One of the princpal questions in any diver’s mind when considering taking up technical diving is the choice of the right equipment. There are a vast variety of different configurations that can be seen at dive sites up and down the country, each may have its respective merits and divers should be able to make an educated choice about which type best suits their diving. Any instructor should have sufficient knowledge to advise students in an unbias manner and highlight both the positives and negatives of any configuration. Kit choice can be an emotive subject and on internet forums it is debated as a regular topic, with subjects ranging from the whether cylinders should be the inverted or mounted traditionally to whether a single piece harness is appropriate for diving from inflatables.
For IANTD Advanced Nitrox and Triox courses we teach Hogarthian style - the equipment requirements are quite straightforward and listed below:
Twin set with isolation manifold in test and in oxygen service - Minimum, twin 10’s ltrs
Side slung decompression stage cylinder in test and in oxygen service - Minimum 7ltrs
2 x regulators for twin set:-
1 with a 2m hose and LPI and 1 with a short 2nd stage hose and SPG.
1 x regulator for decompression stage with sort 2nd stage hose and short SPG hose or button gauge, may also be fitted with LPI for drysuit inflation if a seperate system is not being used.
Harness and wing.
Dry suit, hood, and gloves and appropriate thermal insulation
Fins and mask.
Slate and pencil.
Primary Torch- an umbilical torch would be preferrable but is not an essential.
Backup torch.
Reel and delayed Surface marker buoy.
2 x depth timers - (Or equivalent means of monitoring depth and time including dive computers that can work in Gauge mode)
If you have any questions in connection with these requirements then please contact me to discuss.