How to select a rebreather instructor

[Jill Heinerth]

How to select a rebreather instructor

After selecting a rig and a manufacturer, choosing an instructor is critical - more so than any other type of diving. Manipulating a closed loop environment for life support is the most dangerous thing you will ever undertake.

Your instructor should:
- Own their own gear
- Maintain their equipment professionally
- Have real-world experience outside of teaching
- Likely only teach one rig
- Have a professional rating and insurance
- Charge a professional fee
- Be recommended by the manufacturer

--Jill Heinerth

More tips at Rebreather Pro

 

[almitywife]

my 2cents, he (she) should also be contactable for followup, discussion and advise after you get your shiny new unit home and you are set loose on the free world

cheers

 

[ScubaDadMiami]

The instructor should be contacted even before the purchase of the unit. While you may be contemplating purchasing a particular unit, this unit might not be the best one to serve your needs. Before parting with your cold, hard cash, you should contact your potential instructor to discuss the units you are considering, and to gain the instructor's perspective on the wisdom of that choice as well as options and configurations.

For more information on this subject, check out my article, "Transition to Rebreather Diving," in Issue 25 of Advanced Diver Magazine.

 

[SFLDiver3445]

The instructor should be contacted even before the purchase of the unit. While you may be contemplating purchasing a particular unit, this unit might not be the best one to serve your needs. Before parting with your cold, hard cash, you should contact your potential instructor to discuss the units you are considering, and to gain the instructor's perspective on the wisdom of that choice as well as options and configurations.[/URL].

That's a good point Howard. It seems as though more dive shops will soon be offering and/or stocking a variety of rebreathers. Locally here in Pompano Beach, FL, Fill Express / Dive Rite Express / Rebreather Express now has three units on display (Evolution, Meg and Optima) and should soon be carrying a fourth (the new Sentinel). They will provide instruction for all the units they sell, so it would be ideal for someone to consult the instructor there, prior to selecting a unit and registering for training.

I also feel as though the personal experience an instructor has utilizing the particular unit you are considering should be a major consideration. I realize that many rebreathers are similar and don't require someone to dive it often to train you on it, but if the instructor is very experienced on a particular unit, there are so many subtle tricks they will be able to teach you!

 

[caveseeker7]

- the rebreather instructor needs to be proficient on the unit he teaches

 

[ScubaAl]

When I finally made the more to CCR diving I was very lucky. I did all the usual web searches. Ask the usual question (which rebreather would be best for me) on sites like
"Rebreather World".
With all that, I kind of had a "ace in the hole" I have been trained by and done many dives with Ron Benson owner of "Going Under Dive Center" So over the years I would cruise the net and come up with ideas or plans. I could always run these by Ron and get his opinion. This now doubt saved me much time and money. Also while reading about rebreathers and rebreather training, Ron's name would pop up often.
So with all this, when the time to take my training of course I went with someone else, Just Kidding. Took my Inspiration training this past February with Ron down in Florida. What a great time, now just can't wait for the ice to go out.
So having a friend like Ron who also is a very accomplished rebreather instructor, I was very fortunate.
Good Luck, Al