TDI Intro to Tech

The TDI Intro to Tech course at Sea Angels is an entry point to technical diving configuration, running through three pool sessions and three open water dives. The course starts at 35,000 RUB per person; TDI study materials and certification fees (2,200 RUB + 5,000 RUB) are additional. This is the only TDI-certified tech course at the club at this level — the SSI Extended Range track (Nitrox and Trimix) runs separately.

The course introduces twin-cylinder (backmount doubles) configuration, which is the standard setup for technical recreational diving. Students learn twin-set assembly, valve drills, buoyancy in a heavier rig, gas management for two cylinders, and the basic protocols that separate technical diving practice from recreational. Three pool sessions build familiarity with the configuration before the three open water dives.

Open water dives are conducted in appropriate conditions — Moscow-region lakes during summer or during a club trip. Gases for open water dives and dive support logistics for the open water phase are not included in the base course fee. Prerequisites are not specified on the site beyond holding a recreational certification; the club can advise at enrolment based on logged experience.

For divers coming from a recreational background who want to understand what technical diving actually involves before committing to the full SSI Extended Range pathway (which starts at 45,000 RUB for Nitrox alone, with gases separate), Intro to Tech is a practical lower-commitment first step. The club runs both TDI and SSI tech tracks concurrently, which means divers can get a comparative view of both agency approaches before deciding where to continue.