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Tec Zone · 60m · SSI XR Programme

SSI XR Technical
Extended Range Trimix

The bridge to hypoxic technical diving. Five dives to 60m using trimix bottom gas, EAN50, and pure oxygen decompression. Extended obligations, multiple gas switches, and Malta's deep wrecks within reach.

Apply for This Course Course Requirements
Certified by SSI
Course Price
€1,670
€1,300 course fee + €370 SSI eLearning · gases included
✓SSI XR eLearning access
✓5 guided tec dives to 60m
✓All gas fills (trimix, EAN50, O2)
✓Equipment hire available
✓SSI XR Technical Extended Range certification
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6
Open Water Dives
3-4
Course Days
60m
Cert. Depth
TEC
Zone
70 + 20
Dives + 30m Dives
1
Confined Sessions
Course Overview

From 45m to 60m. The serious step toward hypoxic diving.

The SSI XR Technical Extended Range Trimix course sits at a critical junction in the XR pathway. Above it: Extended Range Trimix at 45m. Below it: SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 80, where oxygen fractions drop well into hypoxic territory. At 60m, depending on the blend selected, the oxygen fraction can approach or cross the hypoxic threshold. This course prepares you for that transition.

You will plan and execute five dives using trimix bottom gas, an EAN50 travel gas, and 100% oxygen for decompression. Decompression obligations extend significantly at this depth. By the end of the course you will be managing multi-gas profiles, CNS oxygen accumulation across multi-day diving, and the precise ascent discipline that deep trimix demands.

In Malta the XR Technical Extended Range course is a natural fit. The Um El Faroud wreck at 36m serves as a controlled warm-up at the start of the programme. Blue water 60m profiles are available just off Cirkewwa and the southern walls. The course also brings you close to the operational depth range of HMS Stubborn, one of Malta's deeper tec targets.

  • Plan and execute multi-gas dives to 60m with extended planned decompression
  • Select and validate trimix blends for 60m, accounting for hypoxic threshold proximity
  • Manage CNS oxygen accumulation across five dives over three to four days
  • Execute precise gas switches between trimix, EAN50, and pure O2 on ascent
  • Operate twin back-mount doubles with deco cylinder in full tec configuration
  • Calculate contingency gas reserves and abort profile for 60m dives
SSI

SSI XR Technical Extended Range Trimix

60m trimix certification and direct pathway to SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 80. Recognised at technical dive operations worldwide.

Depth Limit
60m Tec Zone
Prerequisite
SSI Extended Range Trimix (45m) or recognised equivalent; 70 logged dives including 20 at 30m or deeper
Min. Age
18 years
Card issued
SSI XR Technical Extended Range Trimix card on successful completion of the 60m certification dive
Next Step
SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 80: direct pathway unlocked on completion

XR pathway: where this course sits

XR Foundations 40m
Extended Range Trimix 45m
Technical Extended Range 60m
Hypoxic Trimix 80 80m

This course is the required step between Extended Range Trimix (45m) and Hypoxic Trimix 80 (80m). Completion unlocks direct enrolment in XR Hypoxic Trimix 80.

Course Content

Five dives. Progressive depth to 60m.

Each dive adds depth and decompression obligation. By the final dive you are executing a complete trimix profile to 60m with multi-gas switches and a fully planned decompression schedule.

DIVE
01

Equipment and Gas Check

40m

Configuration verification and first trimix dive. Gas management practice and decompression stop procedure rehearsal at a depth within existing Extended Range Trimix certification. The Um El Faroud at 36m is a frequent first-day site, providing structure and visual reference for ascent discipline.

  • Back-mount doubles valve drill and regulator switching
  • First trimix bottom gas use: pre-breathe and descent switch
  • EAN50 gas switch at 21m on ascent
  • Planned decompression stop sequence and SMB deployment
DIVE
02

Extended Profile Consolidation

50m

First deeper trimix profile beyond existing certification. Full three-gas dive: trimix to 50m, EAN50 switch at 21m on ascent, 100% oxygen at 6m decompression stop. Gas turn pressure management under instructor review. CNS oxygen tracking introduced across dive phases.

