Depth
0m
diveshack / Courses / XR Programme
Tec Zone · 40-80m · SSI XR Programme

SSI XR Hypoxic
Trimix 80

The entry point to hypoxic technical diving. Four structured dives to 80m using trimix bottom gas, EAN50 travel gas, and oxygen decompression. Malta's full tec depth range.

Apply for This Course Course Requirements
Certified by SSI
Course Price
€1,550
€1,300 course fee + €250 SSI eLearning · all hypoxic trimix and deco gases included
✓SSI XR eLearning access
✓5 guided tec dives
✓All gas fills (trimix, EAN50, O2)
✓Equipment hire available
✓SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 80 certification card
Apply for This Course
Questions? WhatsApp us first
5
Open Water Dives
3
Course Days
80m
Cert. Depth
TEC
Zone
XR
Prerequisites
0
Confined Water
Course Overview

From 40m to 80m. Entry-level hypoxic technical diving.

The SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 80 is the entry course in SSI's hypoxic trimix programme. Divers learn to plan and execute dives to 80m using a hypoxic trimix bottom gas (oxygen fraction below 18%), EAN50 as a travel gas, and 100% oxygen for decompression. The course builds directly on SSI Extended Range certification and introduces multi-gas dive planning, gradient factor decompression theory, HPNS awareness, and full technical equipment management with back-mount doubles and a stage cylinder.

On completion you hold the SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 80 certification: recognised worldwide for tec diving access to 80m. In Malta this unlocks the full depth range of all major sites and the outer wall drop-offs, and opens the pathway to Hypoxic Trimix 100.

  • Plan and execute multi-gas dives to 80m with planned decompression
  • Select and validate hypoxic trimix blends for target depth
  • Manage decompression obligations using gradient factor planning
  • Recognise and respond to HPNS and narcosis at extreme depth
  • Operate back-mount doubles with stage cylinder in full tec configuration
  • Calculate contingency gas reserves and emergency gas requirements
SSI

SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 80

Entry-level hypoxic tec certification. Recognised at technical dive operations worldwide alongside your Extended Range certification.

Depth Limit
80m Tec Zone
Prerequisite
SSI Technical Extended Range Trimix (60m) or equivalent
Min. Age
18 years
Card issued
SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 80 card issued on completion of certification dive
Next Step
SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 100: extends certification to 100m

Your certification range after this course

Open Water Diver 18m
Advanced Open Water 30m
Deep Diver 40m
Hypoxic Trimix 80 80m

80m is the entry level for hypoxic technical diving. The SSI XR programme extends to 100m.

Course Content

Five dives. Progressive depth to 80m.

Each dive adds depth and complexity. By the final dive you will be executing a complete hypoxic trimix profile to 80m with multi-gas switches and a planned decompression schedule.

DIVE
01

Equipment and Gas Check

40m

Equipment configuration verification and first trimix dive. Gas management practice, decompression stop procedure rehearsal at a depth within existing Extended Range certification.

  • Back-mount doubles valve drill and regulator switching
  • First trimix bottom gas use from surface
  • EAN50 gas switch at 21m on ascent
  • 3-minute safety stop and SMB deployment
DIVE
02

Extended Range Profile

50m

First significant trimix profile. Multi-gas dive: trimix bottom gas to 50m, switch to EAN50 at 21m on ascent, complete planned decompression stops. Narcosis and HPNS assessment at 50m.

  • Pre-breathe from EAN50 before switching to trimix on descent
  • Turn pressure discipline: rule of thirds at tec depth
  • CNS oxygen tracking across all gas phases
  • Gas consumption logging vs pre-dive plan
DIVE
03

Deep Orientation

60m

Full multi-gas profile to 60m. Trimix 12/65 bottom gas, EAN50 travel gas, 100% oxygen at deco stops. Decompression obligation approximately 15-20 minutes. Introduction to extended stop management.

  • Managing decompression ceiling awareness
  • Gas switch sequence and valve labelling
  • Ascent rate discipline (max 9m per minute above 21m)
  • Dive computer cross-check against wrist slates
DIVE
04

70m Profile

70m

Full hypoxic trimix profile to 70m with 20-30 minutes of planned decompression. Gas turn pressure management with zero tolerance for early ascent. HPNS symptom awareness briefing before entry.

  • Extended in-water time: total dive 60-75 minutes
  • Multi-stop decompression with gas switch to O2 at 6m
  • Awareness of HPNS tremors and visual disturbance
  • Post-dive CNS oxygen accumulation review
DIVE
05

80m Certification Dive

80m

The qualifying dive. Full hypoxic trimix profile to 80m. Gas plan prepared and signed off the evening before. Complete decompression schedule executed independently with instructor oversight. SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 80 certification issued on successful completion.

  • Independent gas plan prepared by student
  • Controlled descent on trimix to maximum depth
  • Decompression stops followed precisely from dive computer
  • Certification sign-off at the surface
Gases Used

Three-gas configuration.

Every dive in this course uses a three-gas configuration. Gas mixes are confirmed and analysed before each dive. All gases are prepared and labelled at diveshack before departure.

Trimix 12/65
12% O2 / 65% He / 23% N2
MOD 80m

Hypoxic bottom gas. Pre-breathe from EAN50 below 6m on descent before switching to trimix. High helium fraction manages narcosis at 80m.

EAN50
50% O2 / 50% N2
MOD 21m

Travel and transition gas. Used from surface to 21m on descent and from 21m upward on ascent. Mandatory switch from trimix at 21m.

