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Technical Dive Training - ANDI Training Courses
Rubicon Diving is now an officially registered ANDI Dive Centre for technical dive training on both Open Circuit and Closed Circuit Rebreather systems as well as being the only ANDI approved centre for instructor training in Spain.
From its formation in 1988 ANDI International (American Nitrox Divers Incorporated ) has grown to become one of the world's fastest growing diver training agencies. ANDI began by specialising in training programmes using Enriched Air (SafeAir) diving. As a natural evolution from this ANDI has developed extensive training programmes for both Technical and Closed Circuit Rebreather diving.
Why Choose ANDI ?
ANDI has established a set of standards, supporting products and procedures that are recognised throughout the dive industry as being of the highest level. ANDI Standards ensure that students receive thorough, competent instruction without any shortcuts.During the recent period of expansion in diving when many agencies have been hustling to expand, there has been much compromise of quality. ANDI’s commitment to excellence and willingness to maintain standards at the expense of rapid expansion means that it offers consistent excellence, worldwide.
ANDI Technical Dive Programmes
Rubicon Diving offers a complete range of ANDI certified Technical Dive Programmes for both Open and Closed Circuit (Rebeather) systems. Courses offered by Rubicon Diving range from Level 2 introductory technical courses through to Level 5 Tri-Mix and Exploration.
Explaining ANDI Levels
In order to differentiate the range of training programmes it offers ANDI attaches a "Level of Training", 1 through 5 for every program involving diving skills. Non-diving oriented courses have no training level. All courses with the same matching level designation follow the same general scope of training and are geared to the experience level of the participant.
Level1
Level1
Level 1 is an introductory programme for new divers or divers-in-training. All Level 1 courses will follow the same limitations: 30m max depth, No-Stop-Required profiles, no decompression training, pO2 1.45, pN2 4.0 and information of a less complete or technical nature. For example, only SafeAir® 32 and 36 may be used by level 1 students.
Level 1 is an introductory programme for new divers or divers-in-training. All Level 1 courses will follow the same limitations: 30m max depth, No-Stop-Required profiles, no decompression training, pO2 1.45, pN2 4.0 and information of a less complete or technical nature. For example, only SafeAir® 32 and 36 may be used by level 1 students.
Level2
Level2
All Level 2 courses are at an "advanced recreational" level of training. Only two cylinders and up to two gases may be employed in order to limit task loading. This is essentially the recreational limits that are accepted world-wide: 40m maximum depth, No-Stop-Required profiles, no decompression training, pO2 1.45, pN2 4.0 and information content that is more complete or technical.
All Level 2 courses are at an "advanced recreational" level of training. Only two cylinders and up to two gases may be employed in order to limit task loading. This is essentially the recreational limits that are accepted world-wide: 40m maximum depth, No-Stop-Required profiles, no decompression training, pO2 1.45, pN2 4.0 and information content that is more complete or technical.
Level3
Level3
Level 3 training encompasses the first level of "technical diving". In general, a more experienced recreational diver is the student prerequisite. Three cylinders and three gas mixes are the task loading limit unless otherwise specified. In addition, training is limited to 50m (49.5 m actual) maximum depth, pO2 1.45, pN2 4.5 or less (depending on course standards). At Level 3 full decompression training procedures are introduced with decompression ceilings limited to 30 minutes (TTM 45 minutes) and exposure limited to pO2 1.6, with information content of a complete and technical nature. TTM provides useful training in combination with TSD training, and is a prerequisite for the use of normoxic trimix when doing Level 4 training.
Level 3 training encompasses the first level of "technical diving". In general, a more experienced recreational diver is the student prerequisite. Three cylinders and three gas mixes are the task loading limit unless otherwise specified. In addition, training is limited to 50m (49.5 m actual) maximum depth, pO2 1.45, pN2 4.5 or less (depending on course standards). At Level 3 full decompression training procedures are introduced with decompression ceilings limited to 30 minutes (TTM 45 minutes) and exposure limited to pO2 1.6, with information content of a complete and technical nature. TTM provides useful training in combination with TSD training, and is a prerequisite for the use of normoxic trimix when doing Level 4 training.
