PADI Tec 45 Course in Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia & Delaware

What You’ll Learn in Tec 45

Tec 45 builds on Tec 40 fundamentals and adds more demanding dive planning and execution. The focus is on controlled decompression, stable buoyancy, and reliable team procedures.

• Planning and executing single and repetitive decompression dives
• Using a single decompression cylinder (including accelerated decompression concepts)
• Advanced gas planning habits and disciplined run-time awareness
• Team protocols, communication, and problem management under task loading
• Equipment configuration consistency (backmount or sidemount doubles)

Is Tec 45 Right for You?

Tec 45 is for divers who already have strong fundamentals and want to progress into decompression diving with structure and discipline. It’s a good fit if you:

• Have completed Tec 40 and can hold stops without sculling or drifting
• Can maintain stable trim while managing task loading
• Want to dive deeper wrecks and more demanding sites with a trained team
• Prefer conservative planning and repeatable procedures

If buoyancy and trim still feel inconsistent, fix that first with Peak Performance Buoyancy before stepping into Tec 45.

Tec 45 Training for Mid-Atlantic Conditions

Mid-Atlantic technical dives often involve cold water, reduced visibility, current, and challenging surface conditions. These factors increase task loading—making solid fundamentals and clean procedures essential.

Training here produces divers who can execute decompression dives calmly when conditions aren’t perfect, which translates directly to offshore wreck charters and expedition-style diving.

What Comes After Tec 45?

Tec 45 sets you up for deeper decompression training and more advanced technical capability:

• PADI Tec 50
• PADI Tec Sidemount
• PADI Gas Blender
• PADI Tec Trimix 65

Talk to an instructor about your Tec progression plan →

Tec 45 FAQs

What’s the difference between Tec 40 and Tec 45?

Tec 40 is the bridge from recreational into technical fundamentals. Tec 45 progresses into deeper training and decompression diving, including use of a single decompression cylinder and more demanding planning and execution.

Do I need doubles and a deco bottle for Tec 45?

Tec 45 uses a full technical configuration, including doubles (backmount or sidemount) and a single decompression cylinder. Your instructor will confirm required and recommended gear before training.

Is Tec 45 a big jump?

It’s a meaningful progression. If your buoyancy, trim, and procedures are stable and repeatable, you’ll do great. If those fundamentals are still inconsistent, fix them before moving up.