What is ESS‑TEK and how is it related to Essex Scuba?

ESS‑TEK is the dedicated technical diving division of Essex Scuba, specialising exclusively in Technical Diving International (TDI) training. It provides structured pathways for decompression, trimix, extended-range, and CCR rebreather diving.

What TDI courses does ESS‑TEK offer?

ESS‑TEK offers the full TDI progression including Intro to Tech, Advanced Nitrox, Decompression Procedures, Trimix and Helitrox, Advanced Trimix, TDI CCR Air Diluent Diver, and TDI CCR Helitrox Diver.

Do I need previous technical diving experience to start?

No. Divers can begin with TDI Intro to Tech, which builds foundational skills such as trim, buoyancy, propulsion, and equipment configuration before progressing into decompression or mixed-gas training.

What equipment do I need for TDI training with ESS‑TEK?

Training may use twinset, sidemount, stage or decompression cylinders, redundant gas systems, or the Inspiration CCR depending on the course. Instructors guide all equipment configuration requirements.

How does ESS‑TEK training differ from recreational scuba courses?

ESS‑TEK technical training covers deeper dives, staged decompression, advanced gas planning, failure management, and team protocols. It uses a mentorship-driven, precision-focused training style rather than fast‑track certifications.

Can I train on a Closed Circuit Rebreather (CCR) with ESS‑TEK?

Yes. ESS‑TEK provides TDI CCR Air Diluent and TDI CCR Helitrox Diver training using the Inspiration Rebreather platform.

Where does ESS‑TEK conduct training dives?

Training is conducted at leading UK technical diving sites including deep inland facilities and open-water environments suitable for decompression, mixed-gas, and CCR operations.

Do ESS‑TEK courses include real‑world technical dive planning?

Yes. ESS‑TEK courses include realistic scenario planning such as gas switches, decompression scheduling, helium logistics, bailout planning, emergency procedures, and team coordination.

How do I know which TDI course to start with?

Most divers start with Intro to Tech. Divers with Nitrox certification looking to extend range should take Advanced Nitrox with Decompression Procedures. Those pursuing deeper or helium-based diving can progress to Trimix or CCR training.

How do I book a TDI course with ESS‑TEK?

You can request course dates, prerequisites, or training assessments via the Essex Scuba Contact page. A technical instructor will help plan the most suitable TDI progression for your goals.

Recreational and Technical Scuba Diver Training

5 Star Dive Centre

Another Fantastic PADI Advanced Open Water Course Completed!

What an incredible few days we’ve just had at the dive centre — and we simply can’t wait to share the highlights with you all!

Our latest PADI Advanced Open Water course wrapped up in spectacular style, with a group of enthusiastic, determined divers who truly embodied everything we love about the underwater world: curiosity, teamwork, and a spirit of adventure! 🤿✨

⭐ From First Breaths to New Depths

For several of our divers, this course marked an especially exciting milestone. They first came to us as complete beginners, taking their PADI Open Water course as part of the Skills Development section of their Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Their chosen skill?
👉 Learning to dive.

After completing their Open Water certification, they were hooked — and jumped straight into the Advanced Open Water course to take things further. And wow, did they deliver!

🐠 Skills Built, Confidence Boosted

Throughout the course, our divers completed a fantastic range of adventure dives, developing both confidence and capability in:

🟦 Deep Diving
🧭 Underwater Navigation
⚖️ Buoyancy Control
🔍 Search and Recovery
🚢 Wreck Diving

Each dive brought new challenges, new discoveries, and plenty of “wow” moments. Watching them grow in skill and self-assurance with every dive has been an absolute pleasure for the whole instructor team.

🌟 A Special Mention

We’d also like to give a huge shout-out to our Junior Divemaster in training, who provided outstanding support throughout the course.

From assisting with dive prep to helping ensure everything ran smoothly both in and out of the water, they stepped up brilliantly and showed real professionalism and passion. The future of dive leadership is clearly looking very bright! 👏

🤝 From Strangers to Dive Buddies

One of the most rewarding parts of this course?

Not a single participant knew each other before arriving at the dive centre.

Now? They’ve formed a close-knit group of dive buddies — sharing laughs, supporting one another underwater, and building friendships through this incredible shared experience.

That’s the magic of diving:

🌊 It brings people together in the most unforgettable ways.

🚨 And the Adventure Continues…

Here’s what really got us excited…

👉 Every single participant has signed up for the PADI Rescue Diver course!

That’s right — inspired by their experience and growing confidence, they’re all taking the next step. The Rescue Diver course is where divers truly level up, learning how to: