Study, Research, Biology are all part of the underwater study tech program.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech, in cooperation with Big Blue Conservation releases a new program to give marine biology or people interested in scientific diving the training and tools to conduct their studys or research safely.

While a lot of underwater impact and research can be done in shallow water up to 30m on normal conventional recreational scuba there is a growing demand for deep water research on coral and marine ecosystems in the 50m range where extended time at the depth is needed.

According to Jen Mathews who graduated from Bath University with a Bsc in Biology there is a huge gap of people who are already divers and want to conduct professional level surveys and research but are limited by the confines of recreational scuba with both time, logistics and gas supply.

Big Blue Tech plan to amalgamate the SDI Solo Diver, SDI Research Diver, SDI Full Face Mask Diver , TDI Decompression Procedures Diver and SDI Marine Eco Systems Awareness into one package which will be conducted by both the director of Big Blue Tech and Big Blue Conservation.

British Suba Aqua Club Thailand awards the title of Open Water Scuba Instructor to a lucky student.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Colin Tompson from his BSAC Instructor course conducted over a period of 2 weeks on Koh Tao Island off the coast of Thailand by BSAC Advanced Instructor James Thornton-Allan and examined by BSAC National Instructor Les Skelton.

In addition to his training course and instructor exam Colin also had the benefit to assist on a BSAC Ocean Diver and BSAC Sports diver course before taking his TIE (Theory Instructor Examination) and PIE (Practical Instructor Examination) which he passed successfully.

Colin had previously been working for 2 years as a full time divemaster at Big Blue Diving and decided it was time to join the dark side and by becoming a certified scuba diving instructor.

Big Blue Diving is a BSAC School of excellence meaning it offers the top level of training up to the prestigious Advanced Instructor rating.

Technical Diving school adds the worlds most popular closed circuit rebreather to its collection.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech recently aquired a new rebreather to it’s collection to provide support to it’s european customers and training opportunities through the BSAC and TDI system of education.

The rebreather is a the AP Inspiration Classic which has sold more units than any other closed circuit rebreather in the world. The Inspiration Classic was the first production rebreather and conctinues to win awards from many diving agencies and magazines.

This also allows Big Blue Tech to provide three models for training of rebreathers with the Drager Dolphin and ISC Megaladon and now Inspiration Classic as options.

With 3 litre cylinders, easy maintenance and simple preparation – the Inspiration brought the benefits of optimal gas consumption and gas mix at all depths to the forefront of diving.

Quickly becoming the choice of expedition divers, film makers and sports divers alike, ranging from beach diving to RIB diving. right up to 100m expedition dives.

To achieve CE certification; the first (and only) CCR to feature dual independent oxygen controllers (Patented), the CCR to set the standard in PO2 control accuracy and scrubber duration; the first to achieve minimal breathing resistance in all diver positions and attitudes, the first mass produced and affordable CCR on the market.

The first to achieve worldwide distributorship with all that entails, including the development of the first unit-specific training courses by the major training agencies; and not least, the innumerable individual firsts that have been achieved by the many thousands of INSPIRATION CCR divers in the world today – from the discovery of virgin wrecks to personal depth and exploration records.

Entry level scuba divers choose BSAC as their certification during their holiday.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Diving instructors Yvonne Fries and Hele Artal recently completed a BSAC Ocean Diver course conducted over 3 days on Kok Tao Island off the coast of Thailand. This was the first BSAC Ocean Diver Course conducted by the diving school which followed a successful cross-over program a few days earlier.

The Instructors were thrilled with the differences in theory and commented that they were allowed to teach what really matters in diving and not so much “fluff and sales”. This was also combined with skills that were based on repitition ensuring that the essential foundation skills were mastered before progression of depth could be achieved.

Looking back on the course the Instructors, who are also technical diving instructors, described the course as a challenge that unless the instructor is passionate about teaching divers then it wouldn’t be the course for everyone.

As for the 7 students, they loved their course but without anything to compare it to who knows. Several decided to continue their education and progress on to the BSAC Sports diver course as they found the course work to be challenging and gave them a sense of working for their certification.

The BSAC diving programs reflects diving in realistic conditions ensuring that once the student has completed the course, that they can dive these conditions with safety and enjoyment.

Learning to scuba dive with the BSAC is easy. BSAC adopts a progressive teaching method; breaking down the dive skills into small manageable steps making it very easy for the student to reach the required standard of competence. The theory knowledge is also very easy to understand by using effective teaching aids and issuing you with a comprehensive support materials and student pack.

Theory knowledge lessons are conducted by your Instructor who will use simple small manageable steps. Using simple and understandable terminology makes the theory lessons easy to grasp. On the open water dives; again we use progressive training building-up your open experience and depth experience dives, gradually.

Our BSAC Instructors have been trained to high standards and are highly experience people, Yvonne Fries is a triple certification instructor and won the SSI Most Certifications Issued Award, Helen Artal is also a triple certification instructor and is also one of the first female SSI Technical Diving Instructors in the world.

Big Blue Diving will continue to offer BSAC programs along side their PADI and SSI ones giving our customers more options and choices to chart their diving hobby. But be forwarned it’s not a certification gained easily but when you get your card it’s well worth the effort!

New technical diving computer promotion for trimix and rebreather divers.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Vr Technology the British manufacturer of the VR3 Computer, Sentinel Rebreather, Ouroboros Rebreather and the VRx Computer have released a ecologically friendly promotion to recycle and trade in your old model for a brand new one at a fraction of the price.

Big Blue Tech, a technical diving school in Thailand took advantage of this program when one of their old Monochrome VR3 computers was damaged and needed to be fixed, after discussing the repair options of around 200 pounds (400$) it was decided that getting a brand new one for only a few hundred pounds more was wiser and would give us a better product in the long run.

Vr Technology provides the option of either the VRX Computer or the VR3 HD computer. We decided to go with the VR3 HD computer. Both options featured the full unlocked algorithms,closed circuit trimix and colour without any extra costs, this was essential because many of the features in our old VR3 were used daily.

This program was made possible with the support of the UK W.E.E.E (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) scheme which provides funding and support to companies who dispose of electronic devices in a responsible way.

We’re big supporters of ecological developments, we’re an award winning ecological diving school and resort, which is why it’s great to see companies in the technical diving support field taking notice of responsibility to our environment as well.

The stress on your mind, body and soul from deep ocean diving can be eased with the proper level of fitness.

All sports today benefit from 
physical training; this is especially 
applicable to technical diving. You don’t have to be an anatomy chart or a body builder, but being in better condition does help you handle the stress of the extreme sport to be a more efficient and confident technical diver.

When recreational diving a diver uses one tank but on some of the dives performed technically up to six could be required; different tanks with different gases. A much more cumbersome weight to carry whilst on the boat, particularly when it’s time to attempt standing up!. Once a technical diver enters the water they will normally add a couple more tanks for decompression.

All of these extra tanks and equipment take up more space causing the diver to use more energy. So streamlining your equipment is very important. Your gear should be close to your body to help reduce drag, this is the same scenario as with racing cars. The less drag you have the more efficient the vehicle making it faster. Along with being streamlined you need to ensure that you are able to access everything quickly, just in case of an emergency.

The more energy a diver uses underwater results in a the higher Partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within the body which can be very dangerous if not monitored and kept within safe levels. Carbon dioxide controls your breathing rate and if your breathing gets out of control is what usually causes a diver to panic. Oxygen can cause a diver to go into convulsions if the partial pressure gets to high which can come about without any warning. On the surface this is not much of a problem but underwater if the diver experiences convulsions they may spit out the regulator which can obviously result in drowning. This could happen more easily to ‘out of condition divers’ where poor physical condition reduces stamina, with the increased exercise increasing the CO levels. Excessive amount of Carbon Dioxide also increases the likelihood of ‘Decompression Illness’.

Some predisposition factors for Decompression Illness
- Loss of body fluids; Dehydration is one of the main causes of DCI; this can be caused from urination, perspiration, breathing dry gases, alcohol or drug consumption.
- Poor or impaired circulation, which can arise from prior operations, accidents, old age, previously suffering from DCI and obesity.
- Carbon Dioxide build up
- Equipment not properly maintained or prepared, poor physical fitness or heavy exertion.
- Physical Labour- heavy lifting or task loading resulting in over use of joints and muscles.
- Ignorance – not knowing how to use, or adhere to dive tables.

