Skills & Training
The technical diving path: from Tec 40 to Trimix
PADI's technical courses are named after their depth limit: Tec 40, Tec 45 and Tec 50 qualify you to 40, 45 and 50 metres with planned decompression, and Tec Trimix 65 to 65 metres on helium mixes. Each level builds on the last; Tec 45 needs Tec 40, Rescue Diver and at least 50 logged dives. Egypt's dive chamber sets its own rules for technical centres.
By 71 Guardians · Published 29 Oct 2026
What do the course numbers mean?
The number in each PADI TecRec course is its maximum depth in metres. Tec 40, Tec 45 and Tec 50 make up the Tec Deep Diver sequence; Tec Trimix 65 adds helium mixes for deeper dives.
What are the prerequisites?
- Tec 45: Tec 40, Rescue Diver, CPR/first aid within two years, at least 50 logged dives including 10 deeper than 30 m, age 18 or over, and a physician-signed medical statement from the last 12 months.
- Tec 50: Tec 45.
- Tec Trimix 65: PADI lists Tec 50, at least 100 logged dives, age 18 or over, and a physician-signed medical statement from the last 12 months; qualifying equivalent certifications may apply.
What changes from recreational diving?
You plan and carry out decompression stops, carry extra cylinders with different gases, and train for gas and equipment failures. Many tec divers also choose sidemount — see our sidemount vs backmount article.
What are the rules in Egypt?
The Chamber of Diving and Water Sports (CDWS) requires technical centres to be affiliated with a licensed dive centre or safari boat and to use CDWS-licensed technical instructors. Its March 2026 requirements list 45 m for Decompression Procedures or equivalent, alongside deeper categories including Extended Range and trimix. That is a category limit, not a blanket maximum for technical diving in Egypt. Confirm the facility's approved level and your certification before booking.
Where do you start with us?
Our tec courses and tec boat days are on the Technical Diving page.
Frequently asked questions
How deep can you go after Tec 40?
40 metres, with limited planned decompression.
Do I need Rescue Diver for technical diving?
For PADI Tec 45, yes — along with Tec 40 and 50 logged dives.
Is technical diving allowed in Egypt?
Yes, through CDWS-approved technical centres and instructors, within the chamber's rules.
Questions before you dive with us?
Message our team on WhatsApp — we're divers in Hurghada and happy to help.
Chat with us on WhatsAppSources
- Technical diving courses (TecRec) — PADI
- Tec 45 and Tec 45 Trimix — course prerequisites — PADI
- Tec Trimix 65 — course prerequisites — PADI
- Technical diving requirements for CDWS membership and the Ministry of Tourism licence (March 2026) — Chamber of Diving and Water Sports (CDWS), Egypt