from earlier posts here, the triox class is limited to 120' and does NOT include deco.

MD

[MHK]

MikeFerrara once bubbled...


The IANTD Normoxic Trimix class envolves staged decompression and multiple gasses. It is a "tech" course with a floor of 200 ft. Since the GUE course is Triox I would assume (I haven't read anything specific) that we're talking shallower depths and no mandatory deco. Hence the term Recreational Triox. Maybe someone will come in with some specifics.

You are correct Mike. THis will be a recreational no decompression course.. We suggest a depth limit of 120' and a diver can use either single or double tank configuration..

Basically we are looking to help divers that want to continue to dive in the 80' - 120', and do so in a safer and more efficient manner, but isn't looking to go the technical route with mandatory decompression obligations and gas switches..

Hope that helps..

Later