This course examines the theory, methods and procedures of planned stage decompression diving. This program is designed as a stand-alone course or it may be taught in conjunction with such TDI courses as Advanced Nitrox Course, Advanced Wreck Course, or Extended Range Course. The objective of this course is to train divers how to plan and conduct a standard staged decompression dive not exceeding a maximum depth of 45 msw / 150 fsw, unless taught in conjunction with the Extended Range Course. The most common equipment requirements, gear set-up, and decompression techniques are presented. Students are permitted to utilize Enriched Air Nitrox mixes or oxygen for decompression provided the gas mix is within their current certification level.

Upon successful completion of the course, graduates may engage in decompression diving activities without direct supervision as long as the diving activities, areas of activities, and environmental conditions appoximate those of training.

Upon successful completion of the course, graduates may enrol in the TDI Advanced Nitrox Course, TDI Extended Range Course, TDI Advanced Wreck Course, and TDI Entry Level Trimix Course.

• Be a minimum age of eighteen (18)
• Have a minimum certification of SDI Advanced Diver or equivalent
• Show proof of twenty-five (25) logged open water dives.

• TDI Decompression Procedures manual
• Primary cylinder
• Decompression mix cylinder(s)
  • Cylinder volume appropriate for the planned dive & student gas consumption with submersible pressure gauge
  • Labelled in accordance with TDI standards
• Regulators
  • Primary & alternate second stage required on all primary cylinders
  • Submersible pressure gauge required on all primary cylinders
• Depth gauge and automatic bottom timer or dive computer
• Buoyancy compensator appropriate for equipment configuration
• Ascent reel with lift bag/surface marker buoy
  • Appropriate for maximum planed depth
  • Lift bag with at least 25 lbs of lift
• Exposure protection appropriate for local diving condition
• Slates/wet notes
• Jon-line and other rigging lines as dictated by site conditions
• Access to an oxygen analyzer
• Other equipment requirements may apply, check with instructor

Minimum of four dives required, can be combined with TDI Advanced Nitrox course for a minimum of 6 dives.