O2 100%
100% Oxygen
MOD 6m

Decompression gas used at 6m and 3m stops. CNS oxygen tracking is critical. Maximum 25 minutes CNS per dive.

Gas costs are additional to the course fee and itemised at booking. Actual blends are confirmed per diver based on planned depth and profile. Helium surcharges vary: contact us for current gas pricing.

Equipment Required

Full technical configuration required.

This course requires a complete tec diving setup. All equipment must be in service condition. We conduct a mandatory equipment check before the first dive.

Back-mount twin cylinders (minimum 2x12L)
Primary torch + backup torch
Technical BCD: wing and harness system
Primary reel and spool
Two primary DIN regulators
Two SMBs (one delayed)
Long-hose primary (200cm)
Wetsuit 7mm minimum or drysuit
Stage/deco cylinder with labelled regulator
Backup cutting device
Dive computer: multi-gas, trimix capable
Wet notes or dive slate

Full technical equipment hire available from diveshack. Contact us early to confirm availability and sizing before booking.

What's Included

Everything you need

SSI XR eLearning

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

Cylinder Fills

All trimix, EAN50, and O2 cylinder fills for all 5 dives. Blends confirmed and analysed before each dive.

Tec Boat Dives

All 5 dives from diveshack's dedicated tec dive vessel, operating at Malta's best deep tec sites.

XR Certification

SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 80 certification card issued on successful completion of the 80m certification dive.

Not included: Dive computer hire if you do not own a multi-gas tec computer (available from diveshack). DAN dive accident insurance: essential at these depths. Drysuit hire if required.

Requirements

What you need before enrolling

You must hold SSI Technical Extended Range Trimix certification (or a recognised equivalent 60m technical qualification) before starting the Hypoxic Trimix 80 course. No exceptions.

  • Required SSI Technical Extended Range Trimix (60m) certification (or PADI TecRec Tec 65, CMAS 3-star tec, TDI Advanced Trimix)
  • Required Minimum 100 logged dives
  • Required Minimum 25 dives at 30m or deeper
  • Required Proficiency with back-mount doubles and SMB deployment
  • Required Valid CPR and First Aid certification (within 2 years)
  • Recommended Multi-gas dive computer capable of trimix operation: hire available
  • Recommended Drysuit certification: water at 80m in Malta averages 14-16 degrees
Training Pathway

Don't hold Extended Range yet?

The typical progression from recreational to Hypoxic Trimix 80 is: SSI AOWD (30m) then SSI Deep Diver (40m) then SSI Extended Range Trimix (45m) then SSI Technical Extended Range Trimix (60m) then SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 80. Contact us: we can plan the full pathway and discuss combined course options.

Enquire about training pathway →
Accepted Equivalent Prerequisites
  • ✓ SSI Extended Range
  • ✓ PADI Tec 45 (TecRec)
  • ✓ CMAS 3-star Technical Diver
  • ✓ BSAC Advanced Diver
  • ✓ NAUI Technical Diver
  • ✓ Any WRSTC-recognised 60m tec certification (Technical Extended Range or equivalent)
Pricing

Course options

Tec Specialty
XR Hypoxic Trimix 80
€1,550

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

  • ✓ SSI XR eLearning for Trimix 80
  • ✓ 5 guided tec dives with tec instructor
  • ✓ All cylinder fills: trimix, EAN50, O2
  • ✓ SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 80 certification
  • ✓ Equipment hire available on request
  • ✓ Max 4 students per instructor
Apply Now
Combo: Trimix 80 and 100
Enquire

Complete both Hypoxic Trimix 80 and 100 in a single 6-day programme. Enquire for combo pricing.

  • ✓ Everything in Trimix 80
  • ✓ Plus SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 100
  • ✓ 11 total tec dives
  • ✓ Both SSI XR certification cards
  • ✓ Savings vs booking separately
Enquire

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

FAQ

Common questions

What certification do I need before this course? ▼
You must hold SSI Technical Extended Range Trimix (60m) or a recognised equivalent 60m technical qualification (e.g. PADI TecRec Tec 65, CMAS 3-star tec, TDI Advanced Trimix). SSI Extended Range (45m) alone is not sufficient. If you are working toward this from recreational diving, the typical pathway is AOWD, Deep Diver, Extended Range Trimix (45m), then Technical Extended Range Trimix (60m): contact us to map out the full training plan.
How much does helium cost? ▼
Gas costs vary with global helium pricing and are itemised separately when you apply. As a guide, a full trimix fill for an 80m dive typically adds 30-50 euros per cylinder. We confirm all gas costs before you commit to the course.
Do I need my own equipment? ▼
You need a full tec configuration including back-mount doubles, wing and harness, multiple regulators, and a multi-gas trimix-capable dive computer. Full tec hire is available from diveshack: contact us early to confirm availability and sizing.
How long are the decompression stops? ▼
A 10-minute bottom time at 80m on a standard gradient factor profile generates approximately 25-35 minutes of decompression obligation. Total in-water time is typically 60-75 minutes per dive. We plan conservatively.
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  ·  Deep Zone

SSI Deep Diver Specialty

The recreational foundation. Certifies to 40m: a prerequisite step before Extended Range if you are building from recreational diving.

View Course →
45m  ·  Tec XR

SSI Extended Range

The step before Technical Extended Range. Back-mount doubles, 45m tec diving, staged decompression.

View Course →
100m  ·  XR Programme

SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 100

Extend your certification to 100m. Available as a combined programme with Hypoxic Trimix 80.

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