TDI Advanced Nitrox Course
Take the next step toward technical diving by mastering advanced gas management
TDI Advanced Nitrox Diver Certification in Nanaimo
Expand your gas options, build precision, and take the first real step into technical diving.
The TDI Advanced Nitrox Diver course is the bridge between recreational nitrox and true technical diving. This program qualifies you to use EAN 21 through 100 percent oxygen within your current certification limits to a maximum depth of 40 metres or 130 feet, provided the dive does not require staged decompression. It is often taken alongside TDI Decompression Procedures and is considered the foundation of advanced diving.
Training with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters prepares you in the demanding cold-water conditions of British Columbia, where proper buoyancy, equipment configuration, and gas planning matter on every dive. These skills transfer seamlessly to any environment worldwide.
Who this Advanced Nitrox training is designed for
The TDI Advanced Nitrox course is designed for certified divers who want to:
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- Use nitrox mixtures with more than 40 percent oxygen
- Extend bottom time within safe no-decompression limits
- Strengthen foundational skills for future technical diving
- Improve buoyancy, trim, and gas planning with higher-oxygen mixes
Minimum age for participation is 18, or 15 with parental consent. Students must already hold a SDI Nitrox certification (or equivalent) and have at least 25 logged dives before starting the course.
How we run the Advanced Nitrox course in Nanaimo
We offer this training throughout the year and often pair it with TDI Decompression Procedures. Course structure includes eLearning, classroom workshops, equipment configuration sessions, and open water dives.
A typical schedule includes:
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- TDI eLearning completed before class
- Classroom sessions on physics, physiology, and oxygen exposure limits
- Gear configuration for advanced nitrox use, including stage cylinders
- Open water dives to practice precision buoyancy, gas switches, and team skills
This blended approach gives you the understanding and control required for safe dives using elevated oxygen mixes.
Skills you’ll build in Advanced Nitrox training
The course has three main phases:
#1. Knowledge development
You will complete TDI eLearning and instructor-led workshops covering:
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- Physics and physiology of oxygen-rich mixtures above 40 percent
- Gas planning, MOD calculations, dive tables, and computers
- Oxygen service ratings, equipment considerations, and cleaning standards
- Cylinder labeling, handling, and analyzing gas mixtures
- How Advanced Nitrox connects to decompression and rebreather pathways
#2. Equipment and land-based skills
You will work with your instructor to learn:
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- Stage cylinder setup and attachment methods
- Proper weighting and streamlining for technical-style dives
- Gas switch procedures and verification steps
- Regulator shutdown drills and managing a controlled free flow
- Stress recognition and pre-dive problem solving
#3. Open-water training dives
You will complete training dives that emphasize:
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- Superior buoyancy control and the ability to hover precisely
- Maintaining horizontal trim while performing skills
- Executing gas switches safely and accurately
- Team awareness and clear communication
- Sharing gas as both donor and recipient while holding position
- Controlled ascents with stable safety stops
These dives prepare you for the discipline and precision required in higher-level TDI training.
The gear you’ll use in your Advanced Nitrox course
You will use your personal scuba equipment plus additional items required for technical-style training. This may include:
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- Stage or deco cylinders for gas-switch practice
- Regulators suitable for high-oxygen mixes
- Harness, BCD, and exposure protection suitable for cold-water training
- Dive computer capable of nitrox and multi-gas planning
- Accessories such as slates, cutting tools, and backup lights
If you need gear, rentals are available for most components except personal accessories.
Cold-water training, warm-water confidence
British Columbia is an ideal place to train for Advanced Nitrox. Our deeper walls, colder temperatures, and higher gas demands make planning and execution essential. Once you can manage buoyancy, gas switches, and emergency procedures here, diving in warmer and easier environments becomes second nature.
Your TDI Advanced Nitrox certification is recognized globally and is a cornerstone for future training such as:
What’s included
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- TDI Advanced Nitrox eLearning
- Classroom and equipment workshops
- All required open water training dives
- Gas analysis training and MOD planning
- Small class sizes for focused coaching
Student perks: Course participants receive discounts on equipment purchases, including regulators, computers, and accessories used in technical diving. You’re also welcome to join our local club dives.
Coming from out of town?
If you’ve already begun your Advanced Nitrox training elsewhere, we can complete your certification through a multi-agency referral. Many divers travel to Nanaimo specifically for cold-water technical training because our sites offer excellent depth, structure, and conditions for skill development. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate visiting students. Contact us for available dates and training plans.
Advanced Nitrox Course FAQ
How do I know if I’m ready for Advanced Nitrox training?
Many divers wonder whether their buoyancy, trim, or gas management is strong enough. We evaluate this during your first session and can recommend prep dives if needed.
How precise do my buoyancy and trim need to be before starting?
You don’t need perfect trim on day one, but you should be able to hold a mid-water stop without hand sculling. We refine everything during the course.
How much math is involved, and do I need to be good at it?
You’ll learn oxygen exposure and EAD calculations, but modern computers simplify much of the process. You don’t need to be a math expert.
Does Advanced Nitrox help reduce post-dive fatigue?
Some divers report feeling less tired after using richer nitrox mixes, but results vary.
Can this course help with overhead-environment goals?
Yes. It’s a foundational step toward any technical diving specialty.
Do I need to switch to long-hose configurations for this course?
It’s not mandatory but highly recommended for streamlined skills practice.
Ready to become a certified diver?
Scuba diving opens the door to new experiences, travel, and friendships. Training with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters gives you confidence in one of the richest cold-water ecosystems in the world.
Start your SDI eLearning today or contact us to reserve your spot in an upcoming class.
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