Trimix Diver 2 (Trimix 2)

Trimix Diver Program

UTD’s Trimix Diver program, like the Tech diver program, is also a multi-step process, consisting of Trimix 1, Trimix 2, and Trimix Gold. This building block concept adds depth and complexity in small steps, building on a the Technical Diver’s existing skills. A student may take these classes individually, allowing time between to gain experience, or may combine Trimix 1 and 2 into one 6-day class if prepared.

By the completion of Trimix 2, a diver is qualified to 250’/75m using all standardized bottom and decompression mixes, multiple stage bottles and decompression bottles.

Trimix 2 Diver

The Trimix Diver 2 class is designed to further extend the range the student achieved in Trimix 1. Students will continue to refine their skills including the use of doubles and multiple deco bottles and will add the use of a bottom stage while becoming familiar with the failures associated with them.

This mastery level class reviews and refines skills learned in the Trimix Diver 1. The curriculum is designed to transform two deco bottle technical divers into multi stage/deco technical divers (3 or more stage/deco bottles), completing the tool box required for dives in the 200’-250’ range.

The addition of a bottom stage greatly increases the safety in terms of gas reserves, and also increases the flexibility for dive planning. At the same time, it increases task loading exponentially and greatly increase the need for proficient and expedient bottle handling.

Course participants will gain experience working with a variety of different gas mixtures for use as bottom mix and bottom stage and decompression gases. This information culminates in a true understanding of standard gas selection in the 100’/30m to 250’/75m range.

Successful completion of Trimix Diver 2 qualifies a diver to use Hypoxic Helium mixes to 15/55 and Nitrox decompression mixes up to and including 100% Oxygen to a depth of 250 feet/75 meters.

* Note UTD Trimix Diver 1 and 2 can be combined to a 6 day format

Prerequisites

Minimum 21 years of age

UTD Trimix 1 or equivalent

Minimum of 250 logged dives, at least 100 dives on double tanks,of which at least 25 are utilizing two (2) deco/stage bottles

At least 25 dives beyond 160 feet/48m utilizing Helitrox and Trimix

At least 25 dives in personal training scenarios and environments in preparation for the Trimix 2 class

Course Limits

Maximum depth 250’/75m

Standard back gases 21/35, 18/45, and 15/55

Standard decompression gases are Nitrox 50 and 100% O2.

Multiple decompression and stage bottles

No overhead environments

Why this class?

This mastery level class reviews and refines skills learned in the Trimix Diver 1. The curriculum is designed to transform two deco bottle technical divers into multi stage/deco technical divers (3 or more stage bottles) in the 200'-250' range. The addition of a bottom stage greatly increases the safety in terms of gas reserves, and also increases the flexibility for dive planning. At the same time, it increases task loading exponentially, and greatly increase the need for proficient and expedient bottle handling. Course participants will gain experience working with a variety of different gas mixtures for use as bottom mix and bottom stage and decompression gases. This information culminates in a true understanding ofìbest gasî selection in the 10 fsw (3m) to 250 fsw (75m) range.

Who is this class designed for?

The UTD Trimix Diver 2 is designed for the most demanding technical diver who wants to explore beyond the abyss with multiple stages and deco bottles. This class instructs divers in the use/failures of doubles, bottom stage bottle, Trimix bottom mixtures, decompression mixtures of 50% and up to 100% oxygen. This class can be taken consecutively with the Trimix 1 to form the Trimix Diver certification.

Class Information

This class is structured around a 3 day class. The course involves a minimum of 6 hours of classroom instruction and 6 dives (4 practice dives, and 2 experience dives with Trimix with all 6 dives conducted with multiple stage and deco bottles). It is designed to provide a working knowledge of Trimix, including an understanding of the history and practice of decompression, physics, physiology, table analysis, ratio deco (deco on the fly) and other operational considerations. This class is a decompression class, so divers in this depth range must be aware of the potential for entering into decompression commitments and should be prepared.

