Sport Mixed Gas Diver (50m)

The Sport Mixed Gas Diver course introduces an experienced Accelerated Decompression Procedures (ADP) diver to the use of trimix as a breathing gas. You will become qualified to dive such mixes to depths of up to 50m using a twin-set and single stage cylinder.

To enrol on the Sport Mixed Gas Diver Course you must be 18 years or older. You must have already successfully completed a BSAC Sport Diver course with a 35m depth certification and a BSAC ADP course (or have equivalent certification from BSAC as an Advanced Nitrox Diver, or from another recognised training agency).

You should be proficient at diving, with say 60 or more logged dives, of which 10 should have been at depths of between 30m and 35m.

You will learn to use gas mixes containing at least 20 per cent oxygen and a maximum of 30 per cent helium, to minimise the narcosis you may have suffered diving on air.

You will plan and conduct dives to 50m requiring up to 45-minute ascent times and mandatory decompression, and learn how to rescue another mixed-gas diver from depth.

You will develop your knowledge of mixed-gas diving, including:

• Theory of mixed-gas diving
• Equipment and decompression systems
• Advanced diving physiology
• Practical diving techniques, including diving with a stage cylinder
• Dive planning including gas choices, gas-loss management and run-time schedules

The Sport Mixed Gas Diver course includes six theory sessions, a theory assessment, and a dry practical session to prepare your kit. It also includes a minimum of 90 minutes sheltered-water training and a minimum of 120 minutes open-water diving, to ensure that you have plenty of in-water time to practice the skills and discipline needed to carry out mixed-gas diving. The diving will be spread over at least two dives, an experience dive and an assessment dive.

This is a continually assessed course during which students must reach the required performance standards.

A Sport Mixed Gas Diver is competent to plan and conduct open-circuit dives using gas mixes containing at least 20 per cent oxygen and a maximum of 30 per cent helium. This will give a maximum dive depth of 50m but with the added safety of a clear head and reduced gas density.

You could do this course at a regional event, local club or a Technical centre. Not all clubs and technical centres run Sport Mixed Gas Diver (50m) courses, so please check if you are interested.

Alternatively, book your place on a scheduled Sport Mixed Gas Diver (50m) course online now.

Not a BSAC member? You can do this course by joining BSAC directly or joining via a local club. Find a club.

Students will be given a pack of supporting learning materials. You will need full open-water dive kit suitable for local conditions, including a twin set and a single stage with a minimum capacity of seven litres.