TDI Advanced Gas Blender Course
Learn to blend custom nitrox and trimix mixtures safely and accurately
TDI Advanced Gas Blender Certification in Nanaimo
Take your gas blending skills to the next level with advanced training in nitrox and trimix preparation.
The TDI Advanced Gas Blender course is designed for divers and shop personnel who want to learn the full process of blending oxygen and helium-based gases safely and accurately. Whether you're supporting technical divers, expanding your professional capabilities, or simply want to understand how high-precision gas mixtures are created, this course gives you the knowledge and hands-on practice needed to produce high-quality nitrox and trimix fills.
Training with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters provides real-world blending experience using the equipment, procedures, and standards applied in a working dive facility on Vancouver Island.
Who will benefit from the Advanced Gas Blender course?
The TDI Advanced Gas Blender course is designed for individuals who want to:
-
- Learn how nitrox and trimix gases are produced for technical diving
- Build on skills learned in the TDI Nitrox Gas Blender course
- Understand safe oxygen handling and advanced blending system design
- Accurately blend gases for personal use or for a dive facility
Minimum age for participation is 18. You must already hold a TDI Nitrox Gas Blender certification or an equivalent qualification.
How we run the Advanced Gas Blender course in Nanaimo
Training takes place in a classroom and workshop environment, giving you time to learn theory and immediately apply it to real equipment. You’ll work directly with blending systems, compressors, analyzers, and cylinders under the supervision of an experienced TDI Instructor.
A typical training session includes:
-
- Review of oxygen handling standards and safe blending practices
- Hands-on demonstrations with compressors, filtration systems, and blending equipment
- Guided practice blending nitrox and trimix mixtures
- Gas analysis, labeling, and documentation
You’ll learn the complete workflow of gas preparation from start to finish, including safety protocols used in professional settings.
Skills you’ll build in Advanced Gas Blending
The Advanced Gas Blender course has three main phases.
#1. Knowledge development
You’ll learn advanced concepts including:
-
- The responsibilities and legal considerations of a gas blender
- Oxygen system design, hazards, and fire prevention
- Properties of oxygen, nitrogen, and helium
- Local and national regulations related to gas handling
- Gas production systems, compressors, filtration, and storage
- Continuous blending, pre-mix systems, and partial-pressure techniques
- Blending mathematics for both nitrox and trimix
- Oxygen analyzer operation and calibration
- Cylinder handling, tracking, and sign-out procedures
#2. Practical workshop training
During hands-on practice you will:
-
- Inspect and prepare cylinders for blending
- Use compressors, filtration systems, and oxygen-clean components
- Apply proper oxygen-handling techniques
- Blend multiple nitrox mixtures using verified procedures
- Blend trimix mixtures using helium and oxygen
- Analyze, log, and verify gas mixtures
- Identify and correct blending errors
- Practice safe equipment shutdown, cleanup, and post-blend documentation
#3. Required blending demonstrations
To complete the course, you will:
-
- Successfully blend and analyze five nitrox cylinders
- Successfully blend and analyze three trimix cylinders
- Demonstrate consistent accuracy in calculations and analyzer readings
Show the ability to follow blending plans and safety protocols without error
Equipment involved in the TDI Advanced Gas Blender course
All blending work is conducted using Nanaimo Dive Outfitters’ gas production systems, including:
-
- Compressors and filtration systems
- Oxygen-clean cylinders and valves
- Flow-controlled oxygen and helium supply systems
- Oxygen analyzers and calibration tools
- Gas logs and documentation procedures
By training in an operational dive shop, you gain practical experience that directly transfers to real blending environments.
Reliable techniques for safe gas production
Mastering advanced gas blending gives you a deeper understanding of the breathing gases used in technical diving, including how they are created, analyzed, and verified. Whether your goal is to support your own diving or contribute to a professional facility, these skills directly enhance safety and competence at every level.
Your TDI Advanced Gas Blender certification is recognized worldwide and is the standard qualification required by many shops that mix gases for technical diving programs.
What’s included
-
- TDI Advanced Gas Blender training and workshop sessions
- All blending materials and equipment
- Use of analyzers, compressors, and oxygen-clean systems
- Small class sizes for detailed, hands-on instruction
Student perks: You’ll receive discounts on select equipment purchases and are welcome to consult with our staff on gas-related questions as you continue your blending work.
Coming from out of town?
If you’ve already started your Advanced Gas Blender course elsewhere, we can finish your training through a multi-agency referral. Many divers visit Nanaimo to complete blending courses because of our active technical diving community and access to real blending systems. Whether you’re traveling for work, diving, or training, we can help you schedule your workshop time and complete your certification efficiently. Contact us for availability and course scheduling.
Advanced Gas Blender Course FAQ
How much does the course cost?
Our open water course starts at $850 CAD + TAX. Contact us for current rates. SDI eLearning is included, and all scuba gear is provided except your personal mask, snorkel, and fins.
What is included in the course fee?
Your tuition includes SDI eLearning, all classroom sessions, all pool sessions, drysuit certification, the use of scuba equipment, and five supervised ocean dives.
Do I need my own gear?
We encourage students to purchase their personal gear which would include a mask, snorkel, and fins. However, we can provide you with all of the required gear.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You must be comfortable in the water and able to swim, but you do not need to be a competitive swimmer. A basic swim assessment is part of the course.
How cold is the water?
At depth, water temperatures stay around 8°C year-round. That’s why this course includes drysuit certification, so you stay warm and comfortable.
Is the drysuit certification included?
Yes. Learning to dive in a drysuit is the most practical option in our region, and you’ll be fully certified by the end of the course.
Where do the ocean dives take place?
Most classes complete their certification dives at Tyee Cove, Finn Beach, Charlaine Boat Ramp, or Oak Leaf Park, depending on conditions and tides.
How many students are in a class?
There are typically 8 students maximum per class. We keep class sizes small enough to provide a safe, comfortable learning environment with lots of instructor attention.
How long are the ocean dives?
Ocean dives typically range from 25 to 35 minutes for new divers, depending on conditions, your comfort, buoyancy control, and gas use.
What if I can’t finish all the dives in one weekend?
We can schedule makeup dives when needed, depending on instructor availability and ocean conditions. There might be an additional fee for this as we will need to reschedule instructors and divemasters to accompany you.
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.
Start Your Adventure
Are you ready to start your journey to becoming a scuba diver?
