Let’s get serious for a moment. Time for some “grown-up talk.” If you’re already an experienced diver, used to regular dives or with a few courses under your belt, chances are you’ve heard of “technical diving” or “tec diving.”
Spotting a technical diver isn’t hard: just look at the seemingly excessive amount of gear they carry on every dive—extra tanks, multiple dive computers, and more gadgets than you can count. Basically, a dive geek.
But… what exactly is technical diving? And why do some people leave recreational diving behind to enter this more complex, demanding, and challenge-filled world? Let’s break it down in a simple and clear way.
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What is technical diving?
Technical diving (or “tec diving,” if you want to sound like a pro) is essentially the “expert level” of scuba diving. It means going beyond the limits of recreational diving in several aspects—depth, duration, and the type of environments you explore underwater.
Technical diving allows you to:
- Dive to extreme depths (well beyond 40 meters).
- Use specialized gas mixes such as trimix, heliox, or advanced nitrox.
- Carry out long, carefully planned decompression stops.
- Explore caves, wrecks, caverns, or overhead environments.
- Use advanced gear such as rebreathers, multiple tanks, or sidemount configurations.
Sounds complicated? We won’t lie—yes, it’s a bit complex. But like anything, it comes down to training and practice. What we can guarantee is that it’s an incredibly fascinating world for those who want to take their diving to the next level.
Technical vs. recreational diving
The foundation of recreational and technical diving is the same, of course. But the way they’re carried out differs significantly. Technical diving requires advanced skills, meticulous planning, and managing higher risks.
Here are some key differences (and yes, they deserve bold text):
- Depth: recreational diving is capped around 30–40 meters. Technical diving goes far beyond.
- Bottom time: technical dives can last much longer, but only with precise decompression planning.
- Equipment: recreational diving usually means one tank, a regulator, and a BCD. Technical divers add multiple tanks, rebreathers, multi-gas dive computers, and—most importantly—organization.
- Training & experience: technical diving isn’t for beginners. It requires specialized training, extensive experience, and a cool head. You’ll need to complete multiple courses to certify your skills and knowledge.
- Environment: recreational dives are done in open, accessible sites. Technical dives take you into caves, deep wrecks, or places with near-zero visibility.
In short, recreational diving is perfect for most divers. But if you love a challenge, enjoy the technical side of diving, and want to push your limits, technical diving might be your next big step.
Who can do technical diving?
The good news: almost any diver can get into technical diving—with the right time and training. You don’t need superhuman athletic skills, but you do need discipline, responsibility, and a methodical approach to training.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Be an advanced diver, with experience in deep dives and solid gear handling.
- Have completed at least a Nitrox course (and ideally a decompression diving course).
- Excellent buoyancy control—there’s no room for drifting aimlessly here.
- Specialized technical diving training. Courses like Intro to Tech, Advanced Nitrox, Decompression Procedures, Trimix, or Rebreather, depending on how far you want to go.
- Most importantly: a cool head. There’s no improvising in technical diving. It requires planning, thorough equipment checks, and strict adherence to protocols.
Where can you practice technical diving?
Now that you know what technical diving is and who can do it, let’s tackle the most important part: where to practice it. Not every dive site is suitable, but there are many around the world. And if you’re going to do technical diving, make it someplace spectacular—both underwater and on the surface. Here are some recommendations:
Nusa Penida (Indonesia)
With its strong currents, great depths, and stunning marine life (hello, mola molas), it’s a top spot to put your advanced skills into practice. Plus, DPM Diving has a school here, with instructors to guide you step by step into the technical diving world.
Gili Islands (Indonesia)
A bit calmer but with excellent visibility and plenty of depth for technical training. We also have a DPM Diving center here, where our instructors will train you with expertise (and good vibes).
Wrecks and deep diving in Mexico
Although we don’t have a center there (yet), Mexico is another top destination for technical diving. Think cenotes, caverns, and deep wrecks. Imagine diving through an endless underground cave system—the ultimate technical diver’s paradise.
And more
At DPM, we’re always expanding our horizons. It’s not uncommon for us to organize trips and expeditions where technical diving takes the spotlight. If you want to stay in the loop, follow us, drop us a message, or visit one of our schools.
You’ve got all the info. Now it’s up to you to take the leap. We can promise this: technical diving is a thrilling, addictive world. Once you step in, it’s hard to step out—you’ll just keep pushing further and further.
Nick is a Scuba Diving Instructor, and former Fire Fighter. He is a very experienced diver (he’s been diving since he was 12) and a great Instructor. He has issued more than 600 scuba diving certifications to students from every corner of the world.
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