PADI Tec 40
Execute your first decompression dives, manage staged gas, and transition fully into technical diving
Duration
3 days, 4 dives
Max Depth
40m / 130ft
Level
Technical (Entry Decompression)
Next Step
PADI Tec 45
Overview
The PADI Tec 40 course is the entry point into decompression diving, training divers to plan and execute limited decompression dives using technical equipment and procedures.
Divers learn to operate with a decompression cylinder, manage gas switches, and execute controlled ascent profiles with staged decompression obligations.
At N9BO℠, this course marks the transition from skill development to operational technical diving — where execution, discipline, and system-based diving become mandatory.
This course can be conducted with a Trimix option, introducing helium-based gas planning as part of your technical progression. Upon completion, you will earn the PADI Tec 40 Trimix Diver certification.
Course Facts
- Course name: PADI Tec 40 Diver
- Level: Entry-level technical decompression course
- Minimum prerequisites: Minimum age 18, Advanced Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Diver, Deep Diver (or proof of dives to 30m), minimum 30 logged dives
- Ratio: Maximum 4 students per instructor (small groups recommended for quality training)
- Configuration: Technical configuration (backmount doubles or sidemount) with one stage/decompression cylinder
- Gas options: Air / Nitrox / Trimix option available
- Depth / environment: Maximum 40m / 130ft with limited decompression (max 10 minutes total decompression time) / technical‑style scenes
- Format: Academic development + practical application + open water decompression dives
- Duration: Typically completed in 3 days (4 dives)
What You’ll Learn
- Plan and execute dives to 40 metres with staged decompression.
- Use a decompression cylinder with up to EANx50.
- Perform controlled gas switches and ascent procedures.
- Manage gas planning and decompression schedules.
- Maintain trim, buoyancy, and awareness under task loading.
Prerequisites
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and Enriched Air Diver certifications or equivalent.
- Hold a PADI Deep Diver certification or equivalent experience.
- Provide proof of at least 30 logged dives.
- Be medically fit for diving.
FAQ
This course is for experienced recreational divers ready to move into decompression diving and structured technical training.
Tec 40 introduces mandatory decompression, staged gas use, and significantly increased procedural discipline compared to no-decompression recreational diving.
You will complete four decompression dives, progressively increasing depth and complexity while managing gas switches and decompression schedules.
This course is limited to a maximum of 10 minutes of total decompression time, allowing divers to build experience safely within controlled limits.
You will be qualified to conduct limited decompression dives to 40 metres and progress into Tec 45, where decompression and gas complexity increase.
Ready to Enter Technical Diving?
Send us your certifications and dive history. We’ll guide you into decompression diving with the structure and discipline required for safe progression.
Go Pro with PADI Tec 40 Instructor
Advance into technical instruction with the PADI Tec 40 Instructor rating. This qualification allows you to teach Tec 40 and Tec Basics, guiding divers through their first decompression dives and building the foundation for progression through the TecRec system.
