PADI Tec 50 & Trimix Course in Tioman, MalaysiaThe full technical diver.
Reach 50 metres on twin gases with the PADI Tec 50 course in Tioman. Master multi-gas decompression, advanced contingency planning, and — with the optional Tec 50 Trimix add-on — break free of nitrogen narcosis using helium-blended bottom gas at Malaysia's premier PADI 5 Star IDC.
What is the PADI Tec 50 course? The PADI Tec 50 is the apex of the entry-level PADI Technical Diving (TecRec) progression, qualifying divers to plan and conduct multi-gas decompression dives to 50 metres using two decompression gases. The optional PADI Tec 50 Trimix add-on introduces helium-based bottom gas (normoxic trimix) to combat nitrogen narcosis at depth. The course runs 4 days with 4 open water training dives at Tioman Dive Buddy. Prerequisites include PADI Tec 45, 100 logged dives, and current tec skills.
What Is PADI Tec 50 and Should You Add Trimix?
The PADI Tec 50 course completes the foundational technical diving progression. You'll dive to 50 metres using two decompression gases, manage complex multi-stop deco profiles, and handle real-world contingencies that simulate the kind of dives you'll do for the rest of your tec career.
Optional Trimix add-on: If you want to dive past the threshold of meaningful nitrogen narcosis, the PADI Tec 50 Trimix option introduces normoxic trimix (helium-blended bottom gas, typically Tx 21/35) as your bottom gas. You'll learn isobaric counter-diffusion (ICD) theory, ICD management, and how to plan and execute helium-based dives — the foundation skill for all higher trimix certifications.
Tioman Dive Buddy is the only PADI 5 Star IDC in Malaysia offering on-site helium fills and Tec 50 Trimix instruction. Tioman Island's Tiger Reef pinnacle and surrounding sites provide ideal 45–50m profiles for trimix qualification dives.
What you'll be qualified to do after Tec 50 (and Trimix)
- Maximum depth (Standard Tec 50): 50 metres on twin tanks with EAN bottom gas
- Maximum depth (Tec 50 Trimix): 50 metres on normoxic trimix bottom gas (helium-blended)
- Decompression: Multi-stop with two deco gases (any oxygen percentage)
- Trimix skills: ICD theory, helium narcosis equivalency, He gas planning
- Foundation: Final entry-level tec course; gateway to Tec 65, Tec Trimix, and rebreather courses
PADI Tec 50 Prerequisites: What You Need First
Tec 50 is the most demanding entry-level technical diving course. The prerequisites reflect that level of responsibility — and the Trimix add-on adds extra requirements on top.
Or qualifying technical diver certification at equivalent level from another recognised agency.
*If meeting this with a qualifying certification, provide proof of CPR/First Aid training within the previous two years.
Or 75 hours of diving experience. Demonstrates the breadth of experience needed for 50m multi-gas operations.
Adult-only certification path — no exceptions.
PADI Tec 50 Course Schedule: Day-by-Day Breakdown
The course runs over 4 days / 3 nights with 4 training dives — progressing from confined water to full multi-gas decompression at 50 metres. Tec 50 boat dives require a charter boat.
Day 1 — Check-in, Multi-Gas Theory & Planning
Check-in and gear setup. Multi-gas decompression theory, MOD/MMOD calculations, gas matching for travel + bottom + deco roles, V-Planner / Multi-Deco software, contingency tables, and isobaric counter-diffusion (ICD) theory for the Trimix add-on. No diving on Day 1.
Day 2 — Confined Water + Dives 1 & 2 (Shore)
Confined water: two-gas switch sequencing under task loading and stress. Dive 1 (Shore, max 10m) — no stop, two-gas configuration and buoyancy. Dive 2 (Shore, 15–30m) — no stop with simulated decompression. Theory session in the evening.
Day 3 — Boat Dives 3 & 4 + Theory (Charter Boat Required)
Full multi-gas planning and lost-gas contingency drills. Dive 3 (Boat, 30–50m) — decompression dive with multi-stop profile. Dive 4 (Boat, 36–50m) — full decompression dive; Trimix add-on: normoxic trimix bottom gas, helium narcosis comparison. Final theory debrief.
Day 4 — Final Assessment & Certification
Final knowledge review, skills assessment debrief, and dive log review. PADI Tec 50 (and Trimix if applicable) certification card issued upon successful completion of all performance requirements. Checkout and departure.
Equipment Required for the PADI Tec 50 Course
Tec 50 requires the most demanding equipment loadout in the recreational tec progression. Tioman Dive Buddy provides full O₂-clean rental loadouts including trimix-rated regulators if you opt for the Trimix add-on.
Twin 12L / 15L
Manifolded twins with isolation valve, sized for gas needs at 50m bottom time.
Two Deco Stages
Travel/intermediate gas (e.g. EAN50) + pure O₂ — both O₂-clean rated.
Heavy-Lift Wing
≥35kg lift capacity. Single or redundant bladder for Tec 50 / Trimix.
Trimix-Capable Computer
Shearwater Petrel/Perdix, Suunto EON, or DR-CCR-rated unit with helium support.
Primary Canister Light
Tec-grade Goodman-handle canister with 4+ hours burn time. Three backup lights.
SMB & Closed-Circuit Reel
50m+ closed-circuit DSMB on dedicated reel — for late-stage deco signalling.
PADI Tec 50 & Trimix Course Price in Tioman
Two pricing tiers — choose Standard Tec 50 (EAN bottom gas) or Tec 50 Trimix (normoxic trimix qualification).
* Price is in Malaysian Ringgit. Excludes meals and accommodation. Includes all course fees, gear, gas fills, and PADI certification. Note: Tec 50 boat dives require a charter boat.
- PADI Tec 50 manual & e-Learning access
- Twin tank + 2 deco stage cylinders rental
- 4 multi-gas training dives (confined + shore + boat)
- Air, EAN, and 100% O₂ gas fills
- Full tec gear rental incl. trimix-rated regs
- 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 50 & Trimix — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PADI Tec 50 and PADI Tec 50 Trimix?
Standard Tec 50 uses EAN (or air) as bottom gas with two decompression gases. PADI Tec 50 Trimix replaces the bottom gas with normoxic trimix (typically Tx 21/35), adding helium to combat nitrogen narcosis at depth. Trimix qualification is mandatory for diving past 50m on later PADI courses.
Should I add the Trimix option to my Tec 50 course?
If you plan to continue in technical diving toward Tec 65 or full PADI Tec Trimix, yes — absolutely. The Trimix qualification at Tec 50 is a prerequisite stepping stone. If 50 metres on EAN is your final goal, standard Tec 50 is sufficient.
What does narcosis feel like at 50 metres on air vs trimix?
On air at 50 metres, most divers experience significant narcosis — slowed thinking, tunnel vision, sometimes euphoria or anxiety. On normoxic trimix at 50 metres, narcosis equivalent depth is roughly 25 metres on air. The mental clarity difference is dramatic.
How long is the gap between Tec 45 and Tec 50?
PADI standards require time to consolidate Tec 45 skills. Tioman Dive Buddy typically recommends at least 10–15 logged Tec 45 dives before starting Tec 50. If you've come straight from Tec 45 with TDB, instructors will assess your readiness in person.
How long does the PADI Tec 50 course take?
The PADI Tec 50 course typically takes 4 days (5 days with Trimix add-on) at Tioman Dive Buddy. Standard course includes 2 knowledge sessions, 2 practical applications, and 4 open water dives. Trimix adds 1 extra theory session and 1 qualifying trimix dive.
Is Tec 50 the deepest PADI tec course?
No. PADI offers Tec 65 (extended trimix), Tec Trimix, and CCR rebreather courses past Tec 50. However, Tec 50 (especially with Trimix) is the final entry-level tec course — everything beyond is highly specialised. Most recreational tec divers stop at Tec 50 Trimix.
Where can I do PADI Tec 50 with Trimix in Malaysia?
Tioman Dive Buddy in Kampung Genting, Tioman Island is the only PADI 5 Star IDC in Malaysia offering Tec 50 with Trimix add-on. We maintain on-site helium and oxygen fills with TecRec instructor team for the full progression.
Complete the progression.
Tec 50 — with or without Trimix — is the apex of TDB's technical diving programme. Reach out and our TecRec instructors will plan your training calendar.
Talk to a TecRec Instructor →