Open-Circuit Programs

Technical Extended Range

Intent

This program provides divers with the training necessary to:

Independently plan and conduct two-gas switch, multiple-stop decompression dives,

In a Twinset or Extended Range Sidemount Total Diving System,

To a maximum depth of 50 meters (60 meters when using trimix),

Using decompression gas mixtures up to 100% oxygen,

With an equally- or more-qualified dive buddy.

Minimum Instructor Rating

An active status Technical Extended Range Instructor may conduct the Technical Extended Range program.

To conduct the Technical Extended Range Trimix program, the instructor must be qualified as a Technical Extended Range Trimix Instructor.

Note | The Technical Extended Range Trimix curriculum is identical to the non-trimix program, except for the breathing gas used.

Equipment Configurations

They may use an Extended Range Sidemount Total Diving System as outlined in the SSI Training Standards if they have the Extended Range Sidemount Instructor certification.

Student Prerequisites

Have logged at least:

70 total dives.

20 dives deeper than 30 meters.

10 dives requiring staged decompression with at least one (1) gas switch (not including training dives).

Have at least one (1) of the following SSI certifications or an equivalent from a recognized training agency:

Extended Range

Full Cave Diving

Technical Wreck Diving

Duration

Recommended hours for completion: 18.

Minimum Equipment

Students participating in this program must use at least one of the following equipment configurations:

A complete Twinset Total Diving System.

A complete Extended Range Sidemount Total Diving System.

Including:

Two (2) stage cylinders.

In-Water Ratios

The student-to-instructor ratio is 4:1.

Depth Limitations

Maximum pool/confined water depth limit: 12 meters.

Maximum depth for Open Water Training Dives 1 and 2: 40 meters.

Maximum depth for Open Water Training Dives 3 and 4: 45 meters.

Maximum depth for Open Water Training Dives 5 and 6: 50 meters.

At least one (1) dive must be to a depth of 45 meters.

If Using Trimix

Maximum depth for Open Water Training Dives 1 and 2: 40 meters.

Maximum depth for Open Water Training Dives 3 and 4: 45 meters.

Maximum depth for Open Water Training Dives 5 and 6: 60 meters.

At least one (1) dive must be to a depth of 55 meters.

Requirements For Completion

Complete all academic sessions and assessments as outlined in the instructor manual for Technical Extended Range.

Complete the program’s final exam.

If qualifying for Technical Extended Range Trimix, complete a Technical Extended Range Trimix final exam.

Independently plan a full dive plan using the Extended Range Dive Planning sheets.

Complete the XR Water Fitness Evaluation as outlined in the SSI General Training Standards.

Complete at least one (1) pool/confined water skill development session with a minimum cumulative time of at least 90 minutes as outlined in the instructor manual for Technical Extended Range.

Complete at least six (6) open water training dives as outlined in the instructor manual for Technical Extended Range.

Training Conditions

Breathing Gas and Decompression

Open Water Training Dives 1 and 2 are preliminary dives, and may be waived at the instructor’s discretion if the student has completed the SSI Extended Range program within 180 days.

Open Water Training Dives 1 and 2 must be planned within the no-decompression limits of the student’s dive computer, dive planning software, or the SSI Combined Air/EAN Tables.

If qualifying for Technical Extended Range Trimix, Open Water Training Dives 5 and 6 must be conducted using a trimix gas.

The total cumulative time for Open Water Training Dives 3-6 must be a minimum of three (3) hours.

The primary planned decompression obligation (total time of all decompression stops including deep stops, if used) must not exceed 30 minutes for Open Water Training Dives 3 and 4.

The primary planned decompression obligation (total time of all decompression stops including deep stops, if used) must not exceed 60 minutes for Open Water Training Dives 5, 6, and any additional training dives.

At least one (1) dive must have a total run time greater than 60 minutes.

Open Water Training Dives 3–6 must include at least two (2) gas switches.

Environment

If environmental or water conditions make it unsafe or impractical to meet the cumulative time requirement, additional training dives should be scheduled.

Sequence

Open Water Training Dives 1 and 2 may only be conducted after the student successfully completes the equipment configuration session, the XR Water Fitness Evaluation, and all pool/confined water skill development sessions.

Open Water Training Dives 3 and 4 may only be conducted after the student successfully completes Open Water Training Dives 1 and 2.

Open Water Training Dives 5 and 6 may only be conducted after the student successfully completes all academic sessions and Open Water Training Dives 3 and 4.

Upgrade

To upgrade to Technical Extended Range Trimix, Technical Extended Range students must:

Complete all academic sessions and assessments as outlined in the instructor manual for Technical Extended Range.

Complete the program-specific final exam.

Independently plan a full trimix dive plan using the Extended Range Dive Planning sheets.

Complete Open Water Training Dives 5 and 6 as outlined in the instructor manual for Technical Extended Range using trimix.

Certification

Upon completion of all academic and in-water requirements, the SSI Professional may issue the program’s digital certification card.

The SSI Technical Extended Range certification entitles the holder to dive autonomously:

In environments similar to those of the diver’s training and experience,

In a Twinset or Extended Range Sidemount Total Diving System,

To a maximum depth of 50 meters,

With unlimited decompression stops,

With a maximum of two gas switches,

With an equally- or more-qualified dive buddy.

The SSI Technical Extended Range Trimix certification also entitles the holder to dive autonomously:

To a maximum depth of 60 meters,

Using trimix breathing gases.

Credit

This program may be combined with the Technical Wreck Diving program or Full Cave Diving program.

If combined with the Technical Wreck Diving program:

Overhead Training Dives 1 through 4 of the Technical Wreck Diving program may also be used to meet the requirements of Open Water Training Dives 1 through 4 of the Technical Extended Range program.

Students must complete all of the prerequisites, skill development sessions, and academic requirements for both programs.

If combined with the Full Cave Diving program:

Overhead Training Dives 1 through 4 of the Full Cave Diving program may also be used to meet the requirements of Open Water Training Dives 1 through 4 of the Technical Extended Range program.

Divers must complete all of the prerequisites, skill development sessions, and academic requirements for both programs.