Considering jumping to rebreather?

[DXHI]

Considering learning how to use a rebreather .

Would like to #1 get an idea of stepwise progression of classes from open circuit to CCR

Currently have approximately 300 dives under my weight belt, and have amassed Stress / Rescue and Solo certification.

Interested in exploring deeper wrecks for longer and really honing in on photography…. I have 0 interest in cave diving

If I do go this route .. I want to buy the best model(s) from the start.. curious to a realistic expectation of cost

Also wanting a dive shop that is really going to grill you / put you through the wringer . Located in southeast US

 

[J-Vo]

Preferably you have a likeminded buddy that is willing to progress with you and become a solid teammate.

1/2. If you're not already doing it, get a dry suit and get some experience with it.

1. Find a good tech instructor to teach you doubles and get some dives to familiarize yourself with them.

2. Take GUE Fundamentals (or similar instruction). You will learn a lot and come out knowing where you need to be. Practice, practice, and practice some more.

3. When you feel ready, take OC ANDP with a good instructor and get some experience at this level.

4. Get a good instructor to teach you multipole deco gas switching and stage protocols, then get experience with multiple deco gasses and stages. You don't have to do dives requiring this gear to learn and get used to handling the gear. Being comfortable with this gear load will help with your RB learning curve.

5. Now you have the experience to begin selecting a rebreather. The type/style of unit you select is dependent on your personal diving philosophy and experience. There is no "best" unit.

 

[inquis]

Deeper/longer means deco, so start with open circuit (OC) deco training, ideally progressing to 2 bottles so proper gas switching is well ingrained. You'll want a solid base when you have to bail out from the CCR.

With a TDI-based instructor, you'll want someone that goes beyond the minimum standards. (They permit 2 bottles, but only require 1.) With PADI, that's through Tec50 (requires 2 bottles). Not sure about IANTD.

Although, you're not interested in caves, the odds of quality instruction increase if they also dive & teach cave. The instructor is what's important, not really the agency, and many are associated with more than one agency.

 

[lostsheep]

As there isn’t actually a question mark in your post I’ll have to take a WAG at what you are actually inquiring about.

I think many of us here would suggest you start looking into open circuit tech training before going CCR. Deeper wrecks likely means deco and you need open circuit skills when you’re CCR shits the bed. If you’re in the South east you have no shortage of instructors near you.

I do not believe there is a such thing as the best rebreather. Start reading and figure out what’s best for you. Plan to spend $10-$20K between a unit , training, and likely travel.

 

[rongoodman]

You're going to have to commit to diving it a lot, because it isn't something you can just pick up a couple of times a year and be safe on. A number of people, including me, have bought one and then sold it because we didn't feel that we were spending enough time on it stay up to speed.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

Take Advanced Nitrox / Tec 40-45. Learn the material, OWN the material. It's a good start.

I really think that 99% of the rebreathers available on the market are safe.

Read and understand the differences between the different types of rebreathers before you choose one.

Understand oxygen sensors. Own that knowledge.

When choosing one look to see what your buddies use, which ones your LDS sells and can easily/quickly get serviced when it breaks or needs an annual checkup.

Continue posting your progress here. You will get a LOT of feedback and a lot of varying opinions. Just remember opinions are like A$$holes, everybody has one. Take each one with a grain of salt.

Two rules/guidelines: Make it your primary piece of dive gear and do not be cheap.

Read this page

 

[PEDiver]

After you complete your OC tech training and are ready to move onto CCR, don't rush it and if you can, do some try dives on different units. I started with a chestmount unit and ended up selling it for a backmount unit. As others have said, there is not a "best" unit, only the unit that works best for you. Don't rush into a purchase just because an instructor wants to sell you one. Being in the Southeast US, you have no shortage of options and do your due diligence on what instructor you choose (there are a lot of bad ones out there).

 

[mr_v]

OP, you're in SE USA, so is there a specific reason for not wanting to explore cave diving? You can dive cave almost year round, on your schedule, and without boat fees. Many cave skills translate to technical wreck diving. It is a nice option when ocean is not cooperating.

Back to your question... I am working on a write up summarizing my journey, and here are some points.

- Choose a rebreather popular with your local diving community. There is a good chance people will recommend a good instructor and will help you on your rebreather journey.

- Most commercially available rebreathers will sustain life, and a good instructor is unlikely to recommend dangerous unit. There is no "perfect" rebreather because a perfect solution does not exist - there are only trade offs.

- You can go from recreational OC to CC. The road won't be easy, as you'll have to learn many things at once. However, it is doable; I would know. Progression: AN/DP on OC, then MOD1 (air diluent) and MOD2 (normoxic trimix diluent). Then MOD3 (hypoxic trimix diluent) if you want to reach deepr wrecks.

- Bring $15-20K to cover the unit, training, travel, and additional gear you did not know you had to have.

Finally, don't repeat a lie that rebreathers are going to be cheaper in the long run ;-)

P.S. Shameless plug... so I have too many rebreathers now and one may have to go. Not ready to sell yet, but if you want a mint rEvo, let's talk.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

- Bring $15-20K to cover the unit, training, travel, and additional gear you did not know you had to have.

Or $11K for training in North Florida. Includes a Choptima, training and lodging.

 

[rjack321]

If I do go this route .. I want to buy the best model(s) from the start.. curious to a realistic expectation of cost

Cost in time: 2 years minimum to be a reasonably proficient OC tech diver. 2 more years as a baby CCR diver
Combined courses and experience, 4 years time.

In dollars
Fundamentals $1K
AN/DP with light helium upgrade $1200
OC gases $3k
New CCR unit = $8 to 12K
MOD 1 = $2500

Total 4 to 5 years, $18,000-20,000 in expenses for unit, training, experience and related consumables.