Depth
0m
diveshack / Courses / XR Programme
Tec Zone · 45m · SSI XR Programme

SSI XR Extended
Range Trimix

Helium changes everything at depth. Add it to your bottom gas and the cognitive fog of narcosis at 45m becomes clarity. This is your introduction to trimix: normoxic blends that keep oxygen above 18% while helium takes on the burden of nitrogen narcosis.

Apply for This Course Course Requirements
Certified by SSI
Course Price
€1,470
€1,200 course fee + €270 SSI eLearning · gas fills and trimix blends included
✓SSI XR eLearning access
✓4-5 guided tec dives
✓All gas fills (normoxic trimix + EAN deco)
✓Equipment hire available
✓SSI XR Extended Range Trimix certification card
Apply for This Course
Questions? WhatsApp us first
6
Open Water Dives
3
Course Days
45m
Cert. Depth
TEC
Zone
XR Nitrox
Prerequisite
1
Confined Sessions
Course Overview

Your first trimix gas. The clearest you will think at 45m.

Nitrogen narcosis begins affecting divers well before 40m. At recreational depths it is manageable. At 40-45m on air or nitrox, narcosis can compromise decision-making at precisely the moment careful gas management matters most. The SSI XR Extended Range Trimix course introduces the solution: normoxic trimix, a blend with helium added to the breathing gas to reduce the partial pressure of nitrogen and significantly diminish narcotic loading.

Normoxic means the oxygen fraction stays above 18%, so there is no need for travel gas or pre-breathing procedures. You breathe your trimix bottom gas from the surface. This keeps the gas handling simpler than hypoxic trimix while delivering the narcosis reduction you need to dive confidently at 45m. In Malta this unlocks the full depth range of Um El Faroud: a 109-metre vessel sunk at 10-36m, with accessible sections from 10m down to 36m at the keel.

On completion you hold the SSI XR Extended Range Trimix certification. This is a prerequisite for the SSI Technical Extended Range Trimix programme (60m), which is itself the prerequisite for the Hypoxic Trimix series.

  • Plan and execute normoxic trimix dives to 45m with decompression obligations
  • Select and validate normoxic trimix blends for target depth and narcosis reduction
  • Understand the role of helium in a breathing mix and its effect on buoyancy and thermal conductivity
  • Analyse trimix cylinders with an oxygen and helium analyser before every dive
  • Track CNS oxygen loading across trimix and EAN decompression gas phases
  • Manage decompression obligations in a technical configuration with back-mount doubles
SSI

SSI XR Extended Range Trimix

Normoxic trimix certification to 45m. Also known as SSI XR Normoxic Trimix. Recognised at technical dive operations worldwide alongside your Extended Range Nitrox certification.

Depth Limit
45m Tec Zone
Prerequisite
SSI Extended Range Nitrox Diving or equivalent XR-level decompression certification
Min. Age
18 years
Card Issued
SSI XR Extended Range Trimix card issued on completion of the 45m certification dive
Next Step
SSI XR Technical Extended Range Trimix (60m)

Where 45m sits in the depth progression

Open Water Diver 18m
Advanced Open Water 30m
Extended Range Nitrox 40m
Extended Range Trimix 45m

45m is the course certification depth. Um El Faroud, used for training, reaches 36m at the keel. The next step is Technical Extended Range Trimix at 60m.

Course Content

Four to five dives. Progressive depth to 45m.

Each dive builds on the last. By the final dive you will be executing a complete normoxic trimix profile to 45m with gas analysis confirmation, planned decompression, and EAN deco gas switch on ascent.

DIVE
01

Gas Familiarisation and Equipment Check

30m

First normoxic trimix dive at a depth well within your existing certification. Focus is on handling the new gas, verifying equipment configuration, and experiencing the reduced narcotic loading compared to air or nitrox at the same depth.

  • Pre-dive trimix cylinder analysis with oxygen and helium analyser
  • Gas label verification and dive plan sign-off
  • Back-mount doubles valve drill and buoyancy check with trimix mix
  • EAN decompression gas switch practice on ascent
DIVE
02

Decompression Planning and Execution

36m

First decompression obligation dive on trimix. Student leads the gas plan preparation and presents it for instructor sign-off. Decompression stops managed independently. Introduction to CNS oxygen tracking across two gas phases.

  • Student-prepared gas plan using dedicated tec dive planning software
  • Turn pressure discipline with rule of thirds on back-mount doubles
  • Timed decompression stop execution on wrist slate
  • Gas consumption logging vs plan on ascent
DIVE
03

Deep Orientation: Um El Faroud Upper Sections

40m

Dive on Um El Faroud. Upper wreck sections at 20-30m. Narcosis comparison dive: students note cognitive clarity at 40m on normoxic trimix versus previous experience on nitrox or air at similar depth. Extended bottom time within planned decompression window.

  • Site briefing: Um El Faroud orientation, entry and exit points, depth zones
  • Wreck navigation to planned reference points at 38-40m
  • Staged ascent with decompression stop at 6m
  • SMB deployment from decompression stop depth
DIVE
04

45m Pre-Certification Profile

45m

First trimix dive to the full certification depth of 45m. Normoxic trimix bottom gas, EAN deco gas switch on ascent. Students experience the full decompression obligation at 45m and execute the multi-stop ascent independently before the certification dive the following day.

