What Trimix Course(s) are acceptable for access to Emerald?

[Gary]

I noted before that it was stated that a normoxic Trimix was acceptable for admission to Emerald. Hypoxic "Advanced/Technical" Trimix courses I've seen run in the $800-$1500 range and I'm not sure what normoxic trimix courses run (even after searching the internet).

I found a hyperoxic "recreational" trimix course online for only $249 (or maybe less). While not meant for the deepest depths availiable in Emerald it would seem to meet the "higher trained" and "trimix" requirements and is completely approprite for the shallower passages and OW/cavern portions of the cave.

For example:
http://www.scubadiver.cc/newsletters/trimix_iantd.htm
http://www.scubadiver.cc/courses.htm

If acceptable this could be a relatively cheap way to take a (fairly silly) course to satisfy entrance requirements.

I'm not sure what normoxic costs. Anyone have a range of prices for Normoxic trimix? (The same site lists normoxic and tech at only $375 and $675 respecitively - not bad)

[fno]

I find it hard to beleive that you are looking for the cheapest course available to gain access to a cave system. Wait, I can believe it.... One really has to wonder sometimes....

[rjack]

I'll print you off a C-card, what would you lilke it to say?

[deepdiver4]

what the dif you still need to teach to standers dont you ?
i took my normix/trymix i payed a lot my buddy took his at a cheaper
price with a well known instrustor we compaired notes it was all the same
so yes i would say go with the cheaper price but then remimber you get what you pay for so go with a good instructor do your homework first
OH NOW YOU CAN BASH ME !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Wizard]

I'll print you off a C-card, what would you lilke it to say?

I'm missing a couple, could you fill in the gaps.
1 Really freaking deep air
2 Decompression chamber etiquette
3 Backplate modelling specialty, no wait. Only Sid holds that card.

But seriously, on the subject of trimix. Take trimix from an instructor that teaches the course in the environment you are going to use it. If you take it in a cave and hit the east coast, little knowledge of current diving is going get you into a world of crap. Why dive in a deep lake and then hit the caves, you need to get the tools from the right person for your specific needs.

[Kelly Jessop]

Normoxic is acceptable

[Gary]

Normoxic is acceptable

Yeah - I heard that before. The question was if "Recreational Trimix" also was acceptable. (Or is it best to apply with that on the sheet and hope nobody knows the difference).

[aainslie]

Normoxic is acceptable

Yeah - I heard that before - the question was if "Recreational Trimix" also was acceptable. (Or is it best to apply with that on the sheet and hope nobody knows the difference).

I have to give it to you - in the face of sarcasm, mockery and outright deprecation you forge ahead...


Read this document. Do you really think that not a single member of the review board will have read this post?

http://www.nsscds.com/Emerald%20Sink...0Procedure.pdf

Good luck with that application. BTW, if it were me I wouldn't allow your application for two reasons - 1) attiitude, and 2) with a rec rating you won't know how to dive a 21/35 or leaner mix, which is what you should have.

[grim reefer]

Normoxic is acceptable

Yeah - I heard that before - the question was if "Recreational Trimix" also was acceptable. (Or is it best to apply with that on the sheet and hope nobody knows the difference).

It's the same thing.

[Gary]

I have to give it to you - in the face of sarcasm, mockery and outright deprecation you forge ahead....

Your sarcasm is lost on me. I met my qualifications including Tech Trimix, over 500 cave dives, etc back in 2001.

http://www.nsscds.com/Emerald%20Sink%20Cave%20Diver%20Qualification%20Pr ocedure.pdf
with a rec rating you won't know how to dive a 21/35 or leaner mix, which is what you should have.

It's just a 60' passage 28/20 (the focus of the course) is perfectly adequite.

2. Certification as a Trimix Diver;
3. A minimum of 100 logged cave dives after certification to NACD, NSS-CDS or TDI Full Cave Diver/GUE Cave II Diver/IANTD Cave Diver or IANTD Technical Cave Diver level;
4. Deep dive experience within the past 12 months consisting of a minimum of three dives in excess of 150 feet involving staged decompression of at least 45 minutes

Cool - looks like it meets the requirements (as long as the diver meets the deep diving req).