PADI Tec 40

PADI · TEC 40 COURSE

PADI Tec 40

Cross the threshold into technical diving.

Decompression Diving to 40m Doubles or Sidemount Config From $1,495

Your first steps beyond recreational limits — into real decompression diving.

Course Overview

Tec 40 is an 18-hour, three-day program that transitions certified divers into technical diving. You will learn to plan and execute limited decompression dives to 40 metres using a doubles or sidemount configuration with a single deco cylinder, manage gas switches, and adopt the equipment, team protocols, and discipline required for safe tec diving.

The program includes two shore dives and two boat dives using trimix, giving you real-world tec diving experience across a range of depths. This course is taught to full PADI TecRec Tec 40 standards by a certified PADI Tec Instructor, with a maximum student-to-instructor ratio of 3:1.

Course Specifications

  • Max depth: 40 m / 130 ft
  • Gases: Air or Trimix (O₂ ≥ 21% / He ≤ 35%) — deco gas up to EANx 50
  • Decompression: Limited deco — max 10 min with deco gas, or 15 min on bottom gas
  • Equipment: Single (last level) / Sidemount / Doubles — manifold required for doubles. 1 deco cylinder (up to 50% O₂). Redundant gas supply required.
  • Key skills: Dive planning, gas switch (no TOX), full shutdown drills, DSMB mid-water, real decompression

Certification Pathway

After successful completion of your Tec 40 training, we can discuss your next steps within the PADI TecRec pathway, including:

  • Tec 45 — extend depth and full decompression
  • Tec 50 — multi-gas and extended deco
  • Tec Sidemount Diver
  • Tec Trimix 65 / Tec Trimix Diver

Day 1

WORKSHOP + CONFINED WATER

Course presentation on tec philosophy, decompression theory, gas planning, dive tables and equipment standards. Equipment configuration workshop covering doubles or sidemount setup, manifold operation, deco cylinder rigging, long-hose primary and valve shutdown drills. Dry-skills practice: full shutdown procedures, out-of-gas protocols and gas switch drills. Dive 1 — Confined water / shallow open water: 10m.

Day 2

SHORE DIVE — SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Dive planning briefing covering gas management, the thirds rule, turn pressures and limited deco planning. Dive 2 — Shore dive with tec skills, propulsion, buoyancy and trim refinement: 15–24m. Debrief and gas planning workshop for Day 3's trimix and deco dives.

Day 3

BOAT DIVES — TRIMIX + DECOMPRESSION

Dive 3 — Planned limited deco dive with a gas switch to EANx 50 and DSMB mid-water deployment (Boat / 21/35 Trimix): 18–40m. Dive 4 — Final evaluation dive with full skill integration, independent gas planning and deco execution (Boat / 21/35 Trimix): 27–40m. Final debrief, skill sign-offs and PADI Tec 40 certification issued.

Times and conditions may vary. Your instructor will confirm all timings before each day.

Ready to push deeper? Continue your PADI TecRec pathway with Tec 45.

Choose your date

Equipment

Equipment

  • Backplate and wing (doubles) or sidemount harness
  • DIN regulators × 2 (long-hose primary + necklaced backup)
  • Manifold (required for doubles configuration)
  • Two independent multi-gas dive computers (second can be a bottom timer)
  • Drysuit (preferably) or 7 mm wetsuit
  • Open-heel fins with spring straps
  • 2x masks (1 backup)
  • 2 torches (1 backup)
  • 2 DSMB and spool or reel (1 backup)
  • 2x cutting devices
  • Wet-notes
  • 2x double ender boltsnaps
  • Diving decompression software and personal dive log

Included: twin cylinders, deco cylinder (EANx 50), weights, and 21/35 trimix for Dives 3 and 4. Equipment hire may be available — contact Dive Centre Bondi in advance to confirm. As a Dive Centre Bondi student, you also receive 10% discount on all in-store purchases.

Gear We Recommend

Sea Gold

Sea Gold

$19.95
Halcyon Stainless Steel Double Ender

Halcyon Stainless Steel Double Ender

$35.00
Sea Buff

Sea Buff

$14.95
Scubapro Octopus Retainer Mouthpiece Plug with Clip

Scubapro Octopus Retainer Mouthpiece Plug with Clip

$29.48
Crystal Lube O2 Syringe 28g / 1 Oz

Crystal Lube O2 Syringe 28g / 1 Oz

$89.00
Oceanpro Mouthpiece Ortho

Oceanpro Mouthpiece Ortho

$14.95
Oceanpro DIN Dust Cap ABS Male

Oceanpro DIN Dust Cap ABS Male

$9.95
Wetsuit Hanger

Wetsuit Hanger

$12.95
Snorkel Keeper Silicone

Snorkel Keeper Silicone

$3.50
Gear Aid Revivex BCD cleaner 296ml

Gear Aid Revivex BCD cleaner 296ml

$22.95
Oceanpro Air Nozzle

Oceanpro Air Nozzle

$37.95
Oceanpro DIN Dust Cap ABS Female

Oceanpro DIN Dust Cap ABS Female

$9.95

Prerequisites

  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
  • PADI Enriched Air Diver / Nitrox certification
  • PADI Deep Diver specialty (or equivalent)
  • PADI Sidemount Diver — OR — Tec Basic certified in doubles configuration
  • Good general health and fitness for diving

Not sure if you meet the prerequisites? Contact us at Dive Centre Bondi — we can help you find the right pathway to get Tec 40 ready.

Interested in a Private Course?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to the most common questions about our courses, scheduling, prerequisites, and gear.

What's the difference between Tec 40 and Tec Basics?
Tec Basics stays within no-stop limits. Tec 40 is where you start planning and executing real limited decompression dives, with gas switches and a deco cylinder.
Do I need my own technical equipment?
Yes — you'll need your own tec-configured equipment (see Equipment Requirements below). Twin cylinders, your deco cylinder, weights and trimix for Dives 3–4 are included. Equipment hire may be available if you contact us in advance.
What's the maximum class size?
A maximum of 3 students per instructor.
Can I book a private course instead?
Yes — private training is available for $3,200. Get in touch and we'll arrange dates around you.
What if I need to reschedule?
Rescheduling is free as long as it's more than 7 days before your course starts. Inside 7 days there's a $100 transfer fee — by that point we've already committed your instructor, your equipment and the logistics for those dates.
What if I only hold Sidemount, not doubles (or vice versa)?
You need either a PADI Sidemount Diver certification or to be Tec Basic certified in doubles configuration — whichever matches the configuration you plan to dive in for this course.
What comes after Tec 40?
Tec 45, Tec 50, Tec Sidemount Diver, and Tec Trimix 65 / Tec Trimix Diver — we'll talk through the right next step once you're certified.

Interested in a Private Course?

View all our private courses »