News
Five reasons to dive a Rebreather
By Markus Ehmann
Have you ever thought about diving a closed-circuit rebreather (CCR)? While there are many different options on the market to choose from, you may have wondered exactly why you should make the move from your open circuit gear to more advanced technology.
Regardless of the different models, here are the five top advantages of rebreathers and how they can enhance your diving experience:
1. More comfortable to dive
Rebreathers are more complex and challenging than open circuit diving, but they also have some benefits to increase your comfort level.
I started diving in cold water and quickly upgraded to a drysuit to enjoy longer and deeper dives. However, one thing I only noticed once I switched to a rebreather is, how much warmth is actually lost through breathing and how much compressed, dry gas increases your thirst.
When diving open circuit, the inhaled gas is decompressed and cools down (Joule-Thomson effect) and has to be dry in order to not cause any free-flowing regulator due to freezing. Our lungs have to warm up the gas, more or less to our core temperature. A rebreather does not exchange gas with every breath and in addition, the chemical reaction in the scrubber heats up the gas with every cycle and reduces the heat loss of your body in cold water even further. In addition, the gas in the loop stays humid and reduces dehydration.
As a rebreather diver, you need to carry enough bailout tanks to handle an emergency and safely bring you back to the surface. On a usual dive, however, these tanks are with you and ready but do not have to be used. This means you can enjoy even deeper Trimix dives without the hassle of switching back and forth between different tanks during the travel and decompression phase. This means less time spent on handling your equipment, reduced risk of switching to the wrong gas, and more time to focus and enjoy the dive.
2. Extended dive time
A rebreather allows you to mix gas on the fly and adjust the share of oxygen you breathe. Just like Nitrox, this makes it perfect to extend the bottom time in the recreational range. But where Nitrox only has this benefit at the maximum operating depth of the dive, the CCR can adjust and extend the no-stop time for any given depth on a multi-level dive. Even if you dive into mandatory decompression stops, they will be significantly less.
This is just like having different Nitrox-gases for every phase of the dive but without the need to prepare and carry so many tanks with you.
Beyond recreational depths, open circuit and CCR has the same decompression profile, as the number of tanks and different gases goes up inevitably. In that area, the rebreather provides another advantage of longer total dive time, providing a useful safety net in an emergency.
If you have ever seen the needle of your pressure gauge move on open circuit while breathing at 90 m /300 ft, you can imagine how this can raise the stress-level when you face an issue.
On a rebreather, the maximum dive time depends on your scrubber duration, which is usually good for a couple of hours. That means that even on a deep Trimix dive or far into a cave system, time to solve a problem does not drain your gas supply. Only the consumed oxygen will be replaced. Any other tanks stay untouched. This gives you time to breathe, think, and act, and honestly, it is very comforting in such a situation. You may need to add additional decompression time on the way out and up, but additional scrubber time is usually more readily planned for than additional tanks on open circuit.
3. Optimal gas
As mentioned above, a rebreather allows you to set the ideal mix for every depth of the dive. This does not only apply to the bottom portion, but also to the ascent and decompression phase.
While ascending, the partial pressure of oxygen remains constant and reduces the partial pressure of the inert gases, usually Nitrogen and Helium. This allows for a constantly high oxygen content to optimize decompression, to reduce time for mandatory stops, and eliminate spikes of inert gases that could cause Isobaric Counter Diffusion (IBCD). This advantage diminishes only for deeper dives, where an open circuit diver must carry many additional gases in even more tanks.
The gas in a CCR is also ‘ideal’ for your budget. Re-breathing the gas and only adding the consumed oxygen means a fraction of the cost. The following dive profile shows a bottom time of 27 minutes to 70 m / 230 ft. A typical consumption for this dive may be around 300 l / 10 cu ft of diluent gas and 230 l / 8 cu ft of oxygen. That is less than a tenth of Trimix gas in comparison to the same dive on open circuit. With the Helium prices on the rise that can be a true cost saver!
4. Silence and aquatic wildlife
A rebreather enables you to dive in total silence and enjoy the environment without any disturbing sound from exhaled bubbles. The absence of unnatural noises allows you to fully immerse into the aquatic world and better enjoy any wreck, cave, drop-off or reef. How much closer can it get to “The Silent World” as Jacques Cousteau imagined?
Also, fish and other animals will no longer be shied away by the bubbles and tend to come closer and stick around. The majority of fish will only stay close enough if their curiosity is greater than their fear of anything unfamiliar. They don’t need bubbles.
Needless to say, this makes it easier to take pictures and videos. Many professional photographers and videographers choose a rebreather as a tool to get the job done for this very reason.
5. Easier logistics
Gas fills and supply hold much longer. Once your bailout tanks are set, you can keep them until you need them in an emergency and there is no need to fill them between dives, if unused. That means the fills your smaller onboard gas tanks are all you need to take care of, even when diving for a couple of days in a row.
Mixing the right gas is down to one diluent tank and not a twin set or a couple of stages, making it much less time consuming and convenient to have the proper result for your next dive. Also, in locations where it is not possible to refill, all you need for additional dives may be another set of 19 or 30 cu ft bottles. That’s easy to manage in comparison to breaking fresh and fully filled 80 cu ft tanks for every new dive.
Lastly, the limits of your CCR setup define the maximum for your dives but are very flexible to accommodate profiles that are less demanding.
Conditions change and you have to switch to a shallower dive site? Your buddy’s gas supply only lasts for a shorter dive-plan? No problem. As long as you stay within your scrubber duration and bailout, your diluent is set for the maximum operation depth and you can flexibly adjust your plan with the same equipment configuration. On top, you do not even waste precious Helium fills.
Usually, rebreather diving comes into play when open circuit diving reaches its logistical limits. However, it offers much more than just advanced diving. Just like open circuit offers a new level of underwater experience when compared to snorkeling, a CCR is another step towards a fully immersive experience. Enjoy the silence and new limits for exploring the underwater world!
To find out more about International Training, visit www.tdisdi.com.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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