Rebreathers for Beginners ?

[Matt sachs]

DiveNewswire#
What do you think?

[gpdno]

Always thought they were cool but never wanted to pay the $$$. My scuba tanks gets me down well enough.

[Artif]

Fully automated RB...........shame the operators aren't fully automated as well.

If you want an RB then get a real one, and learn how to dive it.

[zeehag]

a retired SEAL i knew said is dangerous for those beginners not knowing how they work to use em.
he didnt die from that.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Matt sachs

What do you think?

I've heard that MSRP is $6,844.

That includes a case.

[Matt sachs]

Originally Posted by Artif

Fully automated RB...........shame the operators aren't fully automated as well.

If you want an RB then get a real one, and learn how to dive it.

As far as I know, these are real RB's. I'm interested to learn why some think this is a bad idea? SSI is currently writing standards that will train nondivers to step right into these RB's. Its not your typical weekend course like we do with open water divers. Like it or not, it seems this is the way the industry is leaning.
I posted this to see what the general thoughts are. All opinions are welcome.

[Matt sachs]

My primary concern was what happens in a bailout situation, when the diver is in panic mode and needs to be proficient with open circuit.

[Artif]

Originally Posted by Matt sachs

As far as I know, these are real RB's. I'm interested to learn why some think this is a bad idea? SSI is currently writing standards that will train nondivers to step right into these RB's. Its not your typical weekend course like we do with open water divers. Like it or not, it seems this is the way the industry is leaning.
I posted this to see what the general thoughts are. All opinions are welcome.

A "real" RB needs multiple bail out options and manual overides or full manual control. IMO RB's are not suitable for occasional divers, a bit like flying a plane once a year without any training in between, and if you are a regular diver then your RB requirements could be met by a far better unit for similar money.

Doing a course does not make you a diver.

[Bash]

I'm wondering how many beginners are going to want to invest more than seven grand gearing up for certification. And if they don't buy their own kit, their chances of remaining active divers goes way down.

Also, a computerized system is battery dependent. I like the fact that my scuba regulators are all completely mechanical. No batteries needed, no computers to blink out. It's the old KISS principle. I do use a dive computer to monitor my time/depth, but I've had two go bad during a dive over the years. I always wear a watch as a backup.

[steamgoat]

Wow, 5 grand ! I used a rebreather back in the 60's, simple canvas bag with a cannister of co2 absorbing crystals and a small oxygen cylinder on top, when you had difficulty breathing you opened the valve for more oxygen, probably didnt cost $50, how things change !!

[Matt sachs]

Good points and be sure I will share them all with the author of the new manual. I'm not sold on the concept yet but I will try to keep an open mind until I see the standards. My understanding is the divers will not go deeper that rec training allows currently. Its an interesting concept.

[PushingThePen]

Originally Posted by Matt sachs

DiveNewswire#
What do you think?

Costly, limited use and several restrictions to their use. Add to this that you can fill tