thumb|upright=1.5|Diver [[Trevor Jackson (diver)|Trevor Jackson returning from a wreck dive]]
thumb|Diver equipped for decompression diveTechnical diving (also referred to as tec diving or tech diving) is scuba diving that exceeds the agency-specified limits of recreational diving for non-professional purposes. Technical diving may expose the diver to hazards beyond those normally associated with recreational diving, and to a greater risk of serious injury or death. Risk may be reduced by using suitable equipment and procedures, which require appropriate knowledge and skills. The required knowledge and skills are preferably developed through specialised training, adequate practice, and experience. The equipment involves breathing gases other than air or standard nitrox mixtures, and multiple gas sources. and divers have been engaging in what is now commonly referred to as technical diving for decades.
Origin
The popular use of the term technical diving can be traced back to the cover story of the first issue of aquaCorps magazine (1990–1996), in early 1990, titled Call it "High-Tech" Diving by Bill Hamilton, describing the current state of recreational diving beyond the generally accepted limits, such as deep, decompression and mixed gas diving. By mid-1991, the magazine was using the term technical diving, as an analogy to the established term technical (rock) climbing.
| Some agencies define recreational diving as "No decompression" diving; others consider all dives to be decompression dives.
| Some agencies define technical diving as "Decompression diving"; others consider all dives to be decompression dives.
| Deeper penetration, may involve complex navigation and decompression
<!---->
<!--
-->
<!---->
</references>