Level of Experience for CCR
- Thread starter TheBigPhillyFish
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brockbr
Contributor
Remember - when everything goes to poo, you become an OC diver again.
This means keeping your OC skills sharp is extremely important. Even a recreational dive that goes to poo means bailing out and managing the ascent.
I am a big believer that a diver should be at least AN/DP before going to CCR. The main reason isn't so that you can go and do deco dives - It's because at the AN/DP level, you've worked out enough to be comfortable and competent on OC in high-task loading situations.
CCR isn't a single package - CCR is CCR and OC together. An OC diver doesn't need CCR skills, but a CCR diver MUST have OC skills.
Just my $0.02
This means keeping your OC skills sharp is extremely important. Even a recreational dive that goes to poo means bailing out and managing the ascent.
I am a big believer that a diver should be at least AN/DP before going to CCR. The main reason isn't so that you can go and do deco dives - It's because at the AN/DP level, you've worked out enough to be comfortable and competent on OC in high-task loading situations.
CCR isn't a single package - CCR is CCR and OC together. An OC diver doesn't need CCR skills, but a CCR diver MUST have OC skills.
Just my $0.02
That's too easy. The Sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, CO2 and some moisture are turning into calcium carbonate, this process takes away some volume...theoretically on an mCCR you wouldn't have a change.
Is that okay for a supposedly certified CCR diver
brockbr
Contributor
Depends on where the counterlungs are located
OTS will act different than backmounted.
OP
TheBigPhillyFish
Guest
Thanks for all the input. I appreciate the honesty. Diving on CCR for video was not the only thought for switching over, but I would like to be in a position to take the training for some Tec stuff, and have the option in the future to dive deep, if I chose to. That does scare me a little to hear that eCCR's can have so many electronic issues. Another thought I had was, what about the people I would normally be diving with? If they are on OC, then I am still not gaining much, as far as bottom time. Because I m still limited to the other divers air supply. The one thing I see that is really pushed in CCR is NO SOLO DIVING under any condition. Which I completely understand the reasoning behind that. Being a video addict, every dive for me has pretty much been a solo dive. But I am trained for that, and prepared for that. I mean someone is in the water with me, just not close enough to say he was a buddy diver.
I think I should do some more research on the subject. Richie Kohler has a dive and try at Dutch Springs on Aug. 22nd so I think the best thing to do is take the for the day, and check it out. See if its something for me. I do think that the CCR would open me up to some more deeper dives, and possibly to get into some of the Wreck diving of the Jersey Shore. Which hopefully would lead me to some Tec diving at some point. I am really not in any rush for that part, as I want the proper training and proper experience to enjoy it. Who knows, I may try the Inspiration CCR and love it, or I may try it and hate it. But that maybe the best way to see where this will go.
I appreciate any more feedback or thoughts on the subject.
I think I should do some more research on the subject. Richie Kohler has a dive and try at Dutch Springs on Aug. 22nd so I think the best thing to do is take the for the day, and check it out. See if its something for me. I do think that the CCR would open me up to some more deeper dives, and possibly to get into some of the Wreck diving of the Jersey Shore. Which hopefully would lead me to some Tec diving at some point. I am really not in any rush for that part, as I want the proper training and proper experience to enjoy it. Who knows, I may try the Inspiration CCR and love it, or I may try it and hate it. But that maybe the best way to see where this will go.
I appreciate any more feedback or thoughts on the subject.
There are pluses and minuses for eCCR and mCCR. For me lower dependence on electronics is a big selling point. The latest rage is h(hybrid)CCRs which have a constant flow orifice but also have the solenoid of an eCCR , to me this is probably the best route but I know I'd fail to check batteries one time and that would be the time I'd tell myself "the solenoid will keep my setpoint while I do this one last thing."
Being limited by OC divers is a point, but remember your building deco obligations just like them so it's all about the amount of time you plan to spend.
deco_martini
Contributor
You know how you open the paper on Sunday and there in the classifieds section is a Harley with as many customizations done as the bike itself cost, 300 miles on it, not driven since last "upgrade". Now its being sold for 8 grand and Steeley Dan Tickets? Don't be that guy.
When CCR's work properly + when divers are trained competently - they are the best tools out there. Also, there is nothing quite like a CCR when you get into the Zen of the moment - you hear only your lung(s) and the mushroom valves moving back and forth and you become part of the ocean ecosystem. Lastly, there is nothing quite as reassuring as knowing that you have a time buffer should things go South...which they can when you go wreck diving. On those deep penetrations the CCR has been an invaluable especially during those times when you need to sort out issues. I've been entangled, silted out, debris blocked, needed more deco etc.
As per video - no bubble noise until you ascend. I like this aspect for filming, but I wouldn't buy a CCR just for shy animals, or noise.
Anyway, seeing Richie for a intro. is a terrific idea. I remember when he used to dive OC many years ago. I am sure he can give you valuable feedback on how great a tool they can be - when everything works.
Cheers,
X
p.s. I dive all my CCR's manually. This includes the Inspiration. I do use the electronics when I am task loaded...like shooting video. In this case I use a HUD display to give me PO2 info when I am behind the lens.
As per video - no bubble noise until you ascend. I like this aspect for filming, but I wouldn't buy a CCR just for shy animals, or noise.
Anyway, seeing Richie for a intro. is a terrific idea. I remember when he used to dive OC many years ago. I am sure he can give you valuable feedback on how great a tool they can be - when everything works.
Cheers,
X
p.s. I dive all my CCR's manually. This includes the Inspiration. I do use the electronics when I am task loaded...like shooting video. In this case I use a HUD display to give me PO2 info when I am behind the lens.
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OP
TheBigPhillyFish
Guest
Thats the part that bothers me, and I have heard this one to many times. That they get ready to dive, on the boat, bang somethings not working. I know maintenance sure plays a role in that. But does it happen that often?
I just got done reading the course book for the inspiration and it definately seems like a lot is going on while your diving. And I am assuming that as long as you are strict and self disciplined with checking your gear, and practicing your drills till they are second nature. You shouldn't have any problems or issues.
Right now I am leaning towards doing this Dive and Try on Aug. 22nd. That will give me some time to talk about it with Richie. It will also give me some insight into either liking the unit or not. I will read up on them a little more. I think maybe even try and get the Advanced Nitrox course in there first. Its a lot of information to take in, thats for sure. But I am glad I asked everyone there opinion, and I am happy that they all seem to be honest and straight forward. If anyone thinks of anything that has been missed I would love to hear it. And thanks again everyone, you have been very helpful.
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