I gotta say, the thing I appreciate most about your videos is that you actually include footage of the topic that you are talking about, instead of other channels where we just see their face or a random internet photo at best. Makes it really easy to understand and get into the video
Yes, I am Normoxic Trimix certified, Barry Shivley was my instructor, and yes he is a great instructor. It was the best dive course Ive ever taken. We also did Advanced Wreck, and was privliged to dive deep into the Oriskany. I will be going back for more of that fun. And I do plan on purchasing a rebreather.
I'm definitely planning to move to CCR soon. However, the experience and knowledge of OC Adv Trimix is still very important. Managing several bottles, very deep and dark...all this will only make you a better 200' diver.
Do they teach those skills in ccr class? From what I understand one of the skills in ccr is bailout to OC, so you would need to know all of that anyway
@@UNgineering yes, it'll all be learned as part of BO, however it's something that's practiced less. FWIW I agree with James, no point in going OC Advanced Trimix these days. Outside of Florida you won't even get a fill and here we pay about $300/fill for anything from 10/50 to 18/45.
THANK YOU for your advice about taking a rebreather class instead of an open circuit advanced trimix class. I've been contemplating this for years now. And thanks for posting all this good info!
I was TDI Trimix (60m) for about 19 years, qualifying in 2000 and then decided to do my PADI Tec Trimix (max 90m) in 2019 because there was a couple of deep wrecks near me that I had the chance of diving off the Dorset coast. I’ve never tried a CCR and to be honest, it’s not something high on my list, for one thing, the “box of death” was just coming out when I started to dive in the late 90s and there was quite a high incident rate compared to the numbers of divers using them. The other thing that puts me off is the cost, £7500 for the unit and upwards of £1000 for training. That equates to a lot of helium. My last dive to 75m cost me about £300 in gas, most of the time its ITRO £200 for a 55m dive and I probably only do 3-5 TX dives a year.
You are right on point about forego advance trimix and go for rebreather instead....many years ago trimix (heliox, Hal Watts) was much more affordable then the rebreathers of the era but not any longer...I made the treak thru the system and completed my bucket list of dives. Now I have a room filled with dive gear that rivels most dive stores that equals the investment of at least several top tier rebreathers and its outdated and wasting away ...
thank you for introduction and respect to all tec divers :) it looks like looong way to get this level .. hopefully there are enough places under 40m for ordinary people with "basic" skills :D
Yeah I’m a MOD 3 technical advance trimix CCR diver.. even though we are certified for 100 mtrs yes we still train and practice skills a lot of the time and have lead up dives for those deeper ones.. I find your mind set has to be 100% and focused. I always expect the unexpected and be prepared for everything.. it’s not a game and no calling time out down there.. safe diving. 👍
Makes a change to see an instructor who doesn't just take the money and hand out the certs. It took me years to go from single cylinder diving up to full trimix and stage cylinders. I then went onto CCR with air diluent and up to full trimix CCR. The cost of diving open circuit trimix is very expensive now compared to using CCR once you've paid for the unit. CCR is also more flexible when doing deeper dives.
Interested in the technical side of diving... It will be a while before I can get to Advanced Trimix. it is a goal. I have got a few certifications to get before. I currently at teaching Decompression diving. Did a lot of stupid diving in the 80's and 90's , then I grew up and learned that I should not be doing somethings like I had. --- Glad to be here and still diving. I have done a few re breather dives - to bulky to travel with, the cost of maintaining, and brand specific to the type of re breather. My check out the new REVO Mares .. will need to look at it at dema sometime.
I'll probably never go deeper than 50M (I started too old!), but if I ever did pursue that route I'd definitely be looking at doing it on a CCR - The cost of Trimix is just too high for it to make any sense. However, I agree with another comment about the skills involved in managing multiple cylinders and travel gasses being a useful thing for any diver looking at going beyond recreational depths.
50M isn't that bad, you can go down to 56M on air without exceeding PPO2 safety limits(and I have). All you really need for a dive to that depth is air on your back, and a stage bottle of nitrox for your decompression. Learning to dive with one more cylinder of gas isn't that much of a deal. Even on CCR you'll need to bring an extra tank(your bailout cylinder), I actually learned to dive CCR before I ever did an planned open circuit decompression dive, so I was already familiar with the extra slung tank, and gas switching.
@@harrodharrod5239 Used to regularly dive to 60m with air (CMAS standard allows). Doing this type of dives does not only require skills but also needs a lot of adaptation. Should start from 40 m and dive deeper gradually through a series of dives until reaching air limit.
