As Perth’s leading Technical Dive Centre, we frequently receive questions from divers and enthusiasts eager to learn more about rebreather diving. Recognising the growing popularity of rebreathers among recreational divers, we decided to share our insights in a dedicated blog!
Rebreathers are no longer confined to advanced or technical diving; they are increasingly being embraced by everyday recreational divers seeking longer bottom times, reduced gas consumption, and a more streamlined diving experience. However, investing in a rebreather is a significant commitment, both financially and in terms of training and maintenance. Therefore, it’s essential to understand whether this technology is the right fit for your diving goals and lifestyle, ensuring that your investment is worthwhile and that you gain the maximum benefit from this innovative equipment. So let’s jump right in!
Is rebreather diving for me?
The first question you should ask yourself is simple: Is a rebreather right for me now, later, or maybe not at all?
Cost is usually the first reason people dismiss the idea. I don’t want to downplay that. If you can’t afford it right now, you may need to wait. But that doesn’t mean it’s not right for you long term.
If cost is your main concern, look at what an open circuit trimix trip to places like Chuuk or Bikini costs. Rebreathers tend to amortise well over time. My suggestion is to decide whether a rebreather could be right for you someday. If the answer is yes, then build a plan to get there.
Rebreathers take investment, effort, and discipline. They cost money to maintain—parts, oxygen sensors, CO2 absorbent, and special batteries. You need to dive into them regularly to keep your skills fresh. They take longer to set up, break down, and clean. They require focus, attention to detail, and a fairly rigid mindset in how you use them.
Training is another investment of time and money. Modern units are incredibly reliable pieces of technology. Your first course will teach you how to manage nearly every failure you can imagine. But they can be unforgiving of human error and complacency. Accident percentages are higher than in sport diving and even open circuit technical diving. That may have more to do with the types of dives rebreathers are used for than the machines themselves, but the risk is real. You need to acknowledge that risk and be willing to put in the time, effort, and money. If you’re not, a rebreather may not be right for you.
But I don’t like deep diving or caves.
Not everyone who wants to dive a rebreather wants to go deep or penetrate wrecks and caves. There are incredible dives shallower than 30 meters that are perfect for a rebreather. Photographers love them. You can get closer to marine life without the constant stream of bubbles. You get longer bottom times because you are not limited the same way by gas supply and always have the best on-the-fly Nitrox mix. And since you are breathing warm, humid gas from the loop instead of cold, dry gas from a tank, most divers find they stay warmer and feel better during long dives.
I’m interested; how can I get started?
If you’re still reading, it sounds like a rebreather might be right for you one day. You may even be trying to figure out how to get started. There is a lot of information out there, and it can feel overwhelming.
Let’s address the elephant in the room.
The brand and model you choose do not matter as much as you think. Most divers like the unit they dive. Like cars, most people buy one and keep it
for a long time. There may be things you would do differently next time, but most divers do not buy a rebreather and then replace it the next week.
Pick a unit that fits your diving goals. Open water or overhead. Backmount, sidemount, or chestmount. Make sure there is solid support in your area. Other divers on the same unit. Nearby instructors. Access to parts and service. Favour something simple and something you can repair in the field, so you do not lose dives waiting on service.
There is usually more than one unit that could work for you.
Come and speak to us in the store.
Here at Dolphin Scuba, we have a whole team of rebreather and technical divers and instructors. We all dive for different reasons, so come in and have a chat to see if it’s right for you.
