Scuba Q and A:

How Dangerous Is Technical Diving?

Q. How dangerous is technical diving?

Answer:

The aim of technical diving is to mitigate foreseeable risks through more advanced training, suitable equipment, increased diver proficiency, a higher level of knowledge and the development of a risk-averse, cautious, mindset.

In short, the technical diver is exposed to a greater variety, frequency and consequence of risks – but maintains an otherwise very high degree of safety through having anticipated and effectively prepared to deal with them.

If a diver isn’t applying all of the considerations mentioned above, then they aren’t actually technical diving. They would just be diving imprudently – either unaware or uncaring of increased risks. That would be a very dangerous thing.

About the Author

Andy Davis is a RAID, PADI TecRec, ANDI, BSAC and SSI qualified independent technical diving instructor who specializes in teaching advanced sidemount, trimix and wreck exploration diving courses across South East Asia. Currently residing in ‘wreck diving heaven’ at Subic Bay, Philippines, he has amassed more than 9000 open circuit and CCR dives over 27 years of diving across the globe.

Andy has published many magazine articles on technical diving, has written course materials for dive training agency syllabus, tests and reviews diving gear for major manufacturers and consults with the Philippines Underwater Archaeology Society.

He is currently writing a series of books to be published on advanced diving topics. Prior to becoming a professional technical diving educator in 2006, Andy was a commissioned officer in the Royal Air Force and has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Belize and Cyprus.