At its most basic, technical diving is defined as scuba diving beyond the accepted boundaries of recreational scuba diving. This includes diving deeper than the recreational limits allow, exceeding no-decompression times thus requiring decompression stops, utilizing mixed gases other than standard air, diving without direct access to the surface such as cave diving or deep wreck penetrations or the use of specialized technologies such as closed and semi-closed rebreathers.

The utilization of backplate and harness systems are part of a modular system for technical divers allowing customization of gear setups for the underwater environment you are operating in. This can include size of inflation bladder according to how much buoyancy is needed, single, double or side mount tank configurations, weight distribution, attachment points and more.

There are uses and benefits to using full face masks in public safety, recreational and technical diving. In the technical diving space, the benefits are many. A full-face mask will provide an additional layer of warmth, the addition of mounting points for accessories such as lights and cameras and the ability to add communication systems to speak with other divers or your safety crew on the surface. Additionally, from a safety perspective, a technical diver wearing a full-face mask does not risk losing their regulator in the rare occurrence of oxygen toxicity. Additional training is required for the operation of full-face scuba masks in any scenario.

Dive computers are widely used throughout the sport of scuba diving as they take the guess work out of the dive table equation as well as providing all the pertinent information and warnings to keep a diver safe. Within the world of technical diving, dive computers have become an essential tool, aiding the diver with more complex calculations and integrations adding both safety and efficiency. Technical diving is all about redundancy, make sure to have a back-up computer as well.

Keeping the diver’s body warm, dry and protected, a dry suit is often a technical diver’s best friend. Longer dive times due to decompression obligations, adverse environments, colder temperatures and more demanding objectives are all challenges that a dry suit can help overcome.

From single to double and side mount to staged decompression, scuba tanks are utilized in multiple sizes and configurations for technical diving. The diver’s tank selection and configuration depends on their dive objective and training.

Technical divers use lights for several reasons. Firstly, deeper dives can be very dark, and artificial light is required to see the surroundings clearly. Secondly, lights are used for communication, signaling, and navigation. Thirdly, lights are used for safety reasons, enabling the diver to see potential hazards and to be seen by others, such as dive partners or boats. Finally, lights can be used for photography and videography, allowing the diver to capture the beauty of the underwater world.