All of this is taught in our courses, where you will learn about equipment configurations, oxygen and nitrogen levels and much more. 

The above predisposition factors for decompression illness show that you can reduce the risk in three out of the five points by maintaining a reasonable level of fitness: And your overall health will improve!

Nobody benefits from being overweight, so lets start talking about diets. Simply put, a diet is what you eat. A common misconception is that when you diet, you’re only eating things like boiled eggs and pineapple, (just an example). Following a fad diet like that will never achieve any goals.

What to eat!
Gain or Lose Weight :
Protein: Try to get two grams per kilo of body weight per day from sources such as chicken, lean meats, eggs, low fat milk or fish. Also a good whey and casein protein powder is an easy way to get your protein intake up.
Carbohydrates: Get most of your carbohydrates from wholegrain bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables or oats. A few pieces of fruit every day are also good for you.
Fats: Stay away from Saturated fats which come from animal products. Good fats are Monounsaturated (olive and canola-oil) and Polyunsaturated (fish and vegetable oils).

To Lose Weight:
There are many different ways to ‘diet’. I prefer to cut down my intake of carbohydrates for between five and seven days, getting 50% of my calories from fat and the other 50% from protein. Following this with one or two days consuming as less fat as possible resulting in an intake of approximately 40% from protein and 60 % from complex carbohydrates.
The Zone Diet: Your calorie intake should be equal parts protein, carbohydrates and fat.
Low Fat Diet: Doesn’t work for me. My energy level is a roller-coaster ride; I have to eat every two hours to stay sane. Might work for you though. There’s only one way to find out! You could try to have your first three daily meals of protein and carbohydrates followed by three consisting of protein and fat. Separating carbohydrates from fat will minimize the output of insulin, which is very important when trying to reduce fat.
One thing to remember is drink LOTS of water.

How Much To Eat.
Many small meals are better than a few large ones; Aim for around six a day.
Clean up your eating habits and learn how to count those calories. 
Buy a good food scale and keep a food log so you know what works and what doesn’t. 
After a week or so of clean eating reduce your daily calorie intake to equate to 500 a week until you lose no more than a kilo each week; losing any more than that is loss of muscle mass.

To gain weight 
Increase your protein intake to exceed 2.5 grams per kilo per day. 
Increase food with approximately 500 Calories per day for a week until you see an improvement in bodyweight. There’s no point in getting to fat so pay attention to you’re waist and not just the scales! To gain muscle you will also gain a small amount of fat.

How to train
Cardiovascular fitness is very important for the technical diver as it reduces air consumption, which not only enables diving with smaller and therefore lighter tanks, but it also reduces the risk of decompression sickness.

To increase your Cardiovascular capacity you need to raise your heartbeat for 15 minutes or longer. Participate in exercises such as jogging, cycling, swimming, step machines or skipping. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you do it!! Aim for three to four times per week. You can do the less demanding forms of exercise for longer periods or the higher ones for shorter. Varying your training makes it more fun. Try a round with a skipping rope for one minute (full speed) followed by a rest for 30 seconds. Repeat this cycle until you’ve had enough, next time try to increase the number of ’rounds’. Try the same with running and walking; it works very well.

Strength
Also important but you don’t have to look like a body builder. A well-balanced weight training program with a bit of extra work on legs, back and waist is what you need. Doing too much is counterproductive. Quality, not quantity is what matters.

45 Minute Circuit
This workout will give a combination strength and cardiovascular workout in one 45-
minute session. The key is to move from exercise to exercise as quickly as possible.
Select a weight for each exercise that leads to failure in 12-15 repetitions.

1. 5 minutes warm up on the treadmill
2. 1 set to failure of the following exercises:
• Chest Press
• Leg Press
• Lat Pulldown
• Hamstring Curl
• Biceps Curl
• Triceps Press
• Crunches
• Leg Extension
• Shoulder Press
• Calf Raise
• Seated Row

3. 5 minutes stationary bike, moderate intensity

4. 1 set to failure of the following exercises:
• Crunches
• Lunges
• Chest Press
• Biceps Curl
• Calf Raise
• Lat Pulldown
• Triceps Press
• Seated Row
• Leg Extension

5. 5 minutes elliptical, high intensity

6. 1 set to failure of the following exercises:
• Chest Press
• Hamstring Curl
• Triceps Press
• Leg Extension
• Biceps Curl
• Calf Raise
• Shoulder Press
• Lat Pulldown
• Crunches

7. 5 minutes elliptical, high intensity

8. 5 minutes cooldown on treadmill

This exercise should take you 45 minutes to complete and should be done twice a week for 4 weeks when preparing for any technical diving activity

A custom tailored selection of diving course provides the student with scuba diving industry service technician skills.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Ian Jordan from his TDI Nitrox, BSAC/TDI Compressor Operator, BSAC/TDI Gas Blender and TDI Visual Inspections course conducted over a week by Instructors James Thornton-Allan and Ash Dunn on Koh Tao Island off the coast of Thailand.

The completed course give Ian the skills to improve his chances of employ-ability in the scuba diving industry giving him the ability to operate behind the scene in scuba diving resorts.The compressor operator course provides Ian with the ability to safely operate and conduct minor maintenance of scuba diving compressors, the gas blender add-on further gives ian the certification to make all mixes of nitrox by partial pressure or continuous flow systems. These courses were preceded by the required Nitrox Diver course and concluded with the TDI Visual Inspections Course which provides the ability to conduct repair on scuba cylinders and valves.

In will progress on to his BSAC Aqualung Repair Technician Course next week where he will learn how to service scuba diving equipment like regulators and bcd’s.

This will provide Ian with the skills and experience to be of an asset when looking for employment in the competitive and luxurious life as a scuba diving professional.

Certified scuba diving instructors cross over to become British Sub Aqua Club instructors.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the successful graduation of Yvonne Fries, Helen Artal, Beccy Simnet, Andy Evans and Eric Soderlend from their BSAC Instructor Cross-Over Course conducted by BSAC National Instructor Les Skelton and BSAC Advanced Instructor Trainer James Thornton-Allan over 4 days on Koh Tao Island off the coast of Thailand. This course was also attended by Colin Thompson who continues to complete his full BSAC Instructor Rating from the level of Divemaster over additional days of training.

The BSAC Instructor Cross-Over Course requires for attending that you are an Instructor from any agency other than BSAC and working in a centre where BSAC courses are to be offered, Big Blue Tech is a BSAC Technical Centre and Big Blue Diving is a BSAC School of Excelence.

Knowledge of other diving agencies and how they work is useful as it will give you a greater understanding of how elements fit in across the different agencies. It must be emphasized that the crossover course Instructor examiner, is not there to assess your instructing ability but rather to acquaint you with BSAC methodology and knowledge so that you will have the tools to be able to deliver BSAC diving courses; mainly Ocean Diver, Sports Diver and Dive Leader. Decompression theory and Oxygen Administration included.

These students will receive BSAC Oxygen Administration Instructor as part of the 4 day cross-over to ensure they are properly trained to handle any type of emergency which is considered essential for any scuba diving instructor.

Senior scuba diving instructor receives technical diving certification.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Dean Jenkins from his TDI Intro to Tech course conducted over 3 days by TDI Instructor Ash Dunn off the coast of Thailand on Koh Tao Island.

The TDI Intro to Tech course is the perfect course for divers who have heard about technical diving and want to find out more about this exciting branch of advanced recreational diving. This course walks students through the special techniques, planning procedures and skills that set technical diving apart from traditional sport diving. It will show them how to improve their dive planning methods, in-water skills and streamline their existing gear configuration, in a non-threatening and fun learning environment. The specific skills this course will highlight are:

• Advanced Buoyancy Control
• Gas Management
• Situational Awareness
• Trim
• Gear Configuration and Selection
• Many More!

TDI’s Intro to Tech course is a useful stand-alone course for the diver who wants to become a more skilled, more proficient diver regardless of if he intends to move on to technical diving. The course may also be used as an introduction to the TDI Advanced Nitrox course and the TDI Decompression Procedures course. And finally, it is also a good refresher for certified technical divers who may want to refresh their skills or have them re-evaluated by a TDI technical instructor.