Day 1. Typically we begin with a 3 - 4 hour initial session consisting of introductions, and dry runs (on land) of the skills and some practice before entering the water. Skills include understanding the use of a bottom stage and improving a divers understand of bottle handling for 3 bottles, including movement and passing. Students then have four dives putting these skills and concepts into actual practice. We conclude with a video review and a few hours of lecture.

Day 2. The second day consists of dive planning and execution of a deep dives (220'/66m) using a bottom stage and multiple deco bottles. These experience dives are videoed and reviewed.

Day 3. The third day continues the dive planning and execution of deep dives (250'/75m) using bottom stages and multiple deco bottle. These experience dives are videoed and reviewed.

All UTD classes are videotaped for educational review, as we believe this is invaluable for students to visually focus on their individual in-water skills, situational awareness, communication, and team diving. Learning to self evaluate is an important aspect of any class, and video is one of the most important tools we have for instruction.

You will be evaluated during the class to obtain the UTD "Trimix" Certification. This Certification will complete your Trimix training and allow you to dive and explore utilizing multiple deco and stage bottles. Our focus is the complete dedication to your diving skills, knowledge and in water practice.

Requirements

Minimum age of 21

Completed UTD registration process

UTD Technical Diver combination (including Helitrox and Decompression Techniques) or equivalent

All UTD Classes are Non Smoking

Minimum of 200 logged dives with at least 75 dives on double tanks, of which at least 25 are utilizing single stage and at least 25 dives beyond 100í (utilizing Helitrox). Students should have completed at least 25 dives in†personal training scenarios & environments in preparation for the Trimix Diver Part 2 class.

All participants must be able to swim at least 400 yards in 14 min or must be able to swim at least 800 yards in 18 minutes with mask & fins.

All participants must be able to swim a distance of at least 40' (12m) on a breath hold or demonstrate an air share swim where the ooa diver swims at least 50' (15m) to the donating diver

All participants must tow a diver in full equipment, in the environment they will be diving in at least 400 yards in 16 minutes

All participants must demonstrate a rescue of a diver simulating oxygen toxicity.

The use of prescription drugs must be authorized prior to the onset of diver training by a physician

Getting Started

o   Check the Schedule of classes in your area
o   Register Online
o   Complete the online Knowledge Base course for TriMix Diver
o   Get a copy and review the "Technical Diving DVD"

Guidelines

o   All dives are to maintain a working PO2 of no greater than 1.4
o   Decompression dives, with the max depth during class of 250ft (75m).
o   Two 40cft (5.5L) Deco Stage bottle needed (70' (21m) and an oxygen 20' (6m))
o   1 Al 80 (11L) stage bottle (Not Marked)
o   Nitrox & Trimix
o   Double tank configuration with an argon system if using dry suit.
o   Long hose primary, and necklace style backup regulator hose configuration
o   Instructor to student ratio maximum 4:1 in the class

Equipment Specifications

UTD equipment configuration is designed to be simple, efficient, and consistent. To get the most from your class it is advisable that you take the course in a complete UTD style system. To better assist you in preparing for class, we have listed below our suggested equipment lists for the class.

UTD configuration is required:

o   Back plate BC System SS or Aluminum Back plate with web harness and hardware
o   Back inflate style wing.
o   At least one depth-measuring device
o   At least one time-keeping device
o   Fins: non-split variety
o   At least one cutting device
o   X-notes or Wetnotes
o   One spool with 100 feet of line
o   One surface marker or lift bag
o   Exposure suit appropriate for the environment you will be diving in
o   Regulators & UTD Hose Configuration 7 ft. Primary Regulator Hose
o   22 or 24" Necklace Regulator Hose
o   24 or 26" SPG hose
o   BC mounted canister dive light with Goodman handle
o   Cylinders Double tank configuration of at least 160 cuft(2 per day of diving)
o   Three 40cft (5.5L) Deco bottles: Two 50% Nitrox (70' (21m) and one Oxygen 20' (6m))
o   Argon cylinder is necessary if using a dry suit