TDI Decompression Procedures Course

Build the skills needed for controlled, planned decompression in technical diving

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TDI Decompression Procedures Diver Certification in Nanaimo

Build the skills and confidence needed for planned staged decompression.

Planned decompression diving allows you to go deeper, stay longer, and explore sites well beyond recreational limits. The TDI Decompression Procedures Diver course teaches you how to plan and execute staged decompression dives safely while building the mindset and discipline expected of technical divers.

Training with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters lets you learn these techniques in the challenging and rewarding cold-water environment of Vancouver Island. Our local sites offer the depth, conditions, and structure ideal for developing technical diving skills.

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Who is the Decompression Procedures course for?

The TDI Decompression Procedures Diver course is designed for advanced divers who want to:

    • Expand their understanding of decompression theory and planning
    • Extend their bottom time beyond recreational no-decompression limits
    • Develop the foundational skills needed for technical diving
    • Increase confidence in gas management, ascent procedures, and emergency planning

Minimum age for participation is 18. Students must hold an SDI Advanced Adventure Diver, or equivalent certification and have at least 25 logged open water dives.

What to expect in your Decompression Procedures course

This course is offered year-round and includes classroom learning, land-based skill development, and open-water decompression dives. Training is structured to give you time to develop both theoretical understanding and in-water control.

A typical schedule includes:

    • Classroom sessions covering decompression theory, gas choices, ascent schedules, and emergency procedures
    • Land-based drills including gas switching, SMB deployment, and pre-dive technical checks
    • Open-water decompression dives focused on stable ascents, buoyancy control, and team communication
    • Review sessions to refine planning, evaluate performance, and reinforce best practices

This format helps you build precision, awareness, and confidence before progressing to more advanced technical programs.

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Skills you’ll build in your Deco Procedures training

The Decompression Procedures Diver course has three main phases:

#1. Knowledge development

You’ll learn essential methods that prepare you for technical diving:

    • How decompression works and why ascent schedules matter
    • Differences between decompression gases and how to choose them
    • How to plan dives using tables and personal dive computers
    • Contingency strategies for gas loss, omitted decompression, or equipment issues
    • Team protocols for communication and situational awareness

#2. Land-based skills

Before entering the water, you’ll practice:

    • Gas switching sequences
    • SMB or lift-bag deployment from depth
    • Trim and buoyancy positioning for stable ascents
    • Valve drills and pre-dive equipment checks
    • Stress management and communication under pressure

#3. Open-water decompression dives

You’ll complete training dives to a maximum depth of 45 metres / 150 feet, practicing:

    • Executing a planned decompression schedule
    • Performing controlled gas switches
    • Holding precise stop depths with stable buoyancy
    • Deploying an SMB as the start of your ascent
    • Working effectively as part of a technical dive team

These dives introduce you to the discipline and consistency required for safe technical diving.

Equipment required for your Deco Procedures training

Gear is available for rent through Nanaimo Dive Outfitters. You’ll use:

    • Drysuit and thermal undergarments
    • Primary and backup regulators configured for technical diving
    • Stage or decompression cylinders
    • Technical BCD or wing system
    • Dive computer capable of decompression planning
    • SMB or lift bag with spool
    • Slate or wet notes

All training is completed in a drysuit, which provides warmth and stability during extended ascent schedules.

Train with discipline, dive with confidence

Training decompression skills in British Columbia prepares you for technical diving anywhere in the world. Cold water, deeper sites, and variable visibility help develop focus, precision, and confidence. Once you master decompression diving here, warm-water technical diving becomes far easier. Your TDI Decompression Procedures Diver certification is recognized globally and provides a solid pathway into TDI Advanced Nitrox, Trimix, Extended Range, and other technical programs.

What’s included

    • TDI Decompression Procedures eLearning
    • Classroom and land-based drill sessions
    • All required open-water training dives
    • Use of decompression cylinders and required accessories
    • Small class sizes for personalized instruction

Student perks: You’ll receive discounts on gear purchases and access to our year-round technical diving community and club dives.

Coming from out of town?

If you’ve already started your Decompression Procedures course elsewhere, we can complete your certification through a multi-agency referral. Many divers travel to Nanaimo for technical training because our cold-water sites offer ideal depth, structure, and consistency. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, passing through on a dive trip, or staying on Vancouver Island for work, we can help you complete your course with flexible scheduling and access to technical-friendly sites. Contact us for details and availability.

TDI Deco Procedures FAQ

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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Are you ready to start your journey to becoming a scuba diver?