PADI Tec 40 is the first major step in the PADI TecRec open-circuit decompression pathway. The official PADI page describes it as bridging recreational and technical diving, introducing limited decompression, gas planning, and tec equipment use. Students learn to make dives to 40 meters or 130 feet with up to 10 minutes of decompression and may use one decompression gas with up to 50% oxygen.
This course is for experienced recreational divers who are ready for technical discipline but still need a measured entry point. PADI lists prerequisites including Advanced Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Diver, Deep Diver or proof of qualifying deep dives, at least 30 logged dives, and minimum age requirements. Students should already have stable buoyancy, strong situational awareness, and a serious attitude toward written plans, gas reserves, and emergency procedures.
Training normally combines knowledge development, practical application, confined-water or limited open-water work, and open-water tec dives. In High Springs, Florida, Tec 40 can prepare divers for deeper spring, wreck, or future cave-adjacent technical goals. The expected outcome is a diver who understands the structure of limited decompression diving and can follow technical procedures without rushing into more advanced obligations too soon or casually.
Halcyon Manufacturing
McNett / Gearaid
Halcyon
McNett / Gearaid
Halcyon
Dive Rite