The PADI Tec 40 course is where you transition from recreational scuba diving to technical diving.  You gain experience and begin building the knowledge and skills you need to continue your tec diver training. You will qualify to make limited decompression dives to 40 metres/130 feet.

To enroll in the Tec 40 course, you must be:

1. A PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
2. A PADI Enriched Air Diver with at least 10 dives using enriched air deeper than 18 metres/60 feet
3. A PADI Deep Diver or proof of at least 10 dives to 30 metres/100 feet
4. Tec Basics or Sidemount Diver
5. PADI DSMB Diver
6. A minimum of 5 dives in backmount doubles or sidemount after your certification class to complete those courses
7. At least 18 years old and have a minimum of 30 logged dives

You also need to have a Medical Statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months.

Note that qualifying certifications from other diver training organizations may apply - ask your PADI Tec Deep Instructor.

Curriculum
The Tec 40 course consists of three knowledge development sections, three practical application sessions and four training dives. You'll learn about:

• Technical diving's risks and responsibilities
• Technical diving equipment, proper rigging and set up
• Gas planning, oxygen limits and decompression planning
• Team diving techniques and emergency procedures, such as dealing with free flows, manifold leaks and out of gas situations

Equipment
You'll start with your basic scuba diving equipment and add technical equipment, which essentially means you'll begin to double up on gear. You may dive with backmounted or sidemounted cylinders. Your PADI Tec Instructor may have you dive with EANx for additional conservatism.  If your plan is to continue straight through the PADI series of Tec Courses, Tec 45, 50 and beyond, its worth considering beginning your Tec 40 course in full technical gear.