Techwise

Techwise is a specialist technical diving centre in St Julian's, set inside the Westin Dragonara Complex on the north-east coast of Malta. Technical diving means going beyond the limits of ordinary recreational diving: deeper dives, longer decompression stops, special gas mixes and, for some divers, rebreathers that recycle the air you breathe out. The centre is built around training for those dives, plus guided trips for divers who already hold the qualifications.

For UK divers weighing up a tec course abroad, the appeal is simple. Malta has warm, clear water, wrecks within minutes of the base and a house reef at the door. The centre appears in our directory of diving equipment suppliers in Malta, because it also runs a dive gear shop alongside its courses.

Courses and agencies

Training is offered through PADI, IANTD, TDI and GUE, so you can follow the pathway you already know or switch to another. The instructor roster is led by full-time Instructor Trainers: two for PADI, one for IANTD and two for TDI, supported by further technical instructors in each agency.

Open circuit courses are grouped into start tech, extend tech and trimix levels, with twinset and sidemount versions. Titles include advanced nitrox, decompression procedures, extended range, trimix, wreck, cavern and scooter courses, along with gas blender qualifications. Closed circuit rebreather training runs in three modules and covers JJ-CCR, Fathom and Divesoft Liberty units.

Course prices are printed in a price list, from the PADI Discover Tec experience at the lower end to full trimix programmes costing well over a thousand euros, and some hypoxic trimix courses are priced on application. Helium supply on a small island can change, so prices for mixed gas courses should be confirmed when you book. Boat fees and course materials are extra, and the centre suggests buying manuals before you travel so that your time in the water goes on skills and planning.

Guided dive packages and wreck diving

If you already hold the right qualifications, you can buy guided technical dive packages instead of a course. Printed prices are €85 for a single dive, €165 for two, €325 for four, €475 for six and €775 for ten, with the same pricing for open circuit and closed circuit. A week-long Normoxic Wreck package is also on offer.

Each package includes a twinset filled with nitrox up to 32%, weights, use of the washing and storage facilities, and a guided dive with road transport to shore sites around Malta. It does not include richer mixes, boat fees, ferry fees or extra equipment. Divers who cancel less than 48 hours before a dive are charged for the dive and any boat fee.

Wrecks are a major draw. The centre's own articles describe the SS Margit in Kalkara Creek at about 22 metres, the German Schnellboot S-31 off Xghajra and a Mosquito fighter bomber near Delimara. If you plan a few non-diving days, our guides to the Three Cities and Kalkara and to things to do in Malta are a useful companion.

Kit, gas and the dive shop

Divers are asked to bring as much personal kit as they can, because masks, computers, drysuits and undersuits fit best when they are your own. Wings and backplates can be hired and adjusted to you on your first day. Hired equipment includes back gas and stage regulators, harness and wing sets and surface marker buoys, and is open only to divers on a course or a guided package.

Drysuits are not required, though they are recommended for technical dives with long ascents. The sea averages about 20 °C across the year, from 15 to 16 °C in winter to around 26 °C in August, which our Malta weather guide explains month by month.

Gas blending is available on site. Air and nitrox up to 32% are free of charge to booked customers, while oxygen, helium and trimix blends are priced per litre or per cylinder, and cylinder hire is €5 each. Gas that is not used is not charged. Everyone must carry their own dive insurance.

The online shop sells regulators, rebreathers, backplates and wings, fins, drysuits, lights, scooters and accessories from brands such as Apeks, Divesoft, Halcyon and Shearwater.

Getting there and getting started

The centre will help arrange hotels and dive packages, and can organise airport pickups once your flights are booked. You can compare flights from the UK to Malta and see where to stay in Malta before you fix dates.

To ask about a course, a package or kit, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to Techwise.