Decompression diving techniques mastered on a wreck off the coast of Thailand

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the successful graduation of Edward Pearl from his TDI Decompression Procedures course conducted by TDI Instructor James Thornton-Allan and assisted by SSI TXR Instructor Chris Haslam on Koh Tao Island off the coast of Thailand.

As sport divers, planned decompression is not something that we do or have been taught. The TDI Decompression Procedures course prepares you for planned staged decompression diving. With a maximum operating depth of 45m/150 feet, this course is your first step beyond the normal sport diving limits. Your TDI Instructor will provide you with valuable information and skills, among the topics covered are

• Kit set-up
• Equipment requirements
• Decompression techniques
• Decompression breathing gases
• Gas management
• Contingency planning

The TDI Decompressions Procedures course combined with the TDI Advanced Nitrox course form the foundation of all other technical courses.  After these two courses and some additional experience, the stage has been set for you to move onto additional technical levels

This course was taught in combination with a day of wreck diving further exposing the student to different elements of technical diving.

The challenge of technical diving proves to be a rewarding endeavor for new students.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Dive Master Intern Edward Pearl from his TDI Advanced Nitrox Course conducted over 3 days with 4 dives by TDI Instructor James Thornton-Allan off the coast of Thailand on Koh Tao Island.

Edward had previously completed his TDI Intro to Tech course in June with TDI Instructor Andrew Cavell and this was evident because of Edwards Buoyancy and Trim control which was excellent from the beginning.

The TDI Advanced Nitrox Course qualifies divers to use enriched air nitrox from EAN 21 through EAN 100 to a depth of 40 metres/130 feet during dives hat do not require staged decompression. Often taught in conjunction with the TDI Decompression Procedures course, this can be considered the foundation of your technical diving career.  Advanced Nitrox is also a great course for those wanting to extend their bottom times in shallower depths such as scientific diver, and a must for SCR or CCR divers.

Edward continues his new found passion for technical diving with his TDI Decompression Procedures course to follow.

British Sub Aqua Club scuba equipment course completed for Aqualung brand.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Ash Dunn, Rachel Linnart and Jasmin Kollinger from their BSAC Aqualung Equipment Technician Course conducted by BSAC Instructor James Foleher during a 2 day hands on workshop on Koh Tao Island off the east coast of Thailand.

The BSAC Equipment Technician Course covers the repair, maintenance and service of all aqualung brand regulators from balanced, un-balanced and environmentally sealed to BCD’s and accessories like high pressure gauges and inflation hoses.

The 2 day course gives the students hands on practice and experience using the tools and equipment necessary for servicing these regulators.

This certification gives the students the ability to conduct warranty repair, service and authorized access to Aqualung service kits, tools and schematics.

3 weeks of training brings recreational diver to the pinnacle of deep air diving.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Etienne De Beer from his TDI Extended Range conducted over 3 days by TDI Instructor James Thornton-Allan off the coast of Thailand on Koh Tao Island.

The TDI Extended Range course is at the pinnacle of deep air diving with training and certification to 55m using multiple mixes and gasses up to pure oxygen to accelerate decompression.

Etienne came to us from South Africa with his family to take the “Tech Diver Package” which included the TDI Intro To Tech, TDI Advanced Nitrox, TDI Decompression Procedures and finally TDI Extended Range. In addition to this package Etienne received the BSAC Extended Range Diver certification when his instructor James fractured his foot and had to remain out of the water for a period of time allowing his colleague Ash Dunn to replace him.

The course taught Etienne all the qualities and skills Big Blue Tech has to offer with over 25 logged technical dives. Etienne overcame some obstacles including the backwards fin kick which he achieved on dive 19 after weeks of practice and the strength of climbing out of the water with 4 cylinders on, a weight of 100kg ( cylinders weight 14kg each before you add all the valves and regulators) which he took in stride.

We’re always proud of our students and the effort that they put in to learn and focus and this course was no exception. in the final test or challenge Etienne excelled and performed above requirements.

5 diving specialties and 50 logged dives make the master scuba diver.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Erika De Beer, Marike De Beer and Suzanne De Beer from their Master Scuba Diver course conducted over 3 weeks with 50 dives and 5 specialties by Master Scuba Diver Trainer James Foleher on Koh Tao Island off the coast of Thailand.

The Master Scuba Diver certification is a recognition of experience and is the highest non-professional rating available. The De Beer’s completed their Nitrox Diver, Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Night Diver, Diver Propulsion Vehicle Diver (DPV) and Peak Buoyancy Diver along with unlimited diving up to the 50 required for certification.

The Master Scuba Diver course is designed to introduce divers to a vareity of discimplines and challenges to give them a balanced exposure to different elements of what scuba diving has to offer.

The students will receive their certifications back home in South Africa including a wall certificate, iron on patch and a separate Master Scuba Diver card. Congratulations!

Thailand’s caves provide perfect fresh water cave diving conditions

Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrate the graduation of Simone Schuil and Neil Gregory from their TDI Intro to Cave and TDI Full Cave Diver course conducted over 5 days in Khao Sok National Park and Krabi by TDI CCR Full Cave Instructor Ben Reymenants.

This was the first in a unique program where cave diving is combined with mixed gas (See “TDI Advanced Trimix Course in Thailand” ). This option presents a solution to the possibility of bad weather while diving during the monsoon in Thailand. Advanced divers with a weak stomach from the rocking of the open ocean boats could choose freshwater caves to fulfill their training.

This month, Blue Label Diving joined hands with Big Blue Tech in Koh Tao to run such a program. Neil Gregory from Australia and Simone Schuil from the Netherlands did their full cave course is the protected shelter of Khaosok National park. Neil Gregory, already an advanced cave diver , took the chance to combine this highest level of cave diving with the highest level of open circuit mixed gas diving; the advanced trimix course.

The cave training in Khao Sok National park was combined with an advanced trimix course run from Phuket where academics and pool-training was conducted before heading off to the depths around Racha Noi.

Once competent in both Cave and trimix, the team took their steps further to gradually explore the depths of Sra Keow cave system in Aonang, Krabi province. Two resurgences were explored over 4 days to depths of 60m & 80m. The final day, a signed arrow was placed at the 100m mark on the permanent line.
Neil Gregory went proudly home holding the TDI full cave diver cert and the TDI advanced Trimix cert.

Simone Schuil achieved her TDI Trimix certificate and buddied up with Neil Gregory to become a full cave diver as well

Blue Label Diving and Big Blue Tech are planning their next full cave course to Khao Sok starting on 9^th of July. For inquiries look here

Divers train to 100m on helium and oxygen based diving mixes

Phuket, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Gregs from his TDI Advanced Trimix course conducted over several days diving and theory by TDI Instructor Trainer Ben Reymenants on Phuket Island on the west coast of Thailand

The TDI Advanced Trimix Diver course is the top level of training for open circuit divers wishing to dive to depths as deep as 100 m / 330 feet utilizing hypoxic levels of oxygen (below 17 percent).  This course is perhaps one of the most informative and challenging and upon completion you are among some of the most elite divers.

During the course the team made a visit to Sra Keow Cave where Ben had previously explored up to 240m in vertical depth. Gregs had previously been certified as a CDAA Cave Diver and TDI Intro To Cave which allowed him to explore the stunning cave system in Krabi Province.

Ben and Gregs move on to Khao Sok National Park to complete his TDI Cave Diver course and continue with more deep dives around the sunken city and forest.

BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club) provides attractive alternative to other professional diver courses with a one on one internship.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Chris Shaw from his BSAC Dive Leader course conducted over 3 weeks by BSAC Instructor Ash Dunn on Koh Tao Island off the coast of Thailand.

The BSAC Dive Leader provides a professional diving certification and ability to work in the diving industry to experienced divers who are looking to improve their personal diving skills and learn more in-depth training and methods.

We offer several professional internship courses including the PADI Divemaster Course, SSI DiveCon Course, TDI Technical Divemaster Course and SDI Divemaster Course. The BSAC one is unlike any other professional diving level in many ways, which is what made it an attractive option for Chris.

