PADI Tec 40 Course in Tioman Island, MalaysiaYour gateway to technical diving.
Take the leap from recreational to technical diving with the PADI Tec 40 course in Tioman. Master decompression theory, twin-tank configurations, and gas planning down to 40 metres — guided by Malaysia's longest-running PADI 5 Star IDC at Tioman Dive Buddy in Kampung Genting.
What is the PADI Tec 40 course? The PADI Tec 40 is the first course in the PADI Technical Diving (TecRec) progression, qualifying divers to plan and conduct technical decompression dives to a maximum depth of 40 metres using a single decompression gas (up to EAN50). The course runs over 5 days with 4 open water training dives at Tioman Dive Buddy in Kampung Genting, Tioman Island, Malaysia. Prerequisites include PADI Advanced Open Water, Enriched Air Diver, Deep Diver, and at least 30 logged dives.
What Is PADI Tec 40 and Why Take It in Tioman?
The PADI Tec 40 course is the entry point to technical diving — the first step in the globally recognised PADI TecRec curriculum. Unlike recreational diving, technical diving allows you to exceed standard no-decompression limits, dive with redundant gas supplies, and access deeper sites with planned decompression stops.
By the end of the course, you'll be qualified to plan and conduct dives to a maximum depth of 40 metres, with one decompression stop using a single deco gas (up to EAN50). You'll learn to manage twin cylinders, write dive plans using both tables and decompression software, and execute gas switches with precision.
Tioman Island, Pahang is one of Southeast Asia's premier locations for technical diving. The island's marine park status protects pristine reefs, while its bathymetry — with sheer drop-offs and sites like Tiger Reef and Labas — provides ideal conditions for tec depth profiles. Tioman Dive Buddy is the only PADI 5 Star IDC on the island offering the full TecRec progression.
What you'll be qualified to do after Tec 40
- Maximum depth: 40 metres on twin tanks with EAN bottom gas
- Decompression: One stop, up to 10 minutes, using one deco gas (max EAN50)
- Equipment: Manifolded twin cylinder configuration, redundant regulator setup, deco stage
- Planning: Multi-deco software, dive tables, contingency planning, gas matching
- Foundation: Prerequisite for all higher TecRec courses (Tec 45, Tec 50, Tec Trimix)
PADI Tec 40 Prerequisites: What You Need Before Enrolling
Tec 40 has strict entry requirements because technical diving demands a solid foundation in advanced recreational skills. Make sure you meet all six prerequisites below before booking your course at Tioman Dive Buddy.
With PADI Rescue Diver recommended. Or equivalent certification from another recognised agency.
Nitrox certification is mandatory for all PADI Tec courses.
Or proof of at least 10 logged dives to 30 metres / 100 feet or deeper.
A solid recreational foundation is required before entering technical training.
Technical diving requires full legal adult status — no exceptions.
PADI Tec 40 Course Schedule: What You'll Learn Each Day
The course runs over 4 days / 3 nights with 4 training dives — progressing from confined water fundamentals to open water decompression execution. Below is the typical day-by-day schedule when training with TDB on Tioman Island.
Day 1 — Check-in, Theory & Equipment Configuration
Check-in and gear setup. Introduction to technical diving philosophy, decompression theory fundamentals, twin tank configuration, harness adjustment, and regulator routing. Pre-dive risk assessment and dive planning principles. No diving on Day 1 — full focus on theory and gear familiarisation.
Day 2 — Confined Water + Dives 1 & 2 (Shore)
Confined water skill development: valve drills, S-drills, primary regulator donation, deco gas switch procedures. Dive 1 (Shore, max 10m) — no decompression, focusing on buoyancy and team awareness under tec configuration. Dive 2 (Shore, 15–24m) — no stop, introducing gas management and formation discipline. Theory session in the evening.
Day 3 — Boat Dives 3 & 4 + Theory
Gas planning with decompression software, contingency planning, and lost deco gas drills. Dive 3 (Boat, 18–40m) — no-stop dive with simulated decompression, practising team protocols and gas switch sequencing. Dive 4 (Boat, 27–40m) — optional decompression dive: up to 10 minutes decompression using a deco gas, or 15 minutes breathing bottom gas throughout. Final theory debrief.
