PADI Tec 40 Course in Malta – Your First Step into Technical Diving

PADI Tec 40 is your bridge from recreational diving into the world of technical diving. In Malta, it’s the perfect way to learn limited decompression, proper gas planning and team procedures while diving some of the island’s iconic mid-depth wrecks and reefs.

On this course you’ll learn to plan and execute limited decompression dives to 40 metres using one decompression gas up to 50% oxygen, under the guidance of a dedicated PADI Tec instructor.

Why Take PADI Tec 40 in Malta?

Malta offers clear water, steep walls and accessible wrecks in the 30-40 m range – exactly the environment Tec 40 is designed for. Instead of ticking boxes in a quarry, you’ll get real technical dives with:

Clear visibility and stable conditions.
Wrecks and structures that make the dives memorable, not just “training”.
A progression path into deeper Tec and CCR dives around Malta once you’re ready.

PADI Tec 40 is where you stop thinking like a recreational diver and start thinking like a technical diver – with proper planning, redundancy and team discipline.

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal if you:

Are a confident Advanced Open Water diver and comfortable diving to 30 m.
Enjoy planning your dives and want more structure, redundancy and control.
Want to start limited decompression diving in a safe, progressive way.
Are considering further Tec training (Tec 45, Tec 50, Trimix or CCR) and want a solid foundation.
Prefer small classes and coaching over large groups.

If you’re unsure whether you’re ready, contact Jason and he can advise on a training plan or recommend a skills tune-up before Tec 40.

What You’ll Learn on Tec 40

The PADI Tec 40 course combines theory, dry skills and open water dives. By the end, you’ll be able to plan and conduct limited decompression dives to 40 m with a single decompression gas (up to 50% oxygen), within clearly defined limits.

Knowledge Development

Through PADI eLearning and classroom workshops, you’ll cover:

Risks, responsibilities and mindset of a technical diver.
Technical equipment, twinset/sidemount configurations and long-hose setups.
Team roles, gas sharing and underwater communication.
Decompression theory and gas planning using software/tables.
Dive planning with contingencies and turn-point strategies.
How to “think like a technical diver” and avoid common mistakes.

Practical Skills & Land Drills

On land and in shallow water you’ll practice:

Equipment setup, pre-dive checks and problem solving.
Gas shutdowns, valve drills and long-hose deployment.
SMB deployment, team ascents and decompression stops.
Handling issues like free-flows and simulated out-of-gas situations.

These sessions make sure you’re comfortable and efficient before moving into deeper water.

Open Water Training Dives (Up to 40 m)

The course includes four training dives, where you will:

Execute planned dives to a maximum of 40 m.
Use EANx (up to 50% O₂) as a decompression gas within PADI Tec 40 limits.
Practice staged decompression ascents with proper stop control.
Apply gas planning, team skills and problem solving in real conditions.

Where possible, dives are conducted on suitable wrecks and topography around Malta so your training time feels like actual diving, not just drills.

Course Structure & Schedule

The typical structure includes:

Independent study with PADI Tec 40 eLearning.
Knowledge review & workshops with Jason to apply the theory to real dive plans.
Four practical application sessions focusing on equipment, drills and procedures.
Four open water training dives building your skills and confidence step by step.

Exact scheduling (number of days in a row vs split) can be adapted to your experience, travel plans and conditions – just get in touch to discuss the best format.

Prerequisites for PADI Tec 40

To enrol in PADI Tec 40 you must:

Be a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent).
Be a PADI Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox).
Be a PADI Deep Diver, or have proof of at least 10 dives to 30 m/100 ft or deeper.
Have 30 logged dives minimum.
Be 18 years or older.
Have a Diver Medical Form signed by a physician within the last 12 months.

Equivalent certifications from other training agencies may be accepted – contact Jason with your current cards and logbook for confirmation.

Equipment & Gas Use

On Tec 40 you will dive:

Air or EANx as back gas (depending on the dive plan).
One decompression gas up to 50% oxygen for accelerated decompression.

You’ll use a twinset or sidemount configuration with:

Redundant first stages and regulators.
Long-hose and backup regulator setup.
Appropriate exposure protection, reels/SMBs and backup lights.

You can usually train in your own correctly configured gear; if you don’t yet have a full technical setup, contact Jason to discuss configuration options and potential rental support before booking.

Tec 40 Trimix Option

If you’re curious about Trimix and its benefits (reduced narcosis, lower gas density, potentially clearer thinking at depth), Tec 40 can be extended with the PADI Tec 40 Trimix option.

This introduces carefully limited Trimix blends with:

Not less than 21% oxygen
Not more than 35% helium

You’ll learn how these gases affect your planning and execution, and when it makes sense to use them on appropriate dive profiles. Additional prerequisites and dives may apply – ask Jason if you’d like to include the Trimix option when you book your Tec 40.

Why Train with Jason Trott & diveprism2.eu

Jason Trott is a Malta-based PADI Tec and Hollis Prism 2 instructor, specialising in deep wreck diving and CCR training on Malta’s wrecks. His Tec 40 courses are:

Small group or 1:1 – so you get more coaching, not just supervision.
Wreck-focused – using real Maltese dive sites where possible.
Safety-led – emphasis on bailout planning, teamwork and problem management.
Progression-minded – Tec 40 is built as a stepping stone to Tec 45, Tec 50, Trimix and Hollis Prism 2 CCR.

You’re not just buying a course; you’re starting a long-term technical diving path with an instructor who lives and dives here full time.

Course Pricing, Dates & How to Book

Course pricing depends on factors like gas choices, equipment rental and whether you add the Trimix option.

Get in touch for current Tec 40 pricing, upcoming dates and availability.
Jason can also help you design a training plan that combines Tec 40 with guided dives or further Tec/CCR training during your trip to Malta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PADI Tec 40 much harder than recreational diving?
Tec 40 is more demanding than standard recreational courses because of the extra equipment, procedures and planning. However, it’s designed as the first step, not a course for elite divers. If you’re comfortable at 30 m, enjoy learning and are willing to practice skills, you’ll do well.

Can I take Tec 40 if I don’t have my own twinset yet?
Yes, in many cases you can. Jason can advise on configuration options and potential equipment rental. Long term, Tec 40 is a great opportunity to understand what setup will suit your future Tec diving.

What depths and dive profiles will we do?
Training dives will progress from shallower skills dives to planned dives up to 40 m with limited decompression on suitable sites around Malta, depending on conditions and your experience.

What’s next after Tec 40?
Most divers continue to PADI Tec 45 and Tec 50, then move into Trimix or Hollis Prism 2 CCR training once they have a solid foundation. Tec 40 is your gateway to all of these options.

Can I combine Tec 40 with a Malta diving holiday?
Absolutely. Many divers combine Tec 40 with extra fun dives or guided wreck dives. Contact Jason to build a plan that fits your dates and goals.

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PADI Tec 40, 45, 50 Combo

PADI Tec 40