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Go OC at least thru NITROX but you don't need to bother with big doubles if you are sure you are going RB. If you get a pony, make sure it is big enough for bailout with the RB.

After you go to RB, you will probably never want to dive big tanks again. When I am not diving a RB, I usually dive double or triple 40s.
 
The investment into OC still has benefits after going RB. I still dive OC with some buddies, but when the dive calls for too many stages and such, my CCR wins hands down.

What I am saying is that OC and RB are not mutually exclusive....you can dive both on and off and have a lot of fun in all kinds of circumstances...:D

When I got certified, I was taught to dive closed-circuit exclusively and retire my open-circuit gear.

Since August of 2007, I have logged approximately 55 hours of closed-circuit time and zero open-circuit time.

I recognize that it might be easier sometimes to just don a simple single bc, tank and regulator, especially for a shallow reef dive, but I have made a commitment to safely dive closed-circuit, and part of the way that I stay proficient is by fucussing my attention on developing diving habits that exclusively support closed-circuit diving.
 
Great read. Thanks to all for your insight. My plan is to have another 25-30 dives logged before transitioning to a CCR. I have thriving interest in photography and I've read that a CCR is ideal for my passion.
 
When I got certified, I was taught to dive closed-circuit exclusively and retire my open-circuit gear.

Since August of 2007, I have logged approximately 55 hours of closed-circuit time and zero open-circuit time.

I recognize that it might be easier sometimes to just don a simple single bc, tank and regulator, especially for a shallow reef dive, but I have made a commitment to safely dive closed-circuit, and part of the way that I stay proficient is by fucussing my attention on developing diving habits that exclusively support closed-circuit diving.


You've mentioned a very interesting topic. On major expeditions I typically bring two CCR's. Overkill, but when ECCR's go - time is money when you're charging money, or shelling it out. On some jobs I will use OC vs. CCR/MCCR just because it works almost 98% of the time. Some of my CCR colleagues (on the job) have had major snafu's due to electronic issues ranging from solenoid failure, PO2 settings gone awry, battery, and whatever else etc.

As per switching between the two systems (OC vs. CCR) I would encourage a new RB diver to get as much time as possible on their units, when the occasion calls for it go and dive a OC dive. The biggest difference will be the time clock and the process involved in setting up the CCR and running through the flight check.

I'll also say that new CCR divers are very enthusiastic about their units. It's a relationship for a few years. Then the wrinkles start to show. Having been at it for a decade now...I am happy to use the best tool (OC, or CCR) for the job.

X
 
When I got certified, I was taught to dive closed-circuit exclusively and retire my open-circuit gear.

Since August of 2007, I have logged approximately 55 hours of closed-circuit time and zero open-circuit time.

I recognize that it might be easier sometimes to just don a simple single bc, tank and regulator, especially for a shallow reef dive, but I have made a commitment to safely dive closed-circuit, and part of the way that I stay proficient is by fucussing my attention on developing diving habits that exclusively support closed-circuit diving.

Interesting.
While I was advised to get as many hours on the unit as possible, it was not a case of abandoning OC in favor of CC. I wonder where that difference (your advise vs mine) comes from?

While I try to clock as many hours as possible, I do not see the benefit of completely abandoning OC.
 
I would like to thank everyone for their replies. You have given me a lot to consider. As some have posted, and as I posted myself, I feel there are still skills I need to improve upon before I consider the tech/CCR route. But this has helped me determine when I should do it.

As a side note, is there any where I could go to look up good instructors? I am looking for someone preferably local but I would consider otherwise. I want someone who is going to really ensure I know what I am doing before letting me loose so to speak.
 
Best way to find one is to look at who is a certified instructor for the unit you want. Most Manufacturers have lists on their websites. IANTD also has a list for the different units/levels
 
I would like to thank everyone for their replies. You have given me a lot to consider. As some have posted, and as I posted myself, I feel there are still skills I need to improve upon before I consider the tech/CCR route. But this has helped me determine when I should do it.

As a side note, is there any where I could go to look up good instructors? I am looking for someone preferably local but I would consider otherwise. I want someone who is going to really ensure I know what I am doing before letting me loose so to speak.


There are a dearth of CCR instructors out there now. A decade ago only a handful. A check of IANTD/ TDI/ etc. databases will reveal RB instructors. Some of the best are multiple agency certified.

The best advice I can give (as in UW instruction) is to work the channels and find someone by word of mouth. I consider the following important characteristics of a CCR instructor:

Patience and no hurry to get you certified (visa-versa for the student)
Technical Expertise - hours on units (not a newbie on a CCR)
Support for the unit & class (they have gas & parts)
A sense of humor (god complex'd instructors have no business here)
Commitment - very important. I had a major CCR instructor drop out years ago because he couldn't make the numbers...cost me flight $ and overseas reservations


X
 
When I got certified, I was taught to dive closed-circuit exclusively and retire my open-circuit gear.

Since August of 2007, I have logged approximately 55 hours of closed-circuit time and zero open-circuit time.

I recognize that it might be easier sometimes to just don a simple single bc, tank and regulator, especially for a shallow reef dive, but I have made a commitment to safely dive closed-circuit, and part of the way that I stay proficient is by fucussing my attention on developing diving habits that exclusively support closed-circuit diving.

While I don't think you necessarily have to give up OC, I do agree with the general sentiment of SFLDiver above. Any dive i don't need CCR for is a practice dive for all the others I do.

cheers,
g
 

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