Intro to Tech

TDI Intro to Tech

The TDI Intro to Tech Course at OCD Divers is the perfect starting point for divers interested in technical diving or wanting to dramatically improve their foundational skills. This course bridges the gap between recreational and technical diving by refining buoyancy, trim, propulsion, gas management, and equipment configuration. Divers learn to streamline their gear, plan more complex dives, and build the discipline and awareness required for future technical training.

What You’ll Learn

This course follows TDI standards and introduces divers to the core skills and concepts of technical diving:

Advanced buoyancy and trim: Horizontal positioning, stability, and precise control.
Propulsion techniques: Frog kick, modified frog, back kick, and helicopter turns.
Gas management: Rock-bottom calculations, turn pressures, and team gas matching.
Situational awareness: Environmental, team, and equipment awareness.
Technical gear configuration: Streamlined setups, hose routing, and equipment selection.
Dive planning: Pre-dive checks, S.T.A.R.T. procedures, and emergency protocols.

Program Overview

Training includes academic development, land-based equipment workshops, and in-water sessions focused on precision control and technical-level discipline. Divers will practice trim, buoyancy, propulsion, gas planning, and emergency procedures while using a technical-style equipment configuration.

Prerequisites:

Minimum age 18, or 15 with parental consent
SDI Open Water Scuba Diver or equivalent
Proof of 25 logged open water dives

Where Training Takes Place

Training is conducted at OCD Divers in Colleyville and at local Texas lakes. Additional dive locations may be used depending on conditions and course scheduling.

Required Gear

TDI Intro to Tech requires a technical-style equipment configuration. Students must have the following gear:

Backmount twin cylinders with isolator manifold or sidemount cylinders with appropriate harness/wing
Primary and backup regulators with long-hose configuration
Two dive computers or one computer plus a bottom timer
Exposure suit appropriate for local conditions (drysuit recommended)
Reel and lift bag or DSMB
Two cutting devices
Underwater slate or wetnotes
Compass
Two dive lights (primary + backup)
Backup buoyancy device (drysuit, dual-bladder wing, or lift bag)
Backup mask