How the course pathways work

There are two main training routes:

• Open circuit Tec (PADI Tec 40/45/50, Trimix)
  Ideal if you want to build solid decompression, gas planning and wreck skills before (or alongside) going on to CCR.
• Hollis Prism2 CCR (entry-level CCR, Tec40 CCR and beyond)
  For divers ready to train on a rebreather, reduce helium costs, extend bottom times and focus on deeper or longer wreck dives.

You don’t have to choose forever. Many divers:

• Start with PADI Tec 40 on open circuit
• Add entry-level Hollis Prism2 CCR training later
• Or move straight to Prism2 CCR if they already have solid deep/wreck experience

For a detailed discussion of pros/cons, read Open Circuit Tec vs CCR – which path first? and then come back here to pick your immediate next step.

Course pathways at a glance

Open circuit Tec path

• PADI Tec 40 – First steps into decompression, staged gas and extended range
• PADI Tec 45 – Deeper wrecks, more complex decompression and problem-solving
• PADI Tec 50 – Full Tec-level dives with significant deco and higher task loading
• PADI Tec Trimix – Advanced helium-based diving for extended range and deeper projects

Details for each course are below and can be expanded on PADI Tec 40 course – Malta, PADI Tec 45 course – Malta, PADI Tec 50 course – Malta and PADI Tec Trimix course – Malta if you want dedicated pages for each level.

Hollis Prism2 CCR path

• Entry-level Hollis Prism2 CCR course – First steps into CCR on the Prism2 platform
• PADI Tec40 CCR – Hollis Prism2 – Decompression and extended range CCR diving
• PADI Tec 60 / 100 CCR – Hollis Prism2 (planned) – Deep trimix and serious wreck projects

For a full breakdown of the unit, checklists and long-term progression, see the Hollis Prism2 Hub – rebreather training & resources.

PADI Tec courses in Malta (open circuit)

Open circuit Tec is still one of the best ways to build a strong foundation for serious wreck and deep diving. It’s also a very good stepping stone into rebreathers if your main goal is Prism2 CCR training.

All PADI Tec courses with Jason are:

• Taught in small groups (1–2 students)
• Run on wrecks and realistic dive sites around Malta where conditions allow
• Focused on planning, safety and real decision-making, not just ticking skills

You can combine Tec courses with guided technical dives before or after training – see Guided technical and CCR dives in Malta for ideas.

PADI Tec 40 – Malta

Who it’s for:
Divers who want their first structured step beyond recreational limits, with controlled decompression and staged gas.

Typical depth range:
To 40 m, with planned decompression according to standards and conditions.

What you’ll learn:

• Planning and executing limited decompression dives
• Use of one deco cylinder with appropriate gas
• Gas planning, reserves and turn pressures
• Handling problems under realistic task loading
• Wreck-appropriate procedures where site choice allows

Prerequisites (in simple terms):

• Solid buoyancy and trim
• Good recent dive experience
• Comfort in the 30 m range and in current/structure

For more detailed prerequisites and structure, see PADI Tec 40 course – Malta. To discuss whether Tec 40 is the right next step, use Contact Jason for a training plan.

PADI Tec 45 – Malta

Who it’s for:
Tec 40 (or equivalent) divers ready to extend depth, decompression time and problem-solving under higher task loading.

Typical depth range:
To 45 m, with longer deco and more demanding gas planning.

What you’ll learn:

• Planning and executing deeper, more complex deco dives
• Handling accelerated deco and higher gas volumes
• Managing failures with realistic task loading and stress
• Moving into more advanced wrecks where appropriate

Prerequisites:
Successful Tec 40-level skills or equivalent experience, plus a realistic recent dive profile.

See PADI Tec 45 course – Malta for a full breakdown, or talk through progression from 40 to 45 via Contact Jason for a training plan.

PADI Tec 50 – Malta

Who it’s for:
Tec 45-level divers who want to operate as fully qualified Tec divers in the 50 m range with significant decompression.

Typical depth range:
To 50 m, with full Tec-level deco and more complex contingencies.

What you’ll learn:

• Planning and conducting full Tec dives in realistic conditions
• Handling multiple deco cylinders and higher task loading
• Developing team procedures on demanding wreck dives
• Decision-making for “go/no-go” calls and conservative planning

Prerequisites:
Strong Tec 45-level skills, suitable recent dives and the right mindset for more serious wreck profiles.

You’ll find more detail on PADI Tec 50 course – Malta. For help mapping Tec 40–50 over a season or two Malta trips, use Contact Jason for a training plan.

PADI Tec Trimix – Malta

Who it’s for:
Experienced Tec 50-level divers who are ready to add helium and move into more advanced ranges, potentially towards 80–90 m projects in future.

Typical depth range:
As per course level and standards, focused on deeper wrecks where trimix gives a clear safety and clarity advantage.

What you’ll learn:

• Planning and executing trimix dives with appropriate helium mixes
• Managing multiple gases and complex decompression schedules
• Handling failures at depth and on decompression
• Building realistic work-up plans towards deeper wreck goals

Prerequisites:
Solid Tec 50 experience, proven discipline with gas planning and deco, and a conservative attitude to depth progression.

For current availability and how Trimix fits into a long-term plan, see PADI Tec Trimix course – Malta or request a call via Contact Jason for a training plan.

H2: Hollis Prism2 CCR courses in Malta

If you’re serious about deep wrecks and long runtimes, the Hollis Prism2 CCR becomes very attractive: lower helium costs, extended bottom times, and the comfort of warm, quiet gas.

Jason is a Hollis Prism2 instructor and also a qualified service technician for the Hollis Prism2 and Apeks regulators, which means you can train on the unit with proper technical support before and after the course.

For in-depth info about the unit and philosophy, visit the Hollis Prism2 Hub – rebreather training & resources.

Entry-level Hollis Prism2 CCR course in Malta

Who it’s for:
Experienced recreational divers or Tec divers who want to move onto their first CCR and learn Prism2 fundamentals in clear water on real wrecks.

Typical depth range:
Within no-decompression or modest decompression limits appropriate to entry-level CCR standards (often up to 30 m).

What you’ll learn:

• Prism2 unit setup, pre-dive checks and breakdown
• Loop volume management, buoyancy and trim on CCR
• Manual and automatic PPO₂ control basics
• Handling common alarms and failures
• Executing safe ascents, descents and basic bailout procedures

Prerequisites:
Good buoyancy and trim, comfort in mid-20s metres depth, realistic recent experience and a conservative mindset.

For more detail, see Entry-level Hollis Prism2 CCR course in Malta, or get personalised advice via Contact Jason for a training plan.

PADI Tec40 CCR – Hollis Prism2 (Malta)

Who it’s for:
Certified CCR or experienced OC Tec divers ready to take the Prism2 into decompression and deeper wrecks, typically in the 30–40 m range.

Typical depth range:
To 40 m, with planned decompression dives and realistic CCR workloads.

What you’ll learn:

• Planning and executing CCR decompression dives on the Prism2
• Setpoint strategies for bottom and deco phases
• Bailout planning and gas choices for CCR profiles
• Handling realistic failures on real wrecks
• Integrating with a team and making conservative decisions

Prerequisites:
A suitable entry-level CCR certification or equivalent experience, plus a proper base of dives on the Prism2 or another CCR (to be discussed individually).

Full course details are outlined on PADI Tec40 CCR – Hollis Prism2 Malta. You can also ask how Tec40 CCR fits into a wider plan that includes open circuit Tec and guided CCR dives via Contact Jason for a training plan.

H3: Higher-level Prism2 CCR courses – Tec 60 / 100 (planned)

As your experience grows, the natural next step is deeper trimix CCR diving. The plan at diveprism2.eu is to offer:

• PADI Tec 60 CCR – Hollis Prism2
  For extended range CCR diving with deeper trimix profiles and longer decompression.
• PADI Tec 100 CCR – Hollis Prism2
  For very serious deep wreck projects (100 m+), built around realistic objectives and conservative work-up dives.

These courses will be built around specific wreck goals and require a strong track record of CCR diving. If you’re already thinking about 80–100 m wrecks in Malta, register your interest through Contact Jason for a training plan so you can be updated when suitable programmes are running.