Level4
Level4
Training at level 4 is considered to be an "explorer's" programme. Level 4 training expands on the Level 3 material more in terms of practical experience rather than theory. The Level 4 programme does not extend the depth limits beyond that of Level 3. Depth is not the goal here. The Level 4 course prepares divers to plan and execute "mission oriented" activities. The training involves operating at the reasonable limits of SafeAir diving and incorporates into the dive plan unlimited gas switches and unlimited decompression. The use of a normoxic trimix instead of a SafeAir mixture is allowed for students with previous TTM training.
Training at level 4 is considered to be an "explorer's" programme. Level 4 training expands on the Level 3 material more in terms of practical experience rather than theory. The Level 4 programme does not extend the depth limits beyond that of Level 3. Depth is not the goal here. The Level 4 course prepares divers to plan and execute "mission oriented" activities. The training involves operating at the reasonable limits of SafeAir diving and incorporates into the dive plan unlimited gas switches and unlimited decompression. The use of a normoxic trimix instead of a SafeAir mixture is allowed for students with previous TTM training.
Level5
Level5
Level 5 courses are exploration courses that involve the use of inert gases, other than just Nitrogen, courses at this level also permit unlimited equipment configurations and unlimited decompression. The operational depth limits are course-limited but usually 100m is the maximum training depth, pO2 1.45, pN2 4.0, with unlimited decompression ceilings are permitted. Oxygen exposures for decompression are still limited to pO2 1.6, and the information content is of the most complete and technical nature. Unlimited cylinders and unlimited gases may be carried by Level 5 exploration students as specified by the course instructor.
Level 5 courses are exploration courses that involve the use of inert gases, other than just Nitrogen, courses at this level also permit unlimited equipment configurations and unlimited decompression. The operational depth limits are course-limited but usually 100m is the maximum training depth, pO2 1.45, pN2 4.0, with unlimited decompression ceilings are permitted. Oxygen exposures for decompression are still limited to pO2 1.6, and the information content is of the most complete and technical nature. Unlimited cylinders and unlimited gases may be carried by Level 5 exploration students as specified by the course instructor.
ANDI Technical Training Programmes at Rubicon Diving:
Rubicon Diving offers a complete range of Technical Diving Training Programmes ranging from the use of Safe Air Nitrox to Tri-Mix and from 50 metres to extended range at 100 metres. The Table below shows details of key elements at each level of technical training including information on maximum depths, theory time, number of dives, equipment configuration and the pre-requisites needed for each course. Please click here or here to go to ANDI technical pages.
Limited Safe Air User (LSU) L1
The Limited Safe Air User (LSU) Course is a Level 1 course that introduces divers to the use of Enriched Air Nitrox (EAN). The course lasts for two days including both theory and practical sessions. On the first afternoon of the course you will examine the advantages of Safe Air diving under the ANDI system of training. As part of the course you will examine key questions such as what is EAN? What are its advantages when diving? What special considerations are there when using EAN?
On the second morning of the course you will make two dives using Safe Air Nitrox with 32% oxygen and 36% oxygen. As part of the LSU course you will also see how Enriched Air Nitrox is produced, learn how to test the O2 content of your tank, program your computer for Nitrox use and find the Maximum operating depth and Equivalent Air Depth using ANDI’s MOD-EAD Chart.
The course is two days, costs 200€ and is open to all divers aged 16+*. The maximum depth of dives on the course will be determined by the divers level of certification.
*A junior rating is available for divers aged 12+
On the second morning of the course you will make two dives using Safe Air Nitrox with 32% oxygen and 36% oxygen. As part of the LSU course you will also see how Enriched Air Nitrox is produced, learn how to test the O2 content of your tank, program your computer for Nitrox use and find the Maximum operating depth and Equivalent Air Depth using ANDI’s MOD-EAD Chart.
