Photo by Teemu Virtanen · CC BY-SA 3.0
Elite Technical Diver
This elite open-water technical certification recognizes experienced Technical Divers who have mastered all aspects of extremely deep diving beyond 333 fsw (100 msw) and demonstrated exceptional expertise. This is a recognition program—it honors divers already highly experienced in advanced hyperbaric narcosis management, extreme-depth stage planning, and emergency procedures at the limits of human diving. Elite Technical Diver status represents world-class open-water technical diving achievement and enables participation in the deepest technical diving expeditions.
Prerequisites
IANTD Technical Diver (or equivalent or higher); minimum 75 non-training logged technical dives; age 18+; must hold at least 3 of 4 specialty certifications (Decompression Specialist, Tek Essentials Diver, Tek OW Sidemount Diver, or Tek DPV Diver).
Standards
What a diver must demonstrate to pass this course — not always published by the certifying agency.
This is an application-based recognition program. Divers must submit an application demonstrating prior certification, completion of advanced technical training modules, and documented extreme-depth open-water technical diving experience.
Instructors Teaching This Course
United States
Dive Centres Offering This Course
We're still building out the directory country by country, so this list isn't every instructor or dive centre teaching it in the world — more locations are coming soon.
Common questions about IANTD Elite Technical Diver
What are the prerequisites for IANTD Elite Technical Diver?
IANTD's standards require: IANTD Technical Diver (or equivalent or higher); minimum 75 non-training logged technical dives; age 18+; must hold at least 3 of 4 specialty certifications (Decompression Specialist, Tek Essentials Diver, Tek OW Sidemount Diver, or Tek DPV Diver).
What is the minimum age for IANTD Elite Technical Diver?
IANTD's standards state: Age 18+.
How many dives do I need before starting IANTD Elite Technical Diver?
IANTD's standards state: Minimum 75 non-training logged technical dives.
What does IANTD Elite Technical Diver training involve?
According to IANTD's published standards: This is an application-based recognition program. Divers must submit an application demonstrating prior certification, completion of advanced technical training modules, and documented extreme-depth open-water technical diving experience.
Where can I take IANTD Elite Technical Diver?
2 dive centres and 3 instructors in the TecDiveTools directory teach IANTD Elite Technical Diver, in Thailand and the United States. Each is listed further up this page.