News
Why Recreational Rebreathers are the future
“Wow, it’s so light to wear,” or “It’s not heavy at all,” are the kind of comments I get from people who try my Poseidon MKVI on during surface intervals or when leaving the boat. People assume that a Rebreather is heavy and difficult to use; that may be the case with technical units, but not so with the recreational ones.
Differences between tec and rec rebreathers
When I was doing my trimix training with my Poseidon (with electronic pre-dive check) last spring I teamed up with two divers doing their CCR trimix course with technical rebreathers (I can’t remember which ones) using manual checks. When preparing my equipment for a dive I used my laminated checklist and used white tape to mark each step once completed. The two other divers had two separate sheets of things to check for each dive (at a later date, after having learned how to use the Poseidon MKVI system and having done the crossover and becoming MKVI instructors, the two divers admitted that at the time they had wondered how it took so little time for me to complete my pre-dive preparations; now they knew their way around the MKVI, they knew why!).
Benefits for using a rebreather in recreational diving
Using a rebreather gives you a longer dive time (which is why they are so popular with technical divers). A rebreather is a good option for a recreational diver who might use a lot of gas and wants to stay down as long as their buddies do (or who just wants a longer dive in general).
I had a student last year whose main reason for doing the course was because he was always the first person out of the water (“even when using twin tanks while my buddies used singles” he told me). When making the second last dive of his advanced rebreather diver course it was his turn to be last out of the water. The others headed to the surface after a beautiful dive on the teakwood wreck that lies in about 25-38 meters. At the same time we had more than 30 minutes bottom time left, so he waved to others and we continued the dive. We soon gave each other the signal to do a safety stop. After we had ascended to surface I heard the best feedback I ever have heard: “It was a wonderful feeling to wave to the others as they left the dive – for once, I stayed the longest. I never believed this would happen, WOW”. That was first comment from my student when he surfaced – he was so happy.
Rebreathers are also perfect for underwater photographers. Some of my customers own cameras that cost more than my car, so they are obviously very serious about wanting to take the very best photos underwater. Rebreathers don’t create bubbles in the same way that an open circuit system does, making one an essential piece of kit for an underwater photographer (bubbles can freak out fish and other critters if you get too close). I have been nose-to-nose for minute and half with Mantis shrimp in the past thanks to my rebreather!
If you’re the type of person who just wants to maximise the amount of dives you do on a trip without having to take too much gear along with you then a rebreather is perfect for you. Imagine yourself going for a weekend trip with a couple of your friends and you’re planning to make a series of dives, let’s say six dives over a weekend. How many tanks do you need to carry with you? If you’re not taking a compressor with you, then quite a few – a rebreather takes up much less space in the back of the car than 18 tanks of air!
About assembly and use (Recreational Rebreathers)
It is not difficult to assemble a recreational rebreather and make it “ready to dive”. My non-diving girlfriend assembled my unit after I showed her how to do it. However, you do need to have training to use the unit because you are ten times more likely to have a serious accident with a rebreather than you are with an open circuit system, and the training gives you the skills and the knowledge you will need if something does go wrong. Having the right attitude and taking your rebreather training seriously is so important. I’m sure other rebreather instructors will agree with me when I say that if I don’t think one of my students ‘thinks rebreather,’ I will not certify them.
It’s always good to learn something new, and I firmly believe that a recreational rebreather will change the way you think about diving. To me, they are the future.
When using any rebreather it is important to follow your training and to use your check lists.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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