The course is two days, costs 200€ and is open to all divers aged 16+*. The maximum depth of dives on the course will be determined by the divers level of certification.
*A junior rating is available for divers aged 12+
Complete Safe Air User (CSU) L2
The Complete Safe Air User (CSU) Course is a Level 2 course that extends the divers understanding of the use of Enriched Air Nitrox (EAN) and oxygen beyond that of the Level 1 LSU course. The course lasts for two days including both theory and practical sessions. On the first day of the course you will extend your understanding of the use of Safe Air Nitrox. As part of the course you will learn how to apply key mathematical formulas for using EAN and oxygen in diving and you will examine the use of different gas mixture applications in dive planning.
On the second morning of the course you will make two dives using Safe Air Nitrox. The dives will be to a maximum depth of 40 metres dependent upon the divers level of certification. As part of the CSU course you will also examine rules for the use of Safe Air including the dispensing of gases, gas labelling and oxygen analysis.
The CSU course is two days, costs 300€ and is open to all Open Water certified divers aged 16+*.
*A junior rating is available for divers aged 12+
On the second morning of the course you will make two dives using Safe Air Nitrox. The dives will be to a maximum depth of 40 metres dependent upon the divers level of certification. As part of the CSU course you will also examine rules for the use of Safe Air including the dispensing of gases, gas labelling and oxygen analysis.
The CSU course is two days, costs 300€ and is open to all Open Water certified divers aged 16+*.
*A junior rating is available for divers aged 12+
Technical Safe Air Diver (TSD) L3
The Level 3 TSD course is the entry- level course for technical diving, which will allow you to extend your diving beyond the normal recreational dive limits. The TSD course lasts for four days and includes both theory and open water sessions. Within the theory section of the course you will examine some fundamental aspects of technical diving including, decompression theory, different equipment configurations, gas switching and the use of different gases in dive planning.
Within the four open water sessions that are part of this course you will make dives using different equipment configurations and gas mixtures. Dives will be made using twin sets and stage tanks with a maximum of three cylinders and three different gas mixtures. The maximum depth of dives within the TSD course is 40m with a maximum decompression run time of 30 minutes.
In order to undertake this course you must be a CSU qualified diver with at least 50 logged dives.
The TSD course is four days and costs 850€, which includes the cost of all gases and the rental of technical equipment.
Within the four open water sessions that are part of this course you will make dives using different equipment configurations and gas mixtures. Dives will be made using twin sets and stage tanks with a maximum of three cylinders and three different gas mixtures. The maximum depth of dives within the TSD course is 40m with a maximum decompression run time of 30 minutes.
In order to undertake this course you must be a CSU qualified diver with at least 50 logged dives.
The TSD course is four days and costs 850€, which includes the cost of all gases and the rental of technical equipment.
Technical Tri-Mix Diver (TTM) L3
The Level 3 TTM course is the entry-level course for tri-mix divers. It is essential for those divers whose aim is to become a technical or rebreather diver that would extend their diving into the explorer range.
The TTM course lasts for four days including both theory and open water sessions. Within the theory section of the course you will examine some fundamental aspects of tri-mix diving including decompression theory, equipment configurations, gas switching and the use of inert gases other than nitrogen in dive planning.
Within the four open water sessions of this course you will make dives using different equipment configurations and gas mixtures. Dives will be made using twin sets and stage tanks with a maximum of three cylinders and two different gas mixtures in addition to the bottom mix.
The maximum depth of dives within the TTM course is 50m with a maximum decompression run time of 45 minutes
The minimum O2 content in the bottom mix is not to be less than 16%
In order to undertake this course you must be a TSD qualified diver.
The TTM course is four days and costs 1250€, which includes the cost of all gases and the rental of technical equipment.
The TTM course lasts for four days including both theory and open water sessions. Within the theory section of the course you will examine some fundamental aspects of tri-mix diving including decompression theory, equipment configurations, gas switching and the use of inert gases other than nitrogen in dive planning.