Day 4 — Final Assessment & Certification
Final knowledge review, skills assessment debrief, and dive log review. PADI Tec 40 certification card issued upon successful completion of all performance requirements. Checkout and departure.
Equipment Required for the PADI Tec 40 Course
Tec 40 requires technical-grade equipment beyond standard recreational gear. Tioman Dive Buddy provides the full tec configuration as part of the course fee — including twin tanks, regulator sets, wing, and deco stage. You only need to bring personal items (mask, fins, computer, exposure protection).
Twin Cylinder Set
Manifolded twins (typically 12L/200bar each) with isolation valve. Provided by TDB.
Tec Harness & Wing
Backplate, harness, and tec-specific wing with at least 25kg lift capacity.
Twin Regulator Set
Two regulators with primary on long hose (2m), secondary necklaced backup.
Deco Stage Cylinder
Single S40 / 11L cylinder for EAN50 deco gas with dedicated regulator and SPG.
Bottom Timer or Tec Computer
Two backup timing devices. Tec-capable computer (Shearwater, Suunto Eon) recommended.
SMB & Spool
Closed-circuit DSMB with at least 30m of line on a spool — for deco stop signalling.
PADI Tec 40 Course Price in Tioman
4-day / 3-night TDB Tec 40 programme on Tioman Island. Limited slots — small group ratios for safety and personalised instruction.
* Price is in Malaysian Ringgit. Excludes meals and accommodation. Includes all course fees, gear, gas fills, and PADI certification.
- PADI Tec 40 manual & e-Learning access
- Twin tank set + deco stage cylinder rental
- 4 training dives (confined + shore + boat)
- Air, EAN, and EAN50 gas fills
- Full tec gear rental for course duration
- PADI certification fee
🎯 Bundle Deal: Complete all three Tec courses (Tec 40 + 45 + 50) in one trip — RM 6,500 for 7D6N. MIDE special price: RM 6,000.
Reserve Your Spot →PADI Tec 40 — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PADI Tec 40 and Advanced Open Water?
Advanced Open Water (AOW) certifies you to dive to 30 metres on a single tank with no decompression obligation. PADI Tec 40 introduces twin tanks, planned decompression stops, gas switching, and a fundamentally different safety mindset. AOW is recreational; Tec 40 is the official entry to technical diving.
How long does the PADI Tec 40 course take?
The PADI Tec 40 course typically takes 5 days when conducted at Tioman Dive Buddy. This includes 3 knowledge development sessions, 3 practical applications, and 4 open water training dives — culminating in a qualifying dive to 40 metres.
Do I need to own all the technical diving equipment for Tec 40?
No. Tioman Dive Buddy provides the full tec configuration (twin tanks, wing, regulators, deco stage) as part of the course fee. Many divers buy their own gear after Tec 40, once they're certain they want to continue in the TecRec progression.
Is PADI Tec 40 the same as Trimix diving?
No. Tec 40 only uses air or enriched air (EAN) as bottom gas, with EAN50 as deco gas. Trimix (helium-based gases) starts at the Tec 50 Trimix level. Tec 40 is your entry point — you'll progress to deeper courses from there.
What happens if I fail a dive or skill during Tec 40?
PADI Tec courses are skill-based, not time-based. If you need extra dives or sessions to demonstrate proficiency, Tioman Dive Buddy will arrange them. Safety standards are non-negotiable — we never push divers to certification before they're ready.
Can I dive solo after PADI Tec 40 certification?
No. Technical diving is always conducted as a team activity. Tec 40 emphasises buddy procedures, S-drills, and team gas management. Solo technical diving requires a separate PADI Self-Reliant Diver certification on top.
Where can I take the PADI Tec 40 course in Malaysia?
Tioman Dive Buddy in Kampung Genting, Tioman Island is the only PADI 5 Star IDC in Malaysia offering the full TecRec progression including Tec 40, Tec 45, and Tec 50 with Trimix option. Tioman's deep dive sites (Tiger Reef, Labas) make it ideal for tec training.
Begin your tec journey.
Slots are limited and we run small groups for safety. Reach out and our TecRec instructors will walk you through the prerequisites and book you in.
Talk to a TecRec Instructor →