What does it really take to become an exceptional technical diver? In this episode of Speaking Sidemount brought to you by XDEEP, I sit down with my long-time mentor and friend Tom Steiner, founder of Gozo Technical Diving, to explore the philosophy that has shaped thousands of technical divers over nearly four decades.
I first trained with Tom in Gozo, Malta, in 2015–16, completing my Technical Sidemount Instructor, Normoxic Trimix, Full Cave, Advanced Gas Blender and Open Water Instructor qualifications before working for him as an instructor. Many of the standards I teach today were forged during that time.
With more than 17,000 dives and thousands of students trained, Tom shares why experience always outweighs certifications, how attitude determines success, why technical diving isn't necessarily about going deeper, and the lessons he's learned from a lifetime spent underwater.
We also discuss:
Why chasing certifications can make you a worse diver
What separates good divers from exceptional divers
Building judgment and experience
Teamwork and attitude in technical diving
Sidemount vs twinset
The evolution of technical diving
Gozo Technical Diving today
Greenland expedition diving and iceberg exploration
How to choose the right instructor
Instructor development and teaching philosophy
The future of technical diving
Whether you're a recreational diver looking to progress, an experienced technical diver, or an instructor wanting to improve your teaching, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom from one of diving's most respected educators.
Thanks to our Sponsor, XDEEP - https://www.xdeep.eu
Follow Tom Steiner & Gozo Technical Diving - www.gozotechnicaldiving.com
Tom's Video Training Series - www.tomsteiner.pro
Tom's Recommended Reading:
The Checklist Manifesto – Atul Gawande
The Art of Learning – Josh Waitzkin
Deep Survivor – Laurence Gonzalez
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A huge thank you to our episode sponsor XDEEP for their continued support of technical diving education, and to the incredible Patrons of Speaking Sidemount who make these conversations possible.