Within the four open water sessions of this course you will make dives using different equipment configurations and gas mixtures. Dives will be made using twin sets and stage tanks with a maximum of three cylinders and two different gas mixtures in addition to the bottom mix.
The maximum depth of dives within the TTM course is 50m with a maximum decompression run time of 45 minutes
The minimum O2 content in the bottom mix is not to be less than 16%
In order to undertake this course you must be a TSD qualified diver.
The TTM course is four days and costs 1250€, which includes the cost of all gases and the rental of technical equipment.
Extended Range Diver (ERD) L4
The Level 4 ERD course is the ultimate certification for divers who wish to dive beyond normal limits without the use of tri-mix gases. This course is also a prerequisite for those divers who wish to progress and become intermediate tri-mix and full tri-mix divers. The ERD course lasts for four days including both theory and open water sessions. Within the ERD course the main aim is not greater depth but mission orientated dive planning. Divers will learn to use dive-planning software (ANDI GAP and view some other models) to maximise the efficiency of using EAN and oxygen in their dives.
Within the four open water sessions that are part of this course you will make dives using different equipment configurations and gas mixtures. Dives will be made using twin sets and stage tanks with an unlimited configuration of equipment and gas mixtures. The maximum depth of dives within the ERD course is 49.5m with an unlimited decompression run time.
In order to undertake this course you must be a TSD qualified diver with a minimum of 100 dives.
The ERD course is five days and costs 1500€, which includes the cost of all gases and the rental of technical equipment.
Within the four open water sessions that are part of this course you will make dives using different equipment configurations and gas mixtures. Dives will be made using twin sets and stage tanks with an unlimited configuration of equipment and gas mixtures. The maximum depth of dives within the ERD course is 49.5m with an unlimited decompression run time.
In order to undertake this course you must be a TSD qualified diver with a minimum of 100 dives.
The ERD course is five days and costs 1500€, which includes the cost of all gases and the rental of technical equipment.
Intermediate Tri-Mix Diver (ITM) L5
The Level 5 ITM course is the first part of the ANDI’s Explorer range of courses, which combines the use of tri-mix gases with unlimited decompression and equipment configurations. The ITM course lasts for five days including both theory and open water sessions. Within the ITM course the main aim is to combine what has been learnt within the ERD and TTM courses to enable divers to plan and execute dive missions to a maximum depth of 60 metres. As part of the ITM course divers will learn to use dive-planning software (ANDI GAP and look at other programs) to maximise the efficiency of using tri-mix gases in their dives.
Within the four open water sessions that are part of this course you will make dives using different equipment configurations and gas mixtures. Dives will be made using twin sets and stage tanks with an unlimited configuration of equipment and gas mixtures using Safe Air, oxygen and helium.
The maximum depth of dives within the ITM course is 60m with an unlimited decompression run time and also unlimited equipment configurations.
In order to undertake this course you must be an ERD qualified diver with a minimum of 200 logged dives.
The ITM course is five days and costs 1850€, which includes the cost of all gases and the rental of technical equipment.
Within the four open water sessions that are part of this course you will make dives using different equipment configurations and gas mixtures. Dives will be made using twin sets and stage tanks with an unlimited configuration of equipment and gas mixtures using Safe Air, oxygen and helium.
The maximum depth of dives within the ITM course is 60m with an unlimited decompression run time and also unlimited equipment configurations.
In order to undertake this course you must be an ERD qualified diver with a minimum of 200 logged dives.
The ITM course is five days and costs 1850€, which includes the cost of all gases and the rental of technical equipment.
Tri-Mix Diver (TMD) L5
ANDI’s Level 5 TMD course is the ultimate certification for Deep Explorer divers. The course takes divers to a maximum depth of 100m using tri-mix gases with unlimited decompression and equipment configurations. The TMD course lasts for five to six days including both theory and open water sessions. Within the TMD course the primary aim is to develop what has been learnt within the ERD and ITM courses to enable divers to plan and safely execute dive missions to a depth limit of 100 metres. As part of the TMD course divers will learn to use dive-planning software to maximise the efficiency of using tri-mix gases.
