CCR course - yes or no?

[DutchDown]

Hi Phil,

this is not correct. The Ouroboros from CC Technologies also passed CE testing.
Those two are currently the only electronically controlled CCR that are CE certified.

You are absloutely right...even as I was typing, I was thinking that there was another one. Thanks for straightening me out!

Phil

 

[scubanimal]

Last but not least many of the fatalities involve solo diving, a high risk proposition in any form of the sport, OC, SC or CC. Both the incidents in FL and AUS were not fatal as emergency procedures were followed by buddies and surface support. Can't be stressed enough!

I was told in my last class that 90% of RB deaths have occured when the diver was by himself (meaning diving solo, or buddy was off somewhere else). That was a very sobering thought. Another discussion was on the relationship between divers who use pre-dive checklists and those that don't. Several of the deaths last year can be traced back to the electronics not being on.

 

[PerroneFord]

For whatever reason, it seems the CCR's tend to attract solo metality divers. Clearly, I am not saying ALL CCR divers are solo minded, but so many of the accident reports point to the diver being alone, or the buddy being nowhere close by to lend assistance.

 

[Mr.X]

I was told in my last class that 90% of RB deaths have occured when the diver was by himself (meaning diving solo, or buddy was off somewhere else). That was a very sobering thought. Another discussion was on the relationship between divers who use pre-dive checklists and those that don't. Several of the deaths last year can be traced back to the electronics not being on.

Was this 90% mentioned in an RB class? If someone did a thorough search of RB stats. you'd probably find that a whole host of factors were involved. Turning on electronics, gas, gas addition malfunction, recalibration, personal fitness, pushing the envelope etc. are but a few of the factors involved. It's never that cut and dry as simply diving solo. While solo may be a contributing factor in some cases, other things may have played a greater role.

If someone is not following a pre-dive flight plan it points to a few things IMO:

Poor training - the instructor should have made damn sure that this procedure was first and foremost!
Poor learning - the candidate did not follow protocol/ procedures and selected themselves for the Darwin award...pre-dive plans should be performed irregardless of whether they were rushed, nervous, excited, being macho etc.

I know of one terrific RB instructor who uses a simple set of checks using the number 2! Not necessarily in order - 2 tanks on, 2 minute pre-breathe, 2 additions, 2 gauges checked, 2 po2 devices checked, 2 inflation checked etc.

X

 

[Gill Envy]

After diving for a year on an eCCR, I can say that I think diving rebreathers takes a lot more attention to detail than diving OC but I don't think it's the death trap some see it as. Rebreathers don't kill people, complacency and overconfidence kills. the folks who most often have accidents are the most experienced divers, often diving well within their limits, perhaps allowing themselves to get too complacent.

I have done a fair amount of analysis of the risk and have come to the conclusion that flying manually and being even more, not less, vigilant as experience is gained is key. for the recreational limit diving I do I have decided that this is done best on an mCCR with constant flow orifice and manual o2 top off. As much as I love my evolution, it's really geared for deeper diving than I do...that's why i'm selling it and getting a copis megaladon.

It feels spookey at first when you try a rebreather out but gradually your skill will build and transform into wonder as you are trained and gets hours on the unit. The key is to be vigilant continuiously even as you are dazzled. Gradually I have built the skill to be able to pay attention at very regular intervals while also relaxing and enjoying the benefits of warmer, longer dives with more up close and personal critter experiences. There is nothing quite like a 2 hour dive at ones favorite dive site, poking around at 130 fsw for 15-20 mins, then around a 100 fsw for 5-10, then around 70-80 for practically as long as you like, then gradually meandering toward the surface and having no deco!

It's a big committment and not worth doing unless you can justify the need, but if you are an avid diver and even just want more of what you are already getting on OC, it's may be right for you.

 

[almity1]

Hi Mania

Congrats on doing the course and passing.

I will not say anymore except be respectful of the unit, the environment and yourself.

I did notice that you posted a thread about your training and I will post there.

I have been where you are now and hoping to give some advice that will help.

Trust me, I had the same issues and thoughts just as you.