  • Rule of thirds gas management at 50m tec profile
  • CNS oxygen load calculation across all three gases
  • Decompression ceiling awareness and stop compliance
  • Gas consumption logging versus pre-dive plan
DIVE
03

Deep Orientation

55m

Progressive step to 55m. Extended decompression obligation: approximately 15-20 minutes at this depth and planned bottom time. Instructor-supervised review of narcosis and depth orientation at 55m. Gas switch sequence refined and confirmed under operational conditions.

  • Managing increased decompression obligation with precision
  • Valve labelling and gas switch discipline at depth
  • Ascent rate control: maximum 9m per minute above 21m
  • Dive computer cross-check against wrist slate plan
DIVE
04

60m Practice Profile

60m

First dive to maximum certification depth. Full multi-stop decompression schedule with planned O2 stops at 6m and 3m. Extended in-water time: total dive typically 55-70 minutes. Gas turn discipline is zero-tolerance at this depth. Multi-day CNS oxygen accumulation reviewed in the debrief.

  • Extended in-water decompression: gas switch to O2 at 6m
  • Awareness of cumulative CNS oxygen load across the course so far
  • Independent decompression management with instructor oversight
  • Post-dive review of gas consumption versus plan
DIVE
05

60m Pre-Certification Dive

60m

First trimix dive to the full certification depth of 60m. Complete three-gas profile: trimix bottom gas to 60m, EAN50 switch at 21m, O2 switch at 6m. Extended decompression obligation of 25-35 minutes. Students execute the profile independently with instructor oversight before the following day's certification dive.

  • Student-prepared gas plan signed off pre-dive
  • Controlled descent on trimix to maximum certification depth
  • Three-gas switch sequence executed in correct order and depth
  • Full decompression stop schedule completed from dive computer and wrist slate
DIVE
06

Certification Dive

60m

The qualifying dive. Full trimix profile to 60m executed to certification standard. All phases assessed independently: gas planning, cylinder analysis, trimix descent, three-gas switch sequence, decompression stop adherence, and ascent. SSI XR Technical Extended Range Trimix certification issued on successful completion.

  • Independent full execution: student leads every phase without instructor prompting
  • Trimix cylinder analysis logged and countersigned before entry
  • Three-gas switches executed at correct depths without deviation
  • Certification sign-off and SSI XR card issued on exit
Gases Used

Three-gas configuration.

Every dive in this course uses a three-gas configuration. At 60m the trimix blend is selected so that the equivalent narcotic depth stays manageable and oxygen partial pressure remains within safe working limits. All gases are prepared and labelled at diveshack before departure.

Trimix Bottom Gas
Blend varies: normoxic or approaching hypoxic at 60m depth
MOD 60m (blend-dependent)

The bottom gas is selected based on target depth and planned profile. At 60m the oxygen fraction may approach or cross the 16% hypoxic threshold depending on the blend. Pre-breathe from EAN50 before switching to trimix on descent. All blends are analysed and confirmed before entry.

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 is a hard rule at this depth. CNS contribution from EAN50 is tracked across the full dive.

O2 100%
100% Oxygen
MOD 6m

Decompression gas at 6m and 3m stops. Pure oxygen accelerates deco obligation clearance significantly at this depth. CNS oxygen accumulation across a multi-day course is tracked carefully and managed between dives. Maximum single-dive exposure observed strictly.

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 before committing to dates.

Equipment Required

Full technical configuration required.

This course requires a complete tec diving setup with twin back-mount cylinders, primary and deco regulators, and a trimix-capable multi-gas dive computer. All equipment is checked before the first dive.

Twin back-mount cylinders (minimum 2 x 12L)
Primary torch and backup torch
Technical BCD: wing and harness system
Primary reel and spool
Three regulators: two primaries and one for deco cylinder
Two SMBs (one delayed deployment type)
Long-hose primary (200cm)
Wetsuit 7mm minimum or drysuit
Deco cylinder with dedicated labelled regulator
Backup cutting device
Dive computer: multi-gas, trimix capable
Wrist slates for gas plan and deco schedule

Full technical equipment hire is available from diveshack. Contact us early to confirm availability and sizing before booking. Deco cylinder hire is available if you do not own one.

What's Included

Everything you need

SSI XR eLearning

Lifetime access to SSI XR Technical Extended Range 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 Technical Extended Range Trimix certification card issued on successful completion of the 60m 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 this depth range. Drysuit hire if required.

Requirements

What you need before enrolling

You must hold SSI Extended Range Trimix (or a recognised equivalent 45m technical trimix qualification) and meet the logged dive requirements before starting this course.

  • Required SSI Extended Range Trimix certification (or recognised equivalent 45m tec trimix cert)
  • Required Minimum 70 logged dives in total
  • Required Minimum 20 logged dives at 30m or deeper
  • Required Minimum age 18 years
  • Required Proficiency with back-mount doubles, deco cylinder, 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 60m in Malta averages 14-17 degrees
Training Pathway

Building toward this course from recreational?

The full pathway from recreational diving runs: SSI Open Water (18m), then Advanced Open Water (30m), then Deep Diver (40m), then Extended Range (45m no-deco tec), then Extended Range Trimix (45m with trimix), then this course (60m). Contact us and we will map out the right stages for your starting point.

Enquire about the training pathway →
What this course unlocks
  • ✓ Direct enrolment in SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 80
  • ✓ Access to Malta's 60m blue water and wall profiles
  • ✓ Operational depth range of HMS Stubborn and deeper wrecks
  • ✓ Multi-gas trimix planning skills applicable to any tec operation
  • ✓ Foundation for the full SSI XR hypoxic trimix programme
Pricing

Course options

Tec Specialty
XR Technical Extended Range Trimix
€1,670

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

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

Complete both Technical Extended Range Trimix and Hypoxic Trimix 80 as a continuous programme. Enquire for combined pricing.

  • ✓ Everything in Technical Extended Range
  • ✓ Plus SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 80
  • ✓ 10 total tec dives across both courses
  • ✓ 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 Extended Range Trimix (or a recognised equivalent 45m technical trimix qualification from another agency). You also need a minimum of 70 logged dives in total, including at least 20 logged dives at 30m or deeper. If you are building from recreational diving, contact us to map out the full pathway.
Why does this course use trimix at 60m rather than air or nitrox? ▼
At 60m the partial pressure of nitrogen in air or standard nitrox becomes significantly narcotic. Helium in the trimix blend reduces the narcotic load, keeping cognitive function sharp at depth. Additionally, air at 60m exceeds the maximum operating depth of common nitrox mixes, making trimix the only appropriate bottom gas for planned dives at this depth.
How much helium does the blend contain, and what does it cost? ▼
Blend composition is confirmed per student based on target depth and planned profile. Typical blends for a 60m course contain between 30% and 45% helium. Gas costs vary with global helium pricing and are itemised separately when you apply. We confirm all gas costs before you commit to the course.
How long are the decompression stops at 60m? ▼
A planned bottom time of 10 minutes at 60m on a conservative gradient factor profile typically generates 20-30 minutes of decompression obligation. Total in-water time is commonly 55-70 minutes per dive. Stops are planned conservatively and reviewed with the instructor in the pre-dive briefing each day.
Does completing this course let me enrol in Hypoxic Trimix 80 immediately? ▼
Yes. The SSI XR Technical Extended Range Trimix certification is the direct prerequisite for SSI XR Hypoxic Trimix 80. On successful completion of this course you can proceed to Hypoxic Trimix 80 without any additional intermediate certifications. Contact us about running both courses as a combined programme if your schedule allows.
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 priority rebooking at no charge.
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