Within the four open water sessions that are part of this course you will make dives using different equipment configurations and gas mixtures. Dives will be made using twin sets and stage tanks with an unlimited configuration of equipment and gas mixtures using Safe Air, oxygen and helium. The maximum depth of dives within the TMD course is 100m with an unlimited decompression run time and unlimited equipment configurations.
In order to undertake this course you must be an ERD qualified diver with a minimum of 200 logged dives.
The TMD course is five days and costs 2500€, which includes the cost of all gases and the rental of technical equipment.
Within the four open water sessions that are part of this course you will make dives using different equipment configurations and gas mixtures. Dives will be made using twin sets and stage tanks with an unlimited configuration of equipment and gas mixtures using Safe Air, oxygen and helium. The maximum depth of dives within the TMD course is 100m with an unlimited decompression run time and unlimited equipment configurations.
In order to undertake this course you must be an ERD qualified diver with a minimum of 200 logged dives.
The TMD course is five days and costs 2500€, which includes the cost of all gases and the rental of technical equipment.
Sidemount Diver L2
Sidemount diving is becoming increasingly popular with both recreational and wreck divers as well as being already commonly used by many cave divers. Sidemount diving allows divers to enters smaller holes than is possible with conventional scuba equipment and also increases streamlining when swimming. The ANDI Sidemount Diver course is a Level 2 course designed to introduce divers to the use and applications of Sidemount diving. The Sidemount Diver course contains both theory and practical elements.
The initial theory section of the course considers the advantages and applications of Sidemount diving as well as different equipment configurations. The second section of the course contains a skills evaluation session in confined water or confined open water. Following completion of the theory and skill evaluation sessions there are three open water sessions that will introduce divers to the use of Sidemount equipment including the removal and replacement of cylinders whilst swimming.
In order to undertake the Sidemount Diver course you must be an ANDI certified advanced and CSU diver (or equivalents) with at least 20 logged dives.
The Level 2 Sidemount Diver course is three days and costs 600€, which includes the cost of rental of Sidemount equipment.
The initial theory section of the course considers the advantages and applications of Sidemount diving as well as different equipment configurations. The second section of the course contains a skills evaluation session in confined water or confined open water. Following completion of the theory and skill evaluation sessions there are three open water sessions that will introduce divers to the use of Sidemount equipment including the removal and replacement of cylinders whilst swimming.
In order to undertake the Sidemount Diver course you must be an ANDI certified advanced and CSU diver (or equivalents) with at least 20 logged dives.
The Level 2 Sidemount Diver course is three days and costs 600€, which includes the cost of rental of Sidemount equipment.
Advanced Sidemount Diver L3
The ANDI Advanced Sidemount Diver course is a level 3 course designed to extend divers ability to use and apply Sidemount diving equipment and configurations. The Sidemount Diver course contains both theory and practical elements. The aim of the course is to train students to use Sidemount equipment in conjunction with a twin set configuration.
The first section of the course examines the theory of Sidemount diving as well as advanced equipment configurations allowing students to plan multiple stage cylinder dives. The second section of the course contains a skills evaluation session in confined open water no more than 18m. Following completion of the theory and skill evaluation sessions there are 6 open water sessions that will allow divers to execute multiple stage cylinder dives with staged decompressio. These dives will be planned using ANDI’s Gap Dive Planner Software.
In order to undertake the Advanced Sidemount Diver course you must be an ANDI Level 2 Sidemount Diver, Level 3 TWD or Level 4 Cave Diver. In addition you must be able to show that you have a total of at least 200 logged dives, including 25 decompression dives and 25 dives in an overhead environment.
The Level 3 Advanced Sidemount Diver course is four days and costs 850€, which includes the cost of rental of Sidemount equipment and gases.
