This course provides the training and experience required to competently utilize air for dives up to 180 fsw/55msw that require staged decompression, utilizing nitrox mixtures and oxygen during decompression.  In the TDI training sequence, this course comes after Advanced Nitrox and Deco Procedures.  It makes an excellent “bridge” into the Trimix Diver course, and in fact can be taught in conjunction with Trimix Diver. 

 I personally do not advocate breathing air at 180’ in the Great Lakes environment.  Still, the course has several valid applications in our region.  First, as mentioned, it can be used to prepare for the Trimix Diver course.  Second, the course can be tailored to address the needs and challenges of undertaking deep dives in the remote areas of the Great Lakes.  In this application, “extended range” refers more to geographical distance from support services than actual depth.

 The course consists of approximately 8 hours of classroom training.  Candidates must also successfully plan and execute 6 dives (all must be at least 100’, and 100 minutes of bottom time must be accumulated).