Personally I decided to go Advanced Trimix myself. Yes the cost is more per dive than a CCR but I didn't want my certification to be the limiting factor while I put money away for that CCR. Plus it'll take a while diving the CCR before I can go CCR tech
The thing with CCR Trimix is that you can go do thoose "lets go see what is down there" -dives, without worrying that much about gas cost. And for thoose that dive OC Trimix and want to go CCR.. Do not go dive at the same depth directly.
Extended range seems like a bad idea with my limited knowledge of gas density. I know the OG used to before trimix, but it would seem like you’d retain a ton of CO2 on top of the other issues. I’d love if you did film on the extended range! How are dives going on your O2ptima?
I was mega disappointed first time I used trimix, cause at 30% helium my voice sounds normal :( Any plans to do many vids on ccr diving James? Ccr is definitely gunna be the next step for me, I'm just trying to pick and budget the rig lol
Hey James, quick question, TDI standards say can dive as deep as 330ft. You did just say in the beginning that you can dive “as deep as your insurance will let you” 🤣 So are the TDI standards depth limits at 330ft technically incorrect?
Hi James, I'm a ways away from Tech. I just started cold water diving and need to get capable and safe in a drysuit. But I was wondering if being lousy at math means I can't learn Tech? Also, when instructing, have you found there are elements of the training that often cause students problems or is everyone different? Cheers from Vancouver!
Stu, being lousy at math does not mean you can't lear tech. I am horrible at math and have managed to be certified to 50M so far, I will say that being bad at math made it a bit harder to get through the academics but that just means a little more time hitting the books. Good luck in your future endeavors and safe diving.
Since helium is so expensive why do you choose to stay open circuit even though you've said you are a CCR diver? Also which CCR(s) are you qualified to dive?
Yes you can. But you might want to do the Helitrox course on OC first, as you can then use some helium in your CCR diluent during the first 50 hours/50 dives before advancing further on your CCR career.
Part of this is stage management and part of this is so you have an appreciation of the theory of technical dive planning. Plus, you can't fill a pure O2 cylinder for a CCR if you're not Advanced Nitrox trained.
@@DiversReady I've considered coming to Florida to take tech. Seems easier to learn a 3MM, then a dry suit. Also with TDI I can dive to 150 feet without trimix. GUE anything below 100 is trimix.
@@DiversReady It's sad - BTW Gareth Lock has spaces on his HFiD in person class in Texas soon. Might be worthwhile taking a look? I've done it and it's awesome.
I gotta say, the thing I appreciate most about your videos is that you actually include footage of the topic that you are talking about, instead of other channels where we just see their face or a random internet photo at best. Makes it really easy to understand and get into the video
So much this! He got the "been there done that" video.
Yes, I am Normoxic Trimix certified, Barry Shivley was my instructor, and yes he is a great instructor. It was the best dive course Ive ever taken. We also did Advanced Wreck, and was privliged to dive deep into the Oriskany. I will be going back for more of that fun. And I do plan on purchasing a rebreather.
Love this video! Newly certified decompression procedures diver here!
Thanks for sharing! Dive safe.
What a fine approach to instruction. Aimed at divers who aim to acquire skill, not just a tick in a box.
I'm definitely planning to move to CCR soon. However, the experience and knowledge of OC Adv Trimix is still very important. Managing several bottles, very deep and dark...all this will only make you a better 200' diver.
Do they teach those skills in ccr class? From what I understand one of the skills in ccr is bailout to OC, so you would need to know all of that anyway
@@UNgineering yes, it'll all be learned as part of BO, however it's something that's practiced less. FWIW I agree with James, no point in going OC Advanced Trimix these days. Outside of Florida you won't even get a fill and here we pay about $300/fill for anything from 10/50 to 18/45.
THANK YOU for your advice about taking a rebreather class instead of an open circuit advanced trimix class. I've been contemplating this for years now. And thanks for posting all this good info!
I was TDI Trimix (60m) for about 19 years, qualifying in 2000 and then decided to do my PADI Tec Trimix (max 90m) in 2019 because there was a couple of deep wrecks near me that I had the chance of diving off the Dorset coast. I’ve never tried a CCR and to be honest, it’s not something high on my list, for one thing, the “box of death” was just coming out when I started to dive in the late 90s and there was quite a high incident rate compared to the numbers of divers using them. The other thing that puts me off is the cost, £7500 for the unit and upwards of £1000 for training. That equates to a lot of helium. My last dive to 75m cost me about £300 in gas, most of the time its ITRO £200 for a 55m dive and I probably only do 3-5 TX dives a year.
You are right on point about forego advance trimix and go for rebreather instead....many years ago trimix (heliox, Hal Watts) was much more affordable then the rebreathers of the era but not any longer...I made the treak thru the system and completed my bucket list of dives. Now I have a room filled with dive gear that rivels most dive stores that equals the investment of at least several top tier rebreathers and its outdated and wasting away ...
Happy Monday James!! Thanks for the great video.
Thanks for your support! Dive safe.
thank you for introduction and respect to all tec divers :) it looks like looong way to get this level .. hopefully there are enough places under 40m for ordinary people with "basic" skills :D
I figured you weren't a fan of extended range, but looking forward to your thoughts on it.
I went the direction of CCR. It's expensive in the beginning but like you said, should pay off over time.
Think it’s the beginning of the end for trimix diving unless gas prices seriously reduce
Yeah I’m a MOD 3 technical advance trimix CCR diver.. even though we are certified for 100 mtrs yes we still train and practice skills a lot of the time and have lead up dives for those deeper ones.. I find your mind set has to be 100% and focused. I always expect the unexpected and be prepared for everything.. it’s not a game and no calling time out down there.. safe diving. 👍
Yo are absolutely Right!!!!!! Makes a lot of sense to go for CCR instead of open circuit!!!! Thanks....
Thanks for your support! Dive safe.
Informative and to the point as always. Thanks!
Makes a change to see an instructor who doesn't just take the money and hand out the certs. It took me years to go from single cylinder diving up to full trimix and stage cylinders. I then went onto CCR with air diluent and up to full trimix CCR. The cost of diving open circuit trimix is very expensive now compared to using CCR once you've paid for the unit. CCR is also more flexible when doing deeper dives.
One quick note, iantd offers expedition trimix that certs to 400ft/120M
Caught this video early! Woohoo!!
Could you do a video on cave diving? I've never been interested in it, but have recently had my interest peaked.
Interested in the technical side of diving... It will be a while before I can get to Advanced Trimix. it is a goal. I have got a few certifications to get before. I currently at teaching Decompression diving. Did a lot of stupid diving in the 80's and 90's , then I grew up and learned that I should not be doing somethings like I had. --- Glad to be here and still diving.
I have done a few re breather dives - to bulky to travel with, the cost of maintaining, and brand specific to the type of re breather. My check out the new REVO Mares .. will need to look at it at dema sometime.
I'll probably never go deeper than 50M (I started too old!), but if I ever did pursue that route I'd definitely be looking at doing it on a CCR - The cost of Trimix is just too high for it to make any sense. However, I agree with another comment about the skills involved in managing multiple cylinders and travel gasses being a useful thing for any diver looking at going beyond recreational depths.
50M isn't that bad, you can go down to 56M on air without exceeding PPO2 safety limits(and I have). All you really need for a dive to that depth is air on your back, and a stage bottle of nitrox for your decompression. Learning to dive with one more cylinder of gas isn't that much of a deal.
Even on CCR you'll need to bring an extra tank(your bailout cylinder), I actually learned to dive CCR before I ever did an planned open circuit decompression dive, so I was already familiar with the extra slung tank, and gas switching.
At those depths on air, you could get narked pretty badly though, so it's also not for everyone.
@@harrodharrod5239 Used to regularly dive to 60m with air (CMAS standard allows). Doing this type of dives does not only require skills but also needs a lot of adaptation. Should start from 40 m and dive deeper gradually through a series of dives until reaching air limit.
Very interesting! Maybe I might in the future 👍
Go for it! Dive safe.
Personally I decided to go Advanced Trimix myself. Yes the cost is more per dive than a CCR but I didn't want my certification to be the limiting factor while I put money away for that CCR. Plus it'll take a while diving the CCR before I can go CCR tech
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
I am also thinking about making the switch to ccr. I will do this before I do any helium training
Will not regret it. What a difference when I dive with OC tech buddies.
You should do a review on smartphone housings ( sealife, seatouch 4).
The thing with CCR Trimix is that you can go do thoose "lets go see what is down there" -dives, without worrying that much about gas cost.
And for thoose that dive OC Trimix and want to go CCR.. Do not go dive at the same depth directly.
Extended range seems like a bad idea with my limited knowledge of gas density. I know the OG used to before trimix, but it would seem like you’d retain a ton of CO2 on top of the other issues. I’d love if you did film on the extended range! How are dives going on your O2ptima?
I was mega disappointed first time I used trimix, cause at 30% helium my voice sounds normal :(
Any plans to do many vids on ccr diving James? Ccr is definitely gunna be the next step for me, I'm just trying to pick and budget the rig lol
so what about heliox and hydreliox? for even deeper dives. mostly used in saturation diving
when doing a CCR course, would you need to have this certification for the bailout to OC procedure?
One of the things that keeps me away from Trimix are the incredibly high prices for Helium these days.
How much is it?
@@mxaexm DRIS sells it for $3 a cubic foot
@@mxaexm Here the price has increased from 0.03 ct to 8 ct per barliter
@S M I’m not sure on rations used in a 80cf tank so I can’t be of any help but probably $200 for double 80s or so
@@hughidiyit2588 What the heck is a barliter? That's not an SI unit. ;) Is that supposed to mean a liter of gas at 1 bar pressure?
South Africa. OC. Coelacanths.
At depth on CCR you still need to know how to bailout on OC in an emergency ….
And how many people have actually done this after their course?
It is also part of CCR.
yes 100%, always take a back-up even in shallower dives using CCR and regularly practice bailout with CCR´s
But James, how do divers dive below 330ft/100m?
Hey James, quick question, TDI standards say can dive as deep as 330ft. You did just say in the beginning that you can dive “as deep as your insurance will let you” 🤣 So are the TDI standards depth limits at 330ft technically incorrect?
Hi James, I'm a ways away from Tech. I just started cold water diving and need to get capable and safe in a drysuit. But I was wondering if being lousy at math means I can't learn Tech? Also, when instructing, have you found there are elements of the training that often cause students problems or is everyone different? Cheers from Vancouver!
Cool to see someone in Vancouver? Dont have any buddies here and need to get better at deepdiving!
@@robertarundel1294 I'm new to diving in Van but it's a great dive community. You're always welcome!
Stu, being lousy at math does not mean you can't lear tech. I am horrible at math and have managed to be certified to 50M so far, I will say that being bad at math made it a bit harder to get through the academics but that just means a little more time hitting the books. Good luck in your future endeavors and safe diving.
Do you have any thoughts on the Scuba Force regulators? Trying to compare them to the Dive Rite AOW package but there’s not much info out there.
Since helium is so expensive why do you choose to stay open circuit even though you've said you are a CCR diver? Also which CCR(s) are you qualified to dive?
You just convinced me NOT to take the course (and go for CCR :D )
"Offset the costs..." Those are lies you tell yourself, but we all know that you just end up diving more. 🤣
Hey! Is it possible with TDI to buy a CCR and learn trimix diving on it without ever having done a single open circuit trimix dive?
Yes you can. But you might want to do the Helitrox course on OC first, as you can then use some helium in your CCR diluent during the first 50 hours/50 dives before advancing further on your CCR career.
James, could you give your thoughts on going straight to CCR for tech and skipping doubles/side?
This is what I wanted to do, but most tech instructors want you to start with doubles. I don't know why it just adds a couple 1000 extra.
AFAIK, you still need OC backup when going CCR. So you still need to know how to manage multiple cylinders/stages.
@@xineissm Yes, and this is part of CCR. That has nothing to do with doubles.
You can also carry a backup CCR just have them both sidemount.
Part of this is stage management and part of this is so you have an appreciation of the theory of technical dive planning. Plus, you can't fill a pure O2 cylinder for a CCR if you're not Advanced Nitrox trained.
@@DiversReady I've considered coming to Florida to take tech. Seems easier to learn a 3MM, then a dry suit. Also with TDI I can dive to 150 feet without trimix. GUE anything below 100 is trimix.
Why don't the agencies make their requirements more stringent? Why do they rely on the instructor to do it for them?
Because agencies get paid per card they printed or per manual they sell without any liability at all. The liability rests on the Instructor.
@@DiversReady It's sad - BTW Gareth Lock has spaces on his HFiD in person class in Texas soon. Might be worthwhile taking a look? I've done it and it's awesome.
@S M That is certainly going to be something I'm watching with interest.
$$$, pure and simple
@S C Jesus, I just looked up the details. 44 pounds of lead? The instructors should be tried for murder.
Standards are standards. You need to stop labeling these as minimums.
2 min intro.. cut to the chase dude
p͎r͎o͎m͎o͎s͎m͎ 😋