The first section of the course examines the theory of Sidemount diving as well as advanced equipment configurations allowing students to plan multiple stage cylinder dives. The second section of the course contains a skills evaluation session in confined open water no more than 18m. Following completion of the theory and skill evaluation sessions there are 6 open water sessions that will allow divers to execute multiple stage cylinder dives with staged decompressio. These dives will be planned using ANDI’s Gap Dive Planner Software.
In order to undertake the Advanced Sidemount Diver course you must be an ANDI Level 2 Sidemount Diver, Level 3 TWD or Level 4 Cave Diver. In addition you must be able to show that you have a total of at least 200 logged dives, including 25 decompression dives and 25 dives in an overhead environment.
The Level 3 Advanced Sidemount Diver course is four days and costs 850€, which includes the cost of rental of Sidemount equipment and gases.
Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) L2
The ANDI DPV course is designed to enable divers to develop the skills and knowledge needed to be able to dive with a DPV safely in a non overhead environment. The course consists of three elements covering DPV theory, confined/surface water use and DPV use in open water.
The theory examines fundamental aspects of DPV use including ride/control techniques, ascent/descent procedures, equipment maintenance and trouble shooting. The emphasis in this section of the course is on safety, problem prevention and problem solving.
The confined/surface water session is designed to introduce students to the key skills needed to be able to use a DPV emphasising manoeuvring, control and body positioning. Following the successful completion of theory and confined/surface sessions the student will complete two open water dives using a DPV.
In order to undertake the DPV course you must be have a minimum certification as an Open Water Diver with at least 20 logged non-training dives.
The Level 2 DPV course is two days and costs 450€, which includes the cost of rental of DPV equipment.
The theory examines fundamental aspects of DPV use including ride/control techniques, ascent/descent procedures, equipment maintenance and trouble shooting. The emphasis in this section of the course is on safety, problem prevention and problem solving.
The confined/surface water session is designed to introduce students to the key skills needed to be able to use a DPV emphasising manoeuvring, control and body positioning. Following the successful completion of theory and confined/surface sessions the student will complete two open water dives using a DPV.
In order to undertake the DPV course you must be have a minimum certification as an Open Water Diver with at least 20 logged non-training dives.
The Level 2 DPV course is two days and costs 450€, which includes the cost of rental of DPV equipment.
Solo Diver (SLD) L3
ANDI’s Solo Diver training course is a Level 3 course designed to enable divers to dive without using the traditional ‘Buddy system’. The aim of the course is to train divers to be able to plan and execute dives independently with an emphasis on self-reliance and self-rescue.
The course covers both the theory and practical aspects of becoming a solo diver. The theory section of the course involves 5 key topics covering; solo diving, equipment, decompression and narcosis, dive planning and navigation and emergency procedures.
Following the theory section of the course the student will complete two open water dives. Dive one will cover surface swimming and equipment handling, dive planning and gas supply analysis, emergency procedures and navigation skills. Dive two will cover dive planning, self-rescue, lift-bag deployment and decompression skills.
In order to undertake the Solo Diver course you must be at least an ANDI Advanced and CSU Diver (or equivalent), be 21 years of age with at least 100 logged dives, 10 of which must be deeper than 30 metres. Divers may also be evaluated by the ANDI Instructor to ascertain their suitability to undertake this course. The Level 3 SLD course is two days and costs 450€.
The course covers both the theory and practical aspects of becoming a solo diver. The theory section of the course involves 5 key topics covering; solo diving, equipment, decompression and narcosis, dive planning and navigation and emergency procedures.
Following the theory section of the course the student will complete two open water dives. Dive one will cover surface swimming and equipment handling, dive planning and gas supply analysis, emergency procedures and navigation skills. Dive two will cover dive planning, self-rescue, lift-bag deployment and decompression skills.
In order to undertake the Solo Diver course you must be at least an ANDI Advanced and CSU Diver (or equivalent), be 21 years of age with at least 100 logged dives, 10 of which must be deeper than 30 metres. Divers may also be evaluated by the ANDI Instructor to ascertain their suitability to undertake this course. The Level 3 SLD course is two days and costs 450€.
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