TDI Intro to Tech Diver Course | Vancouver

The TDI Intro to Tech Diver Course is your first step into the world of technical scuba diving. At Diving Sports Canada, this course focuses on precision, control, and mindset — preparing you for future decompression and advanced technical training.

This course is not about depth or gas switching — it’s about mastering buoyancy, propulsion, situational awareness, and equipment configuration so you can progress safely and confidently into technical diving.

Our Technical Training Mindset:

Our primary goal is to develop competent, safe, and independent divers who can dive confidently with a similarly certified buddy — without supervision or reliance on a guide. Certification is earned only when TDI standards and Diving Sports Canada performance standards are met.

Course Description:

The Intro to Tech course introduces advanced propulsion techniques such as backfinning and helicopter turns, along with diving in twinset (backmount) or sidemount configurations. You’ll learn the foundational skills required for decompression and advanced technical courses.

• Knowledge Development: Complete TDI eLearning and in-class workshops focused on dive planning, gas management, and technical equipment configuration.
• Ocean Training: Two full days of ocean diving (3–4 dives total), focusing on buoyancy control, propulsion, emergency drills, and team awareness.
• All training dives are conducted within recreational limits, no deeper than 21m / 70ft.

What You Will Learn:

This course refines your diving fundamentals and introduces the discipline required for technical diving. You’ll emerge as a more controlled, aware, and confident diver — ready for decompression training.

Sidemount vs Backmount:

While not mandatory, students are strongly encouraged to train in the configuration they intend to continue with. If you plan on using sidemount, you must have a Sidemount Diver Specialty certification prior to the course.

What’s Included:

• TDI Intro to Tech eLearning material
• 2 full days of ocean training (2 dives per day)
• Dive sites at Whytecliff Park or Porteau Cove
• Transportation to and from dive sites
• Air fills for primary cylinders
• TDI certification fees upon completion
• Digital certification card (physical card available for an additional fee)

What’s Not Included:

• Rental equipment (technical divers are expected to own most gear)
• Enriched gas fills
• Additional training days if required — $400/day

Equipment Requirements:

• Personal dive equipment suitable for technical configuration
• Dive computer (mandatory)
• DSMB & spool
• Appropriate exposure protection for cold water diving

Equipment Rental:

Rental equipment is available on a limited basis. → Reserve technical rental gear here

Drysuit Training Requirement:

Cold water technical diving in Vancouver is conducted in a drysuit. Students must have recent drysuit experience or a Drysuit Specialty Course prior to the course.

Prerequisites:

• Minimum age: 18
• Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent
• Minimum 50 logged dives
• Minimum 15 cold water dives in a drysuit
• Recent cold water experience (within 6 months)
• Sidemount Specialty required if using sidemount
• All eLearning completed before course start
• Completed medical form (if applicable)

Transportation:

Transportation is provided from our Vancouver shop to local dive sites. Seating is limited and assigned on a first-come basis.

TDI Course Standards:

This course follows official TDI training standards. → View TDI Intro to Tech Diver Standards

Cancellation Policy:

Please review our course cancellation policy: → View Cancellation Policy

Reserve Your Spot:

Spaces are limited and this course fills quickly. → Book your TDI Intro to Tech Diver Course