This article was written by Rod Abbotson, CD 69259, and originally published on the TecRec blog on September 16, 2010.

As we are approaching International Clean-Up Day once again, it is appropriate to mention some advantages we tec divers have for underwater clean-ups. Of course, clean-up dives should be conducted all year, whenever needed. The April and September initiatives serve as publicity events to educate the public, other beach and water users and give diving a good image.

One way technical divers can help is by using the extended range of their equipment to conduct a more thorough clean-up than only single tanks allow.

For example, using a twin set with a Nitrox mix appropriate for the depth is great for getting lots of trash from the 20-40m (65-130-foot) range. For those trained in the use of CCRs, the decompression advantage is obvious, but don’t get carried away and forget to watch you ppO2. The Dolphin Semi Closed Rebreather is also a great tool for extended dives in recreational limits.

Then, of course, tec divers can reach the parts other divers cannot reach. There is nothing worse than taking a couple of technical divers on a deep tec training dive only to find the bottom covered with trash! This can happen even in well-kept clean resort areas where recreational depths are regularly cleaned by PADI Professionals.

So, on later course dives, cleaning up in deeper areas can be a mission. Be sure to remind tec students and divers not to try to accomplish too much on one dive. It’s amazing what can be achieved with just a little cleaning on each dive. I have found that tec students and qualified tec divers actually enjoy being able to give something back for all the enjoyment diving has given them over the years. 

Another thing about this whole idea is that it also gives tec divers and CCR divers a good image with other divers as well as the general public and authorities, especially in areas where tec diving is a very small niche.

And finally, whether on OC or CCR, when topography allows decompression over a shallow area, there are few better ways to pass the time than cleaning the area underwater.

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Technical Diving, AWARE, conservation, Dive Against DebrisPADI Pros