I have been actively teaching the DSAT range of course since the summer of 2003. I believe them to be rewarding and challenging steps into technical diving. They provide divers who are already familiar with the PADI training materials and schedules a well structured course that allows students time to master each stage before continuing on to the next and it gives divers from other training agencies an introduction to the professional levels of training materials and instruction available through this growing and in high demand technical training agency.

DSAT - Diving Science and Technology DSAT is the technical training branch of PADI and although a newcomer to technical diver training in 2001 the materials for the courses follow PADI's excellence and they provide some of the best technical training materials on the market. The course structures are very regimental and require the utmost concentration and dedication. The perfect advancement for those with existing recreational and professional level education.

DSAT Tec Deep Diver

During the Course: You will complete 12 training dives including the use of twin manifold tanks, back-plate and harness and wing system with stage tanks, 8 practical applications, 6 knowledge development sessions and 2 exams. Pre-study of the DSAT Tec Deep Training Manual is essential. (Manual can be posted at time of booking).

Student Prerequisites:
• Minimum age: 18 years old
• Advanced Open Water Diver (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• PADI Rescue Diver (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• PADI Enriched Air Nitrox Diver (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• PADI Deep Diver (or qualifying certification from another organization)
• Have a minimum of 100 logged dives of which 20 must be enriched air dives, 25 dives must be deeper than 18 metres/60 feet and at least 15 dives must be deeper than 30 metres/100 feet

The Course Covers: (but is not limited to) Technical risks and responsibilities, technical equipment rigging, gas planning, team diving, technical pre-dive checks, specific tech diving hand signals, gas shut down drills, gas switching, long hose gas sharing, lift bag deployment, removal and replacement of deco cylinders, equipment and gas failure procedures, handling technical diver emergencies and rescue drills, oxygen management, decompression computer software, executing decompression stops and dives.

End Results: After successful completion of the DSAT Tec Deep Diver course you'll be able to conduct gas-switch extended no-decompression dives, decompression dives and accelerated decompression dives using air and enriched air to a depth of 50 metres/165 feet. You'll also understand the hazards and risks involved in technical diving, as well as how to prepare for and handle reasonable foreseeable technical diving emergencies.

DSAT Tec Trimix Diver

Beyond the realms of deep air diving we introduce trimix - a gas blend consisting of oxygen, helium and nitrogen, for those wishing to explore deeper into technical diving. The DSAT Tec Trimix Course is designed for individuals already certified and experienced in technical deep decompression diving with air and enriched air nitrox. The course is designed to extend your depth range capabilities utilizing trimix to a max depth of 75m.

Student Prerequisites:
• Minimum age: 18 years old
• Certified as a PADI Rescue Diver or have a qualifying certification in diver rescue and accident management from another organization *. Students who meet this through a qualifying non-PADI certification need to provide proof of CPR and first aid training within the previous two years.
• Certified as a DSAT Tec Deep Diver or have a qualifying certification in deep decompression diving using air/enriched air from another organization *. Students who qualify through a qualifying certification other than DSAT Tec Deep Diver must read the entire DSAT Tec Deep Diver Manual and complete the Knowledge Reviews prior to beginning the Tec Trimix Diver course.

Considerations: We will only accept students for this program after pre-assessment of their current technical diving certification and capabilities. Pre-study of the DSAT Tec Trimix Training manual is essential.

DSAT Tec Gas Blender

More people are diving with enriched air and this means the demand for enriched air fills is also increasing. However, there needs to be someone qualified to administer these fills to meet this demand. This is where the DSAT Gas Blender course comes in. It can result in one of two certifications: DSAT Gas Blender or DSAT Trimix Blender. Being a gas blender has significant advantages to your technical diving at any level, it gives you the confidence and understanding of the mixes you require to execute your dives.

Student Prerequisites:
• Minimum age: 18 years old
• PADI Enriched Air Diver certification (or qualifying certification from another organization)

End Results: The DSAT Gas Blender course will train you as a qualified gas blender, allowing you to provide gas mixes to appropriately certified consumers. You'll learn the physical properties of oxygen, its associated hazards, handling requirements and what cleaning equipment is necessary. Finally, you will learn the five methods of obtaining the desired enriched air nitrox mix and the various methods used to obtain proper helium mixes. We have a full Nitrox & Trimix Gas Blending Station onsite, servicing and preparation bay and executive air conditioned classrooms to compliment your training.

Considerations: You must hold an appropriate Trimix Diver Certification before becoming certified as a DSAT Trimix Blender. To update your certification will take an additional half day.