The course focused on Chris’s diving skills and ability with one on one guidance from his instructor. This was essential since the BSAC Dive Leader course includes decompression diving, certification to 50m and oxygen administration.In addition Chris had to perform in limited visibility, at night, on a drift, from a boat and marshaling in combination with mock helicopter rescue drills.

The BSAC Dive Leader course is catered to train british divers to supervise diving activities in England but the training and confidence taught through the program in less demanding conditions meant Chris could complete the course in 3 weeks and not 6 months.

During the BSAC Dive Leader Course Koh Tao had a few days of rough weather, high seas and wind giving Chris a taste of British diving conditions as he performed the last of his training dives at our deeper dive sites on a twin set. Chris made most of his training dives in technical diving gear since he completed is TDI Intro To Tech course before starting his internship.

From this course Chris can continue his professional career in becoming an instructor or on to deeper technical diving.

Technical divers experience the art and sill of decompression diving in South East Asia.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Etienne De Beer from his TDI Decompression Procedures Course conducted over 3 days with 4 dives by TDI Instructor James Thornton-Allan off the coast of Thailand on Koh Tao Island.

The TDI Decompression Procedures Course takes the previously certified TDI Advanced Nitrox Diver and provides training for planned and staged decompression diving where the use of multiple oxygen based gasses provide an accelerated exit from depths up to 45m.

The course also provides more advanced familiarization with technical diving equipment, methods and skills including buoyancy, trim and control.

During the course the conditions were challenging and with limited visibility this provided great training grounds for becoming a comfortable and qualified technical diver. Working on the motto “Train Hard, Dive Easy” Etienne certainly covered the “Train Hard” aspect in many ways.

As a final treat Etienne was introduced to technical wreck diving with a shallow and limited penetration on our local house wreck off the shore of Koh Tao.

Technical scuba divers learn the techniques to using rich mixes of nitrox for technical diving

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Etienne De Beer and Pierre Peigne from their TDI Advanced Nitrox course conducted over 2 days and 4 dives by TDI Instructor James Thornton-Allan and assisted by Technical Diving Instructor Intern James Foleher on a small island off the coast of Thailand called Koh Tao.

TDI Advanced Nitrox training focuses on the diver’s bottom skills, ascent skills expanding on the Intro to Tech skills, and is designed to cultivate, integrate, and test these skills, which are essential for safe technical diving. This critical training will include bottom failures, midwater failures, problem identification and resolution and building the capacity for progressively more challenging diving.

In this class, students will be trained in the use of double tanks/cylinders and in the potential failure problems associated with them, the use of 100% Oxygen for extended no decompression, and the applications of single decompression stage diving with respect to decompression procedures.

This class provides an excellent foundation on which divers can build their technical diving experience in the 130′/40m range using a single decompression bottle. Following the TDI Advanced Nitrox, the diver can enter the TDI Decompression Procedures, which provides a solid basis of critical skills for the Technical Diver venturing to 160’/45m range utilizing single decompression bottle and a stage to conduct multiple technical dives in one day.

Consider the following with respect to your deeper diving pursuits.

• How fun are those deep dives if you aren’t comfortable?
• You have doubles, but do you know how to handle a failure as a team?
• Would you enjoy your dives more if you felt more confident in your diving and emergency skills?
• Would you like current and depth and darkness not to affect your diving at all?

This class is designed for those individuals who like to learn by doing, not just thinking. With an emphasis on practical, in-training through development and “simulator dives”, it’s just the thing to get your brain working while you’re finning and hovering.

And for those yearning for a better understanding of the monster of decompression, we start at the beginning, and work carefully to our present understanding. If you’re ready to take the next step into technical diving.All these elements combined equal a far safer diving experience in the 80 (24m) – 130 ft (39m) range which makes this class an excellent resource for anyone looking to make the most out of the time they have for diving.

When merged with other skills such as team diving and precision diver control, individuals are able to appreciate a whole new way of diving, having more fun while diving safer and more responsibly. Simply put, these techniques and principles enable divers to maximize their personal abilities and eliminate some of the frustrations common in conventional diving.

TDI (Technical Diving International) Intro to Tech course provides entry level certification for technical diving

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Etienne De Beer, Colin Thompson and Caroline Sale from their TDI Intro to Tech course conducted over 2 days with 4 dives by TDI Instructor James Thornton-Allan and assisted by Intern James Foleher off the coast of Thailand on an island called Koh Tao.

TDI Intro to Tech course is designed to cultivate the fundamental techniques required by all sound technical, wreck, and cave diving practice. Essentials of Tech functions as a technical entry point for all previously certified divers and as the prerequisite for all other technical TDI classes.TDI Intro to Tech focuses on the divers’ critical bottom skills. The training is centered around precise buoyancy control, team awareness, and controlled ascent procedures including surface marker buoy use.The equipment required for the TDI Intro to Tech is centered on the hogarthian configuration, which includes a backplate and wing in lieu of a traditional BC, and a long hose for the primary regulator and short, necklaced hose for the backup.

The TDI Intro to Tech class continues the students’ path as a “Thinking Diver” and brings an increased awareness of the underwater environment. While preparing the diver for more advanced, technical dive training, the Essentials of Tech student will also develop excellent diving skills for use in recreational diving situations.

Many divers find all the adventure they need in recreational dives to 100′ or less. But some feel that maybe they are missing some skills that technical divers have such as “horizontal decompression stops”. Or maybe you linger at the top of the wall, looking down into the inky abyss? Does the idea of penetrating a wreck, with only your lights and a guideline to lead you give you good goose bumps? Do you think you’ll never be happy unless you’re flying past a pinnacle at 200′ on a scooter? Technical diving is about having fun, just like any other pastime. But, like anything worth doing, it requires perseverance and hard work. This class is designed for the diver eager to learn some basic technical diving skills which can help improve their recreational diving ability or want to begin building a strong foundation to start pursuing the challenge of technical diving.

Maybe you want to learn something new (like the Intro to Tech configuration) or you want to improve your safety by learning to do horizontal air sharing drills. Regardless of your motivation, in this class you will be introduced to the technical diver’s toolbox. You will learn to hover motionless, move forward and backward, turn around without disturbing the bottom. You will learn to air share gas with your teammate in a reasonable and efficient manner. You will learn to ascend, making appropriate stops while deploying a surface marker to alert the boat and support team of our predicament to basic use of a deco bottle. In the classroom, technical divers need to know which gas to choose and why, how to plan a dive (including Decompression techniques), from the back of the truck to a bench on the boat, and how to ensure that everyone has a great time and gets home safely. Intro to Tech isn’t about showcasing the latest equipment, or rushing you into the next class. It’s about working to develop skills that will improve your dive, and thus propel into a world of exploration. If this sounds a bit more than you had envisioned, or you are unsure about your preparation, please feel free to contact us, or see our Intro to Tech

BSAC Dive Leader intern cruises through the Oxygen Administration SDC

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of BSAC Dive Leader Intern Chris Shaw from his BSAC Oxygen Administration Skill Development Course conducted over a 1 day workshop by BSAC Instructor Ash Dunn.

As a diver you’ve probably attended First Aid training, during which you’ll have learned the benefit of delivering rescue breaths to a non breathing patient. But did you know that by administrating rescue breaths together with enriched oxygen content you can increase the effectiveness of this technique? Furthermore, in the case of most diving related accidents, the administration of oxygen can also be of benefit when treating such conditions.

This course will show you how oxygen can be used as a first aid treatment for treating divers and diving related incidents, the safe guards of administrating 100% oxygen and the limitations of oxygen treatment. The course is designed for divers and people who are involved with diving activities for example; deckhands and surface support teams etc.

This is 1 day course and it consists of both theory and practical lessons. The course concludes with an evaluation in both of these areas. All candidates on completion of the course will receive a set of student notes and an Oxygen Administrator certification card.

This course is part of the BSAC Dive Leader Course as a standard component.

A workshop to deliver technical diving instructor qualities and skills conducted in thailand.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of James Foleher from his BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club) Extended Range Instructor SDC Workshop conducted by BSAC Extended Range Instructor Trainer Ash Dunn over 2 days on Koh Tao Island off the coast of Thailand.

The BSAC ERD Instructor course allows qualified technical divers and BSAC Instructors the ability to teach the BSAC ERD SDC. The course covers academic presentations, skill assessment, open water skill delivery and a stress test.

The course was accompanied by BSAC Dive Leader intern Chris Shaw who acted as a student for James to practice his skills.

As a BSAC ERD Instructor James is authorized to teach the BSAC Advanced Nitrox and BSAC Extended Range course through any BSAC Centre worldwide!

Experienced recreational divers gain the ability to dive solo.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Etienne De Beer and Caroline Sale from the SDI Solo Diver Course conducted by Solo Diving Instructor James Thornton-Allan on Koh Tao Island off the coast of Thailand.

SDI has been the only agency sanctioning a Solo Diver certification for some time now. You may be asking, “Who is SDI”? Well, SDI (Scuba Diving International) is the open water arm of TDI (Technical Diving International).TDI is the largest technical training organization in the world. SDI is now in a dead heat for the number two position among certifying agencies for the number of divers trained annually in the US.

One of SDI’s most popular courses, the solo diver program teaches experienced recreational divers how to safely dive independently of a dive buddy or strengthen your buddy team skills. The course stresses on proper dive planning, personal limitations, accident prevention as well as the benefits, hazards, and proper procedures for diving solo.  You will also learn the additional equipment that is required for solo diving including it’s proper usage and assembly. This is the prefect course for underwater photography and underwater video divers.

Both Caroline and Etienne progress on to the TDI Intro to Tech course tomorrow for more training and experience.

Accomodation on koh tao for technical diving students.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech provides accommodation to it’s students when in training that features comfort, quiet and amenities to help you get the rest you need for technical diving activities.

Our resort features many rooms on site but these are located directly on the beach and provide a great back packer atmosphere however for our elite students we have a hotel located 100m from our main resort designed to provide a more luxurios atmosphere.

Our hotel features a large internet cafe with wireless throughout for any traveling business needs. The rooms have air conditioning, fridge and tv as standard. Our eastern facing rooms have balcony and western facing rooms have an ocean view. For safety and security the rooms also have safety deposit boxes along with a communal safe in the resort lobby.

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the part scene and night life you can choose to walk outside in the activity or get away from it all if you have some deep challenging dives the following day.

British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) course, recognized by Aqualung, conducted in Thailand

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Technical Diving Instructor Intern James Foleher from his BSAC Repair Technician Course conducted over a 2 day hands on workshop by Instructor Kieron Mc Clintock.

The workshop is designed to make the technician familiar with Aqualung’s equipment including the PowerLine Inflator (TM) found on their BCD’s. The hands on workshop explores the strip down, service and repair of unbalanced, balanced and environmentally sealed regulator first stages along with a variety of second stages.

In addition to the repair included a troubleshooting and adjusting section to enhance the equipment’s performance and provide the best service to students and customers.

After completing this course James will be team teaching the next scheduled session to work toward becoming a BSAC Repair Technician Instructor.

This course is recognized and supported by Aqualung and gives the student the authority to conduct warranty repairs and service.

To enroll in this course contact us at info@bigbluetech.net

TDI Intro to Tech course completed in Thailand

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Chris Shaw and Nicholas Swyny from their TDI Intro to Tech course conducted over 3 days with 4 dives by TDI Technical Instructor Ash Dunn and Technical Instructor Intern James Foleher off the coast of Thailand on Koh Tao Island.

The TDI Intro to Tech course is the perfect course for divers who have heard about technical diving and want to find out more about this exciting branch of advanced recreational diving. This course walks students through the special techniques, planning procedures and skills that set technical diving apart from traditional sport diving. It will show them how to improve their dive planning methods, in-water skills and streamline their existing gear configuration, in a non-threatening and fun learning environment. The specific skills this course will highlight are:

• Advanced Buoyancy Control
• Gas Management
• Situational Awareness
• Trim
• Gear Configuration and Selection
• Many More!

TDI’s Intro to Tech course is a useful stand-alone course for the diver who wants to become a more skilled, more proficient diver regardless of if he intends to move on to technical diving. The course may also be used as an introduction to the TDI Advanced Nitrox course and the TDI Decompression Procedures course. And finally, it is also a good refresher for certified technical divers who may want to refresh their skills or have them re-evaluated by a TDI technical instructor.

Experienced divers take on scuba diving compressor operation and nitrox gas blending courses in Thailand.

Koh Tao, Thailand.

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of James Foleher, Steven Develter, Tom Fox and Peter Buckmaster from their TDI/BSAC Compressor Operator and TDI Gas Blender Course conducted over 3 days on Koh Tao Island off the coast of Thailand by Instructor Ash Dunn.

The compressor operator course certifies the student to use scuba diving compressors for the purpose of creating clean safe divers grade air along with the addition of air bank systems to increase volume and output. Included in the course is the packing of filtration systems, basic maintenance, start up and shut down procedures and orientation to different types of compressors. The students completed 3 hours of practical filling before continuing on to nitrox gas blending methods.

The Nitrox Gas Blender course certifies the student to create all mixes of nitrox including pure oxygen using continuos flow and partial pressure filling methods. These methods include topping up, bleeding down, using nitrox as a mix gas, using filtered Grade-E air or oxygen clean air for partial pressure filling.

The students will continue to use their certification as divemasters at big blue filling their own nitrox tanks for repetitive diving in their job. James continues on his internship to become gas blender and compressor operator instructor in the future.

Recreational instructors cross their skills over to BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club)

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech intern James Foleher successfully completed his BSAC Open Water Instructor Crossover Course yesterday after a completing a 4 day work shop with academic and water presentations and additional skills not included in other instructor courses.

The BSAC instructor cross-over course includes oxygen administration (which is standard at the Dive Leader level) and decompression diving theory. Since James is already a technical diver and an oxygen provider instructor he didn’t need to attend those workshops.

James started the crossover as an experienced PADI IDC Staff Instructor who’s majority of teaching and experience comes from working in England. The course concluded with a skill circuit in the swimming pool which was used to test James’s skills and give him the chance to demonstrate his teaching quality.

In addition to his graduation, BSAC National Instructor Les Skelton awarded James with Merit which means performance above the passing grade! Good job James!

New technical course from TDI shows popularity in Thailand.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Thijs Greven from his TDI Intro To Tech Course conducted over 2 days with 4 dives off the coast of Thailand on an island called Koh Tao taught by TDI Technical instructor Ash Dunn and assisted by Technical Instructor Candidate James Foleher. Thijs is a student traveling through Asia after a term in the Dutch Army.

TDI’s intro to tech course is designed to prepare divers for diving a double tank/cylinder configuration using proper equipment and techniques. In this class, students will be trained in the use of double tanks/cylinders and in the potential failure problems associated with them. The course includes a minimum of 6 hours of academics & land drills and a minimum of four in-water sessions.

Advice was given on kit set up and choices, and focuses on increasing proficiency with double tank configuration, through proper control of the buoyancy, trim, propulsion, teamwork and other TDI principles. Buoyancy, trim and ascent practice together with problem management and gas planning adds up to a worthwhile investment in training to use the new equipment.

Congratulations Tijs and we look forward to seeing you again for future training!

Female technical divers can now get their own clothing.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech have released new designs to our existing online shop of technical diving clothing. One popular addition has been the “Team Chick” shirt which has been designed specifically for female technical divers. Designed by Helen Artal and Yvonne Fries who are not only female but also Big Blue Tech’s SSI Technical Instructors.

The new shirt features our famous twin set design with a pink theme, flowers and the slogan “We Go Down”

in addition to the female shirt is the “Un Reel” diving shirt for all the cave diving enthusiasts. You can see our entire product line here : Technical Diving Clothing

All clothing is stocked year round and shipped world wide!

Recreational Divers Experience Technical Diving in Thailand

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Ian Goodfellow, Pierre Peigne and Trevor Hailstones from their TDI Intro to Tech course conducted by TDI Technical Instructor Andrew Cavell on Koh Tao Island off the coast of Thailand during 3 days of education through 4 dives and academic theory sessions.

The TDI Intro To Tech course is designed to teach control, buoyancy, equipment setup and safety drills for diving in technical diving gear. This course is also known as a twin-set course and is modeled after the GUE Foundations Course which focuses on trim and control.

The TDI Intro to Tech course provides the students with a certification to wear technical diving gear to their own and current certification limit providing them the chance to gain valuable experience through our center on Koh Tao by conducting recreational dives in technical gear.

Technical diving gear provides comfort, redundancy of air, twice the amount of air and it provides one of the most valuable resources sought in diving; it looks cool!

Technical diving expedition in Thailand comes to an successful conclusion.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech concluded the 3 week technical diving expedition road trip arriving at our final destination in Pattaya which is located just outside Bangkok in Thailand.

Leaving Krabi James Thornton-Allan and James Foleher drove 12 hours north to Pattaya after stopping in at Big Blue Chumphon to transfer the majority of the diving equipment back to Koh Tao. Arriving in Pattaya the divers met up with Mark Slinn who is a resident of Pattaya and former Big Blue Tech intern who was gracious enough to house the weary divers for the next few days.

The past three weeks on the road from May 11th till May 31st saw the divers visit some of the best diving destinations and divers diving conditions in Thailand and south east Asia.

The divers experienced caves, caverns, world war 2 wrecks, new virgin wrecks, sunken forests, coral reefs, deep walls, strong currents, big waves, deep penetrations, salt water, fresh water, night diving, cold water diving using all mixes of oxygen and helium. They dived from the shore, longtail boat, large dive boat, muddy banks, cave entrances and a liveaboard.

The expedition covered over 2000km including a flight to Singapore and a finally flight from Bangkok down to Koh Samui which is the neighboring island to Koh Tao.

The purpose behind the expedition was to train and prepare Mr. Foleher as a technical diver with a large variety of environments, experiences and challenges to give the confidence and ability to begin his technical diving instructor courses and assists in June.

This expedition couldn’t of been made possible without the support of the following: Halcyon Dive Equipment, Pro-Tec Dive College, Dive Supply, One Stop, IQ Divers, Kamala Dive Centre, Friendly Waters Seasports, the crew of the Mv Samudera, Oms Dive Equipment, Khao Sok National Park, TDI / SDI South East Asia, Royal Thai Navy and Air Asia.

You can follow Mr. Foleher’s progress as he moves on to his BSAC Instructor Cross-over course on the 4th of June.

Popular travel guide gives top review to Big Blue Diving.

Koh Tao Thailand

Excerpt from The Rough Guide: Thailand – Seventh Edition

“Located on the west facing side of the island of Koh Tao Big Blue Diving is the ideal spot to base yourself for one of the most enjoyable & relaxing dive holidays you can have anywhere in the world and at an extremely affordable price. With 3 dive boats at their disposal & operating a choice of up to 13 divesites daily this is one of the best run operations in Thailand & in 2009 deservedly won the prestigious SSI Award for Most Successful Dive Center in Asia. Pretty easy to see why as well.

They have a beach side bar & Restaurant advertising the greatest sunsets on the island while eating the greatest pizza on the island! They have over 40 rooms offering Free air conditioned dormitory style accommodation to students doing their Open Water Courses, or private fan rooms with en-suite for just 200 bt per night. Or they can offer you bungalows on the beach starting at just 400 Bt per night increasing to prices over 4000 Bt per night!

Environmentally aware, Big Blue organize frequent beach & divesite clean ups as well Whale shark & Turtle data collaboration & local land conservation projects & in 2008 & 2009 won PADI’s Project Aware Award for Environmental Achievement as well as the SSI Award in 2009 for Most Environmentally Active Dive Center in Asia.Big Blue Diving is one of Thailand’s largest & well respected Diver Education center’s & in 2009 was awarded with 2 of the most sought after awards issued by SSI Thailand with Instuctor Trainer Simon Garrity being awarded with the Highest Instructor Certifications in 2009 & Yvonne Fries (Tech Instructor) was awarded the Highest Student Certifications in Thailand.

Recently Big Blue has also become a well recognized Technical Diving Center & was awarded the Highest Technical Diving certifications in Thailand by TDI. They offer all forms of Technical Diving, Rebreather diving & also organize monthly Cave Diving trips to Khao Sok National Park & in the past year found a wreck lying in 40 meters depth just off Koh Tao, making it the most accessible wreck dive from Koh Tao. Offering all PADI, SSI , BSAC, SDI & TDI courses from beginner to Instructor it is easy to see why Big Blue Diving Koh Tao has become one of the most recognized & well respected Dive centers in the Asia Pacific Region.

For more information please feel free to contact info@bigbluediving.com or see for yourself on www.bigbluediving.com”

More information found hereThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Technical divers explore Asia’s deepest documented underwater cave.

Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand

Continuing the expedition James Foleher and James Thornton-Allan departed Phuket and drove south to Krabi province which is host to the deepest documented underwater cave in Asia called Sra Keow Cave located just outside a small beachfront town called Ao Nang.

Krabi is best known for towering limestone cliffs and jungle forests which cover the landscape located just south of Phuket on the west coast of Thailand.

Sra Keow Cave is a fresh water cave which starts at a depth of 12m and drops at a 45 degree angle vertically down to 240m. This is the deepest documented cave in Thailand as recorded by Big Blue Tech Instructor Trainer Ben Reymenants who reached the depth on open circuit trimix, his account of the story can be found here.

The purpose of this visit was to experience deep water caves and also use the entrance of the system to conduct a TDI Cavern Course within the light zone of around 20m inside the entrance.

The cave which is nestled in the jungle and home to elephants who use the fresh water pool to drink from is great contrast to the deep wreck diving experienced earlier in the expedition in the ocean.

Arriving at the pool edge the truck was parked, equipment setup and the divers jumped in at their leisure conducting 2 days of diving in and around the cave.

Mr. Foleher excelled at the skills and environment as he had overhead reeling experience already when he completed his TDI Advanced Wreck on Koh Tao before departing on the expedition. The TDI Advanced Wreck and his recent TDI Cavern Course covers the majority of overhead environments found in technical diving.

These courses open up the world of cave diving which he is now eligible to get involved in.

*Special thanks to One Stop Dive for looking after us for the days we were there. This is the second time we have relied on One Stop Dive for their Halcyon equipment support, mixed gas supply and general support and they have always provided excellent service!

Technical divers pay their respects to the fallen sailors and soldiers of the HMS Repulse.

South China Seas, Singapore.

Shortly after the outbreak of war in the Pacific on 8 December 1941, the HMS Repulse left Singapore in company with the other major element of the Eastern Fleet, including HMS Prince of Wales, and 4 destroyers, to try and intercept Japanese invasion force heading towards Malaya (Malaysia).

On December 10, 1941, after failing to find any Japanese invasion forces, and turning south, Japanese aircraft were spotted. The fleet was attacked by 86 Japanese aircraft from the 22nd Air Flotilla based in Saigon, which attacked both HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse.

The HMS Repulse survived a bomb hit and managed to dodge 14 torpedoes before being sunk in 20 minutes after receiving 5 torpedo hits. 327 crew members died in the sinking. Including a young electrician Arthur Frederick Cavell.

On April 30th 2010 technical diving instructor , for Big Blue Tech, Andrew Frederick Cavell joined an expedition to dive on the HMS Repulse. During his expedition he noticed a similar name and matching surname in the list of sailors who died on during the sinking.

Returning home to Thailand Andrew researched and discovered his great uncle was a serving member of the HMS Repulse and in fact is the same sailor who’s name he saw on the expedition. Andrew had no idea he had been diving on a wreck that was resting place for someone related.

The wreck site was designated as a ‘Protected Place’ in 2001 under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986, just prior to the 60th anniversary of her sinking. The Royal Navy maintains a White Ensign flag on the mast of the Repulse. However this flag has been either removed or washed away by the strong currents.

Leading up to a second technical diving expedition a decision was made to place a Red Ensign on the wreck at the bow to honour the site and those who lost their lives serving on the HMS Repulse. The Red Ensign or “Red Duster” which is commonly used by Royal Merchant Navy Ships but at the same time by all Royal Navy who are departing from a foreign port. The Repulse would of flown this flag when leaving Singapore and never returned to remove it.

The current flag on the bow was placed by James Foleher and James Thornton-Allan who are both former soldiers from the British military.

In keeping with the rules outlined by the Protection of Military Remains Act there was no penetration or disturbance conducted on either expedition dives to the HMS Repulse by members of Big Blue Tech.

Technical Divers advance to Advanced Nitrox Diving in Thailand

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Jennifer Cronin and Johan Arsborg from their TDI Advanced Nitrox course conducted by TDI Technical Instructor Andrew Cavell on Koh Tao Island off the coast of Thailand over 3 days with 4 dives and academic theory presentations.

This is the first (1st) stage of training in the series of TDI’s tech diver development program. The objective of this course is to train the divers in the benefits, hazards and proper procedures for utilizing Enriched air nitrox twenty one (21%) percent through to one hundred (100%) percent oxygen for dives not requiring staged decompression. To a depth of forty (40) msw, one hundred thirty (130) fsw.

The course enables the certified diver to use enriched air nitrox to extend their no decompression limits by swapping gas to higher blends as the dive continues and becomes shallower. This gives the diver no decompression obligation and longer deeper dives than experience before.

This course is also a pre-requisite to decompression diving which the students will start in a few days.

HMS Repulse Liveaboard technical diving trip provides perfect conditions for helium mixed gas diving.

South China Sea, Singapore

Continuing the expedition James Foleher and James Thornton-Allan departed Phuket and flew to Singapore to join a technical diving liveaboard on the Mv Samudera Quest which departs for 2 days and 3 nights on the HMS Repulse Shipwreck located off the coast of Singapore in south east Asia.

The purpose of this trip is to expose Mr. Foleher to the challenging conditions of the south china sea with strong currents and large swells. In addition to the environment the HMS Repulse is one of the top technical diving wrecks in the world and a perfect destination to combine with the training for the TDI Trimix Diver Course

The divers departed in the morning of the 21st of May and flew Air Asia direct from Phuket to Singapore Changi airport. Buy excess luggage upon booking was essential to avoid the heavy fines incurred from last months flight.

The plan was to meet the divers at Taneh Merrah Ferry Terminal where we would clear customs and immigration and board the Mv Samudera Quest which would start it’s overnight journey out to the HMS Repulse.

The Mv Samudera is a converted river ferry which has been adopted for technical and recreational diving with on board trimix, nitrox, oxygen supply and decompression bar below. The food is excellent and that always makes a difference on every long journey.

Arriving in the morning of the 22nd we were tied onto the torpedo damage section midships of the wreck at a depth of 40m. The sand would be a 55m which would be the majority of our dives since the wreck is almost inverted which meant having to go under the deck to explore the exterior.

During the first dive a British flag was placed on the bow, more to that story found later.

After completing 2 normoxic trimix dives the weather changed and a storm moved in. Unable to remain on site the vessel moved to a local island to seek refuge from the stormy weather. The waves were so strong that it broke the tie off line casting the liveaboard into the waves. Although it proved no concern to the dives it did mean someone would have to go back in and tie the rope back on to the wreck and there were no eager volunteers.

The following day it was decided to move on from the repulse and conducted more dives on the Au Tanker which is a very large and deep tanker with the sand at about 65m. This old vessel appeared to be an insurance scam as it was picked clean of everything that you would associate with a wreck.

Moving closer to Singapore a final wreck called the “Sara-D” wreck is another large freighter which many believed to be larger than the HMS Repulse. This wreck proved to be one of the favorites with large penetrations, crystal clear water and easy access with the wreck lying on it’s starboard side with the hull sheltering the divers from the current.

Singapore has one of the largest commercial shipping ports in the world which provides a lot of wrecks.

Upon returning to Singapore we disembarked and explored the city waiting for a return flight home to Phuket to continue our expedition to Krabi. Congratulations to James Foleher who completed his TDI Trimix Diver Course.

SSI (Scuba Schools International) TXR (Technical Extended Range) course delivered in Thailand

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation Rikki Clarke, and one of our very own Recreational Instructors Dan Bolton, from their SSI TXR Advanced Nitrox and Technical Foundations courses conducted by Helen Artal and Yvonne Fries.

The combined courses were conducted over 5 days, and are the perfect introduction to Technical Diving. On land the students learned about advanced dive planning, gas requirements and oxygen management, as well as taking a deeper look into the physics, physiology, equipment, and decompression theory that are involved in Technical Extended Range Diving.

In the water the boys were taken back to basics in the confined session to get to grips with their new equipment, and learn the various skills required for the course. They then completed 6 open water training dives to depths between 30 and 42 meters using both air and nitrox, and executed dive plans including up to 15 minutes stage decompression.

The combined Advanced Nitrox and Technical Foundations course is ideal for divers looking to increase their knowledge and safety in the water, while extending both your depth and no-deco limits, in addition to giving you an introduction to Decompression diving.

Divers take the first step in technical diving with the TDI Intro to Tech course.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech celebrates the graduation of Johan Arsborg, Charles Bernier, Edward Pearl and Calvin Beale from their TDI Intro to Tech course conducted by TDI Technical Instructor Andrew Cavell on Koh Tao Island off the coast of Thailand during 3 days of education through 4 dives and academic theory sessions.

The TDI Intro To Tech course is designed to teach control, buoyancy, equipment setup and safety drills for diving in technical diving gear. This course is also known as a twin-set course and is modeled after the GUE Foundations Course which focuses on trim and control.

The TDI Intro to Tech course provides the students with a certification to wear technical diving gear to their own and current certification limit providing them the chance to gain valuable experience through our center on Koh Tao by conducting recreational dives in technical gear.

Technical diving gear provides comfort, redundancy of air, twice the amount of air and it provides one of the most valuable resources sought in diving; it looks cool!

Divers take the professional road with BSAC and Big Blue Tech

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech welcomes Johan Arsborg and Laura Osborne who will be completing their BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club) Dive Leader course with us over the next few weeks. The course will be conducted by BSAC Extended Range Instructors Ash Dunn and Andrew Cavell who will be working together to train these divers the BSAC way!

The BSAC Dive Leader course works on a method of mentoring with a focus on diving skills and less focus on assisting courses. The divers will learn navigation both surface and underwater, how to find and dive wrecks,  planning and managing dives, additional first aid for diving related injuries, as well as advanced diving skills and techniques for leading divers underwater. In addition this course includes the BSAC Oxygen Administration Course which teaches them how to administer oxygen to diving related casualties.

While the divers initially went for other options they were looking to enhance their skills as divers and not increase they’re employ-ability. This course helps the students gain confidence and ability in diving and gives them pride in having a unique and sought after certification.

During their course they will be responsible for the planning and execution of both technical and recreational dives in a supervision role, let’s hope they’re up to the challenge!

Internship program delivers the infamous Solo Diver certification and Research diver certification.

Phuket, Thailand

Continuing the expedition James Foleher and James Thornton-Allan continued diving in Phuket to conduct technical diver training and specialty diver training during a 3 week expedition / road trip through Thailand and south east Asia.

Today James Foleher completed the final aspects of his Scuba Diving International™ (SDI) Solo Diver Certification and his SDI Research Diver Certification. The dives were conducted in various environments in the early stages of the expedition and his internship but today James finalized his exam for the Solo Diver Course and completed his research on the HMS Repulse Wreck which we will be conducting a Technical Diving International™ (TDI) Trimix Diver Course in a few days.

James will be releasing his research in combination with a trip report online after the journey to Singapore has been completed.

The survey techniques used in the research diver program had already been conducted including how to measure, take inventory and dissect a dive site along with methods of installing a grid system. These skills had to be simulated because the wreck site was designated as a ‘Protected Place’ in 2001 under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986, just prior to the 60th anniversary of her sinking. The Act makes it an offense to interfere with a protected place, to disturb the site or to remove anything from the site. Divers may visit the site but the rule is look, don’t touch and don’t penetrate.

The law concerning protected places applies anywhere in the world, but in practice, outside the UK, the sanctions can only be enforced against UK citizens, UK flagged ships, or vessels landing in the UK, unless backed by local legislation. Being as both James Thornton-Allan and James Foleher are British and former British Soldiers we’re certainly

Tomorrow is our last day for sightseeing in Phuket before flying down to Singapore.

Tech Diving Expedition: Racha Noi and Racha Yai in Phuket

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Tags: clear blue water, coral dive, decompression, dive sites, hearty lunch, koh tao, maximum depth, nitrox, ocean diving, open ocean, phuket phuket, phuket thailand, steep hill, technical diving
Posted in Big Blue Tech News | Edit | 1 Comment »

TDI Instructor Crossover Course Completed in Thailand

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Tags: decompression dives, diving courses, instructor koh tao, instructor trainer, koh tao island, koh tao thailand, nitrox, tdi instructor, technical instructor, Vanuatu, wreck diving
Posted in Big Blue Tech News | Edit | No Comments »

SSI TechXR Instructor Course Completed in Thailand

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Tags: 50m, decompression, high quality education, instructor trainer, koh tao island, scuba schools international, SSI TechXR, ssi txr, tech instrictor course, tech instructors, technical diving, technical experience, theoretical knowledge, training material
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Big Blue Tech Student in the News

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Tags: desert sports, diving club, diving team, dubai uae, falmouth, galvani, happy hunting, hms, international waters, khao sok national park, nazi submarine, sloop, sports diving, steve jeffs, straits of hormuz, sunken temple, technical diver, william leeman
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Tech Diving Expedition: Mv Sea Chart Shipwreck

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

Tags: 100m, dive shop, iq dive, khao lak thailand, narcosis, sea chart, shipwreck, similan islands, wreck diving, wrecks
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Try Megaladon CCR Dive in Thailand

Saturday, May 15th, 2010

Tags: breathing gas, breathing loop, buoyancy, cave diving, ccr, closed circuit rebreather, koh tao thailand, leeming, megalodon rebreather, oxygen partial pressure, rebreathers, wreck diving
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Recently edited and release footage from previous cave and cavern diving trips

Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

Underwater Videographer Claire Oei recently released a newly edited video showcasing the history and diving in Khao Sok National Park. This video which has been released in high definition can be found below or here on YouTube.

Claire who is a TDI Cavern Diving completed the filming of the footage during a 4 day expedition in May of 2009

Technical divers explore sunken forest on helium filled mixed gas

Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

Continuing the expedition James Foleher and James Thornton-Allan started the second day in Khao Sok National Park to commence open lake trimix diving and cavern diving over the next few days in a man made called Chiew Larn Lake which is part of Rachaprabha Dam located inside the national park.

Preparing for the days diving included mixed helium, oxygen and nitrogen into our twin cylinder diving tanks to make trimix. Trimix is used to remove the effects of the element nitrogen which causes nitrogen narcosis, additionally it’s used to remove oxygen content to dive blow the normal limit of oxygen in air. Our mix today would be 19/38 (19 percent oxygen and 38 percent helium) which leaves the rest as nitrogen. This means a dive to approx 60 meters would feel like a dive to 25 meters. This gives the divers a clear head for dive.

A clear head was certainly needed for the first dive which would be a dive to explore the sunken forest which was submerged when Rachaprabha Dam was constructed. The sunken forest is a maze of vines, trees and rocks in night conditions as the light is blocked by the heavy sediment in the water. Despite the darkness the clarity of the water is quite high and visibility is only limited by the strength of the underwater torches worn by the divers.

Diving in the forest requires many diving skills including a calm attitude and ability to task load since using a reel is important so you can get back to a clearing, breaking through the canopy of the trees on ascent can be difficult.

During the ascent portion of the dive a new cave was found, a very large cave that was able to house both divers during one of the stops. There was no room for exploration as it was during a strict decompression schedule but the location would be marked for future trips.

One striking difference was the change in water that shifted from 32 degrees Celsius to 22 degrees at the bottom making it quite difficult to dive in only a thin tropical wetsuit.

Upon reaching the surface the divers loaded back in the wooden boat and moved to “Temple Cave” to begin the official TDI Cavern Course. However since the water level has dropped due to lack of rain and constant decanting through the power plant this cave was very much out of the water. Many of the most attractive features were above water. This water level combined with the fact the first 10m of the water is bright green meant the dive conditions would be quite poor.

As a team it was decided to not waste time exploring the almost dry cave and head for the next destination of Khao Lak and change the schedule to return at the end of the expedition when the water level might rise. Alternatively many of the future destinations will offer the cavern environment and could be continued there.

Technical divers explore previously prohibited area of Khao Sok National Park

500 Rai, Thailand

Continuing the expedition James Foleher and James Thornton-Allan arrived in Khao Sok National Park to begin open lake trimix diving and cavern diving over the next few days in a man made called Chiew Larn Lake which is part of Rachaprabha Dam located inside the national park.

Established as a National Park in 1980 Khao Sok today covers 646 sq km. It is best reached from Surat Thani, for many the gateway to Ko Samui, or, from Phuket to the south. The park comprises of rugged limestone mountains and cliffs cut by rivers and dotted with caves and waterfalls. Rare flora such as the famous Rafflesia can be found, and the park is home to seldom seen wildlife such as wild elephants, leopards, serow, banteng, gaur, dusky languors, tigers and Malayan sun bears; there are over 180 bird species.

Arriving at Rachaprabha Dam both divers were tired from the night boat and the road trip down from the north and decided rather than spending the first day exploring the sunken forest on trimix we would explore a previously prohibited area of the park called 500 Rai, this would give the divers a chance to relax and rest before the coming dives.

500 Rai (Ha Roy Rai) is a secluded area of the national park which was closed last year after some damage was made to the forest. Located adjacent to Cheow Lan Lake, this secluded raft house is the ideal quiet retreat and home to limestone caves which have never been accesses by divers.

Arriving by a one hour longtail ride through the national park we had a 25 minute trek through the jungle up hill in temperatures in excess of 35 degrees. Arriving at the other end completely sweating it was clear there would be significant difficulty getting technical diving gear into the area to do any exploring.

Rather then walk back defeated the divers explored a dry cave called “Coral Cave” which was a chance to show the formations of caves and talk about stalactites and stalagmites before experiencing them during future dives.

Returning to the lake and then the pier the divers headed off to their hotel and a game of golf to end the day in preparation for diving the next day.

3 weeks of technical diving around Asia starts with careful planning.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue Tech depart tonight on another road trip of technical diving around the best destinations in Thailand. This journey was put together for James Foleher who is completing his technical instructor internship with us over 3 months. The expedition is being run by Big Blue Tech’s Director James Thornton-Allan who will be working with Mr. Foleher to complete the essential training and diving to give him the required skills and experience to be an effective technical instructor. James Foleher’s technical instructor assisting and study portion happens in June on our return.

The expedition equipment is carefully being tested and packed into a truck with a compressor which will be our home and method of transportation for the thousands of kilometers covered over the next 3 weeks. The amount of equipment includes a full collection of technical diving gear for both divers along with a large 50l cylinder of oxygen and helium as this trip will include a lot of trimix diving for the greater depths beyond 55m where narcosis isn’t an option.

Along with the right equipment, tools, spares and extra toys the choice of destinations is essential for the right experience. Training technical divers on Koh Tao is perfect for a starting point or for getting logged dives but there’s not a great diversity on conditions. Always flat and warm does not make a good technical diver so we picked locations that included currents, rough seas, fresh water, overheads both cavern, cave and wreck. Even locations where the depth make it night conditions.

The destinations include Khao Sok National Park, The Sunken Temple, 500 Rai, Khao Lak, Sea Chart 1 Wreck, Phucket, Racha Noi, King Cruiser Wreck, Krabi, Sra Keow Cave, Song Hong Cave in Trang, Songkhla, Pattaya wrecks and finally a trip down to Singapore for a weekend of diving on the HMS Repulse.

James will complete his TDI Gas Blender, TDI Compressor Operator, TDI Advanced Gas Blender, TDI Trimix, TDI Cavern and TDI Technical Divemaster course during this trip.

Check back with us to watch the trip and its progresses.

Divers learn how to operator scuba diving compressors and use mixed gas.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Big Blue tech celebrates the graduation of Olaf Jongbloets from his BSAC / TDI Compressor Operator Course and TDI Nitrox Gas Blender course conducted by TDI and BSAC Instructor Ashley Dunn over 3 days of hands on training in our compressor room on Koh Tao Island off the coast of Thailand.

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