Technical Diving Training: PADI TecRec Courses in Mahahual
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Learn technical diving with Mahahual's only permanent PADI Course Director and PADI Tec Instructor.
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From Tec Basics through Tec 40, Tec 45 and Tec 50, receive personalised PADI TecRec training on Mahahual's spectacular deep reefs. Instead of learning in quarries, lakes or confined training sites, you'll develop your skills in warm Caribbean water on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, applying techniques in a real diving environment from the very beginning.
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Our technical diving courses are limited to a maximum of two students. This allows every dive to be tailored to your experience, pace and goals, with direct feedback and individual coaching throughout the course.
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Led by Mahahual's only permanent PADI Course Director and PADI Tec Instructor, the focus is on developing competent, confident technical divers—not simply completing course requirements. Whether you're taking your first steps into technical diving or progressing to deeper decompression dives, you'll leave with practical skills, sound judgement and the confidence to plan and conduct technical dives safely long after your course is complete.
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PADI TecRec Courses
PADI Tec Basics - US $300 / MX $5,400
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Build the skills that make technical diving easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
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PADI Tec Basics is the perfect introduction to technical diving and is ideal for divers who want to improve their buoyancy, trim, propulsion techniques and equipment configuration before progressing into decompression diving.
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Throughout the course you'll develop the core skills used by technical divers while gaining confidence diving a twinset, technical harness and wing in a relaxed, supportive training environment.
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One of the biggest advantages of training with Mahahual Underwater Explorers is the opportunity to experience technical diving equipment before investing in your own setup. We provide all the equipment you'll need, allowing you to dive with a twinset and discover whether technical diving is right for you before purchasing your own equipment.
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Tec Basics is also an excellent course to combine with our DPV (Diver Propulsion Vehicle) course. Learning to use a DPV while diving a twinset introduces you to the equipment and techniques used by technical divers while making you a more efficient and confident diver. Even if you have no intention of diving beyond recreational limits, these skills will improve your buoyancy, awareness and overall diving ability.
Although Tec Basics is not a prerequisite for Tec 40, it provides an excellent foundation and may be credited towards your Tec 40 training. Many divers find that completing Tec Basics first allows them to focus on decompression procedures during Tec 40 rather than developing core technical skills at the same time.
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Whether your goal is technical diving or simply becoming a more capable recreational diver, Tec Basics is the perfect first step into the PADI TecRec pathway.
PADI Tec 40 - US $900 / MX $16,200
Take your first step into decompression diving.
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PADI Tec 40 introduces you to the world of technical diving by teaching you to plan and conduct limited decompression dives to 40 metres / 130 feet using a single decompression cylinder with up to 50% oxygen.
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Throughout the course you'll build on the buoyancy, trim and equipment skills developed in Tec Basics (or demonstrate equivalent proficiency) while learning the theory and practical skills needed to safely conduct decompression dives. You'll gain confidence in dive planning, gas management, decompression procedures, gas switching and emergency skills, preparing you for more advanced technical training.
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Training with Mahahual Underwater Explorers allows you to develop these skills on Mahahual's spectacular deep reef walls, just minutes from shore. With deep technical diving accessible directly from the beach, you'll spend less time travelling and more time developing your skills underwater.
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Tec 40 is also an excellent course to combine with our DPV (Diver Propulsion Vehicle) course. Using a DPV while diving a twinset allows you to cover more of the reef with less effort, improves propulsion and trim, and introduces techniques commonly used during technical exploration dives.
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After successfully completing Tec 40, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to conduct limited decompression dives and continue your technical diving journey with PADI Tec 45
PADI Tec 45 - US $900 / MX $16,200
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Expand your capabilities and extend your diving range.
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PADI Tec 45 builds on the skills developed in Tec 40, taking you further into the world of technical diving. You'll learn to plan and conduct accelerated decompression dives to 45 metres / 150 feet while using 100% oxygen for more efficient decompression.
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Throughout the course you'll refine your dive planning, gas management and decompression procedures while becoming increasingly confident managing multiple cylinders and more complex technical dives. Emergency procedures, problem solving and team awareness are developed further, helping you become a safer, more capable and self-reliant technical diver.
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One of the greatest advantages of completing Tec 45 in Mahahual is the opportunity to gain real-world experience on deep reefs and walls rather than simply completing the minimum training dives. The easy shore access to technical depths allows you to focus on developing your skills, building confidence and becoming comfortable conducting more demanding decompression dives in a spectacular natural environment.
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Completing Tec 45 prepares you for the final step in the PADI TecRec pathway—PADI Tec 50—where you'll further develop the skills and experience needed to safely conduct deeper, more demanding decompression dives.
PADI Tec 50 - US $1,000 / MX $18,000
Master advanced decompression diving and complete the PADI TecRec pathway.
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PADI Tec 50 is the culmination of the PADI TecRec programme, giving you the knowledge, skills and confidence to plan and conduct accelerated decompression dives to 50 metres / 165 feet using multiple decompression gases. Building on the experience gained in Tec 40 and Tec 45, you'll refine every aspect of your technical diving while developing the judgement and discipline required for more demanding dives.
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Throughout the course you'll further develop advanced dive planning, gas management, decompression procedures and emergency skills while becoming confident managing multiple cylinders and increasingly complex dive profiles. The emphasis is on precision, efficiency and problem solving, ensuring you can safely conduct dives within the limits of your training.
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Training with Mahahual Underwater Explorers provides the perfect environment to complete your technical diving journey. By the time you reach Tec 50, you'll already have spent plenty of time exploring Mahahual's spectacular deep reefs and walls, and you'll likely have experienced many of those dives using one of our Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs). With greater confidence, refined skills and a wealth of real-world experience, you'll be ready to plan and conduct more ambitious technical dives while continuing to explore some of the Caribbean's most untouched underwater landscapes.
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Completing Tec 50 marks the successful completion of the PADI TecRec pathway, giving you the skills, experience and confidence to safely explore the underwater world within the limits of your training for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need to be an expert diver before starting technical diving?
Not at all. You should meet the prerequisites for your chosen course and be comfortable in the water, but technical diving is about developing new skills. If your buoyancy, trim or propulsion need refining, we'll spend the time to build those foundations before progressing.
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What if I don't complete the course in the scheduled time?
Everyone learns at a different pace. If you need additional dives or training sessions to meet the course performance requirements, we'll discuss the best way to continue. My priority is developing competent, confident technical divers, not rushing anyone through a certification. Any additional training required would be discussed with you beforehand, and you can find current course and training rates on our Pricing page.
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Do I need my own technical diving equipment?
No. Technical diving equipment can be provided for training if required. If you already own your own equipment, we'll review your configuration before the course to ensure it's suitable and properly set up for the training. Equipment rental costs, where applicable, are listed on our Pricing page.
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Can I hire technical diving equipment?
Yes. Technical diving equipment is available to hire for training courses. Please contact us before your course so we can ensure the correct equipment is available and configured for you.
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Do I need to be physically fit?
Technical diving is more demanding than recreational diving. You don't need to be an athlete, but you should be in good general health, comfortable carrying equipment and able to manage longer dives and more complex procedures.
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Do I need a medical certificate?
Before starting your course, you'll complete the standard PADI Diver Medical Questionnaire. Depending on your answers, you may need medical clearance from a physician before you can begin training.
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Is there a written exam?
Yes. PADI TecRec courses include knowledge development as well as practical diving skills. You'll complete knowledge reviews and a written exam to ensure you understand the theory behind technical diving.
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Do I need diving accident insurance, such as DAN?
We strongly recommend that all technical diving students have diving accident insurance, such as DAN (Divers Alert Network) or another suitable provider. While it may not always be a course requirement, appropriate insurance provides valuable protection in the event of a diving-related emergency and offers peace of mind throughout your training.
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Which PADI TecRec course should I start with?
That depends on your experience, certifications and diving goals. Whether you're taking your first step into technical diving with Tec Basics or progressing to Tec 40, Tec 45 or Tec 50, we'll help you choose the most appropriate starting point.