  • Independent gas plan prepared by student and verified by instructor
  • Trimix cylinders analysed and labelled before departure
  • Controlled descent to 45m on normoxic trimix bottom gas
  • Multi-stop decompression completed with EAN deco gas switch
DIVE
05

Second 45m Trimix Profile

45m

Consolidation dive at certification depth. Students repeat the full normoxic trimix profile with emphasis on gas switch accuracy, decompression ceiling management, and emergency response readiness. Both this dive and the following certification dive must include trimix gas per SSI XR standards.

  • Back-to-back 45m trimix profile: gas consumption tracked across both dives
  • Emergency out-of-gas drill: donate from stage cylinder at depth
  • Decompression ceiling adherence: no deviation more than 30 seconds
  • Post-dive CNS oxygen load review before sign-off for certification dive
DIVE
06

Certification Dive

45m

The qualifying dive. Full normoxic trimix profile to 45m executed to certification standard. All skills assessed: gas planning, cylinder analysis, trimix bottom gas management, deco gas switch, decompression stop adherence, and independent ascent. SSI XR Extended Range Trimix certification issued on successful completion.

  • Full independent execution: student leads every phase of the dive
  • Trimix cylinder analysis logged and countersigned before entry
  • All decompression stops completed independently with instructor assessment
  • Certification sign-off and SSI XR card issued on exit
Gases Used

Normoxic trimix and EAN decompression gas.

This course uses a two-gas configuration. Normoxic trimix is breathed from the surface on descent and throughout the bottom phase. EAN is used for decompression stops on ascent. All cylinders are analysed and labelled before every dive.

Normoxic Trimix
O2 >18% / He variable / N2 reduced
MOD 45m

Bottom gas for all dives. Helium fraction is selected for each dive to achieve the target narcotic depth equivalent. Oxygen stays above 18% so this gas is breathable from the surface with no pre-breathing procedure required.

EAN Deco Gas
EAN50 (50% O2 / 50% N2)
MOD 21m

Decompression gas carried in a deco cylinder. Gas switch made at 21m on ascent. Accelerates decompression obligation and reduces total in-water time compared to ascending on air or nitrox bottom gas.

CNS Tracking
Oxygen toxicity management
Per dive limit

CNS oxygen percentage is calculated across both gas phases before each dive and tracked in-water via dive computer. You will learn to read CNS accumulation and plan within single-dive and daily exposure limits.

Gas costs are additional to the course fee and itemised at booking. Actual helium fraction is confirmed per diver based on planned depth and target narcotic depth equivalent. Helium surcharges vary with market pricing: contact us for current gas costs before you apply.

Equipment Required

Full technical configuration with trimix analyser.

This course requires a complete technical diving setup including back-mount doubles and a dedicated decompression cylinder for EAN gas. A helium-capable analyser is required to verify trimix blends before each dive. We conduct a mandatory equipment check before the first dive.

Back-mount twin cylinders (minimum 2x12L)
Primary torch and backup torch
Technical BCD: wing and harness system
Primary reel and spool
Two primary DIN regulators
Two SMBs (one delayed deployment)
Long-hose primary regulator (200cm)
Wetsuit 7mm minimum or drysuit
Deco cylinder with labelled regulator (EAN50)
Oxygen and helium analyser (or confirmed access)
Dive computer: multi-gas, trimix capable
Wet notes or wrist slate for dive plan

Full technical equipment hire is available from diveshack including trimix-capable dive computers. Contact us early to confirm availability and sizing before applying. A helium analyser is available in the shop for pre-dive gas verification.

What's Included

Everything you need to complete the course

SSI XR eLearning

Lifetime access to SSI XR Extended Range Trimix digital study materials. Complete theory before the water sessions begin.

Cylinder Fills

All normoxic trimix and EAN50 cylinder fills for all dives. Blends confirmed and analysed before each dive with oxygen and helium analyser.

Tec Boat Dives

All dives from diveshack's dedicated tec dive vessel, operating at Malta's best tec sites including Um El Faroud for the certification dives.

XR Certification

SSI XR Extended Range Trimix certification card issued on successful completion of the 45m certification dive.

Not included: Dive computer hire if you do not own a multi-gas trimix-capable computer (available from diveshack). DAN dive accident insurance: strongly recommended. Gas costs are itemised separately at booking.

Requirements

What you need before enrolling

You must hold SSI Extended Range Nitrox Diving certification (or a recognised equivalent XR-level decompression qualification) and have logged dive experience at the extended range level before starting this course.

  • Required SSI Extended Range Nitrox Diving (or PADI Tec 45, CMAS 3-star Tec, BSAC Advanced Diver, or NAUI Technical Diver)
  • Required Minimum age: 18 years
  • Required Minimum 50 logged dives (required before enrolling)
  • Required Logged dive experience at XR level including decompression dives
  • Required Proficiency with back-mount doubles configuration and SMB deployment
  • Required Valid CPR and First Aid certification within the last two years
  • Recommended Multi-gas trimix-capable dive computer: hire available from diveshack
  • Recommended Drysuit certification or experience: water below 40m in Malta can be cool
Training Pathway

Building toward this course from recreational diving?

The typical progression is: SSI Open Water, then Advanced Open Water (30m), then Deep Diver (40m), then Extended Range Nitrox (40m decompression tec), then Extended Range Trimix (45m normoxic trimix). Contact us: we can plan the full pathway and discuss combined course options to suit your schedule.

Enquire about training pathway →
Accepted Equivalent Prerequisites
  • ✓ SSI Extended Range Nitrox Diving
  • ✓ PADI Tec 45 (TecRec programme)
  • ✓ CMAS 3-star Technical Diver
  • ✓ BSAC Advanced Diver
  • ✓ NAUI Technical Diver
  • ✓ Any WRSTC-recognised XR-level decompression certification
Pricing

Course options

Tec Specialty
XR Extended Range Trimix
€1,470

Price on application. Contact us to confirm dates, helium gas requirements, and equipment availability.

  • ✓ SSI XR eLearning for Extended Range Trimix
  • ✓ 4-5 guided tec dives with tec instructor
  • ✓ All cylinder fills: normoxic trimix and EAN50
  • ✓ SSI XR Extended Range Trimix certification
  • ✓ Equipment hire available on request
  • ✓ Max 4 students per instructor
Apply Now
Pathway: Normoxic into Hypoxic Trimix
Enquire

Complete Extended Range Trimix and continue directly into Technical Extended Range Trimix (60m) as a combined programme. Enquire for pathway pricing.

  • ✓ Everything in Extended Range Trimix
  • ✓ Continuation to 60m Technical Extended Range
  • ✓ Both SSI XR certification cards
  • ✓ Shared planning sessions and gas logistics
  • ✓ Savings vs booking separately
Enquire

Gas costs additional and itemised at booking  ·  Deposit required  ·  See cancellation policy

FAQ

Common questions

What is normoxic trimix and why is it different from hypoxic trimix? ▼
Normoxic trimix keeps the oxygen fraction above 18%, meaning you can breathe the gas safely from the surface without pre-breathing a different travel gas. This makes it significantly simpler to handle than hypoxic trimix (oxygen below 18%), which requires a separate travel gas and surface-to-depth gas switching procedures. Normoxic trimix is the practical starting point for divers entering the trimix programme.
What difference will I notice at depth compared to nitrox or air? ▼
The primary effect is a significant reduction in narcosis. At 40-45m on air or nitrox, many divers experience meaningful cognitive impairment. On a well-blended normoxic trimix at the same depth, divers typically report significantly sharper thinking, better situational awareness, and reduced effort in decision-making. Many divers find this change striking on their first trimix dive.
How much does helium cost and is it included? ▼
Gas costs are separate from the course fee and are itemised at booking. Helium pricing varies with global supply and is confirmed before you commit. As a guide, normoxic trimix fills for 45m dives typically add 20-35 euros per cylinder above a standard air fill. We confirm all gas costs before you proceed.
Do I need my own equipment? ▼
You need a full technical configuration: back-mount doubles, wing and harness, two primary regulators, a long-hose, a deco cylinder with labelled regulator, and a multi-gas trimix-capable dive computer. Full technical hire is available from diveshack. Contact us early to confirm availability and sizing before applying, particularly for the dive computer.
What comes after this course? ▼
The SSI XR Extended Range Trimix certification opens two forward pathways. The first is Technical Extended Range Trimix, which extends certification to 60m using richer helium blends and more complex decompression planning. The second is SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 80, which introduces hypoxic bottom gas and takes you to 80m. We can advise which route suits your goals.
What is the cancellation policy? ▼
Cancellations more than 7 days before the course start receive a full deposit refund. Cancellations within 7 days forfeit the deposit. If we cancel due to weather or operational issues, you receive a full refund or rebooking at no charge.
Keep Exploring

Related courses

40m  ·  Tec XR

SSI Extended Range Nitrox Diving

The direct prerequisite. Back-mount doubles, 40m decompression diving on nitrox. Required before Extended Range Trimix.

View Course →
60m  ·  XR Programme

Technical Extended Range Trimix

The next step after normoxic trimix. Extends certification to 60m using richer helium blends and more complex decompression planning.

View Course →
80m  ·  XR Programme

SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 80

Entry to the hypoxic trimix programme. Oxygen drops below 18%, helium fraction increases, and the full depth capability of Malta's tec sites opens up.

View Course →

Book or enquire

Ready to dive?

Fill in the form and we will get back to you with availability, pricing confirmation, and everything you need to know before arrival.

Usually within a few hours. We confirm your dates, answer questions, and send full joining instructions.

Prefer to talk first?
+356 9999 3483  ·  WhatsApp

Loading...
Please enter your first name.
Please enter your last name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Please select a start date.
End date must be after start date.
Please select number of people.

A confirmation copy is sent to your email. We only use your details to respond to this enquiry. Privacy policy.

Enquiry sent

Thank you, . We will get back to you at within a few hours.

A copy has been sent to your inbox