Servicing and technical support for your Prism2 and Apeks regulators

During and between courses, having your life-support kit properly looked after is essential. Jason is a qualified service technician for the Hollis Prism2 and Apeks regulators, so you have access to:

• Pre-course Prism2 unit inspections
• Apeks regulator servicing for backgas and bailout rigs
• Post-course maintenance help and advice
• Troubleshooting and configuration guidance for your setup

If you’re travelling with your own Prism2 and Apeks kit, mention it when you reach out so time can be scheduled if needed. Use Contact Jason for a servicing quote or include servicing in your message via Contact Jason for a training plan.

Combining courses with guided dives

One of the advantages of training in Malta is being able to combine courses with guided tech or CCR dives:

• Warm-up dives before a Tec or CCR course
• Extra guided wreck dives immediately after training to cement skills
• Mentored dives between course levels (e.g. after Tec 40 or Tec40 CCR)
• Project-style weeks where you blend coaching, skills and “goal” wrecks

You can see example itineraries and minimum requirements on Guided technical and CCR dives in Malta. Jason can help you build a multi-visit plan that fits your job, family and budget via Contact Jason for a training plan.

Typical course week in Malta

Every course is adjusted to your experience and conditions, but a typical training week might look like:

• Day 1 – Orientation & dry skills
  Paperwork, kit checks, theory refresh, pre-dive checklists and dry drills.
• Day 2 – Confined/shallow skills
  Buoyancy, trim, shutdowns or CCR loop skills in the 6–12 m range.
• Day 3 – First real wrecks
  Shallow wreck dives, skill practice while “going somewhere”.
• Day 4 – Deeper profiles and deco
  Dives in the 30–40 m range (as appropriate to your course), with planned decompression.
• Day 5 – Scenario dives & consolidation
  Failures, drills and realistic planning scenarios on suitable wrecks.

For examples of wrecks you might train on at different depths, see Malta wreck dive sites.

Course FAQs

Do I need to be a tech diver already?

No. Many divers start with PADI Tec 40 or entry-level Hollis Prism2 CCR as their first formal step beyond recreational limits.

What you do need is:

• Solid buoyancy and trim
• Recent, relevant diving experience
• A realistic attitude to risk and progression

If you’re not sure whether your current experience is enough, Jason can give you an honest view via Contact Jason for a training plan.

How do I choose between open circuit Tec and Prism2 CCR?

It depends on:

• Your current depth experience and comfort level
• How often you expect to dive deep/tech at home
• Your budget for equipment and helium
• Your long-term goals (depth, type of wrecks, photography, etc.)

The article Open Circuit Tec vs CCR – which path first? covers this in more detail. If you send Jason a short summary of your diving and goals through Contact Jason for a training plan, he’ll suggest a realistic route.

Can I use my own kit and Prism2?

Yes, in most cases:

• You’re encouraged to use your own Tec kit for open circuit courses as long as it’s appropriate and in good condition.
• If you own a Hollis Prism2, training on your own unit is ideal. Jason will ask for details about its configuration and servicing history beforehand.
• A limited number of training units and rental kit may be available; this needs to be arranged in advance.

Include kit details when you reach out via Contact Jason for a training plan or ask specifically via Contact Jason for a servicing quote.

Can I bring non-diving family or make a holiday of it?

Many divers come to Malta with partners or family. Course days are focused but usually allow some time for other activities depending on schedule and conditions.

If you’d like advice on structuring training days around a family trip, mention it when you get in touch via Contact Jason for a training plan.

Next steps – plan your Tec or CCR path

To turn this page into a concrete plan:

1. Decide your immediate interest:
   • Open circuit Tec: Start with PADI Tec 40 course – Malta.
   • Prism2 CCR: Start with Entry-level Hollis Prism2 CCR course in Malta or PADI Tec40 CCR – Hollis Prism2 Malta.
2. Browse deeper information:
   • Unit details and mindset on the Hollis Prism2 Hub – rebreather training & resources.
   • Wreck possibilities on Malta wreck dive sites.
   • Background stories and case studies on Blog – technical & Prism2 diving articles (for example My journey into technical and CCR diving).
3. Send Jason a short message through Contact Jason for a training plan with:
   • Your highest cert level and agency
   • Recent dives (depth, environment)
   • Your goals (course level, depth, wrecks, timeframe)

From there, you’ll get a realistic, step-by-step plan for PADI Tec and Hollis Prism2 CCR courses in Malta, which you can combine with guided wreck dives and long-term goals across Europe.