Extended Range - To Do or not to do?

[Ammers]

I wonder if anyone can give me any info regarding TDI Extended Range, I believe that the concept of deep diving on air is being phased out and to that end, E.R. may be scrapped in the future.
The current recommendation is generally to omit ER and go from Advanced Nitrox/Deco procedures (current course) straight to entry level trimix. What I want to know is whether people have had any problems crossing straight over and did they feel that they had missed anything crucially important. The prerequisite for entry level trimix includes Advanced Nitrox and Deco procedures but NOT Extended Range.

I am planning to go straight to entry level trimix and skip extended range but I am open to suggestions as to why I should in fact do Extended Range.

Comments/suggestions welcome.

[ellisn]

From my little understanding, the main skills would have been taught on your adv nx/deco course and most of the rest is theory. Like you I have just passed the adv/deco and my plan is to spend a couple of seasons practicing the skills and then, when I feel competent, go straight for the trimix for times I want to dive below 40. This is probably where the DIR boys have it right, seperate the fundemental skills into a course unto itself. After finishing my deco I was told by my instructor he was happy with my skills and would have no trouble if I did my trimix, but then at £700 he would. So I will wait but skip extended range as I have no intentions going to deep without trimix.

Good luck

Neil

[Juz]

I did a combined ERD and Normoxic trimix course, although I was used to diving twins and stages.

Juz

[beanie]

adv nitrox
deco procs
trimix

is the order of the day IMO

I did
ad nitrox
Trimix

[diving donkey]

dont bother giving your money away, extended range is a waste of time when you can go straight onto a trimix course and do all your deep diving with a clear head ie a lot less panic if you have a snag at depth. It worked for me safe diving

[johntemp]

Originally Posted by beanie

adv nitrox
deco procs
trimix

is the order of the day IMO

Agreed, the idea of deep air diving is based on cost not common sense.

[Mdemon]

Does this thread win the award for longest running???! Who dredged up something from 2002 FFS!???Right outcome though. Bin ERD and get your mix done... IMHO.

[Reeve]

Personally I would not bother with ERD. I'm deco trained but have done 60+ on air (not nescssrily recommended but a good wreck.) I hope to do normoxic in the coming spring & consider ERD to be no more than a cheap excuse for pushing what I already do. I guess it largely depends upon what you want. My current buddy did the lusitania on air in the late 80's but at the time it was the standard. I wouldn't & i guess he wouldn't now.

good luck g.

[nickb]

I spoke to a TDI instructor last week who said that the Extended Range course was likely to be dropped. He was under the impression that a third Trimix qualification would be introduced.

[Lou]

Would the people who reply to this thread please note that a) it was posted in 2002 and b) it was posted by Anne-Marie - now mainly resident in the Rebreather forum. I suspect your answers are not particularily relevant, and Anne-Marie will have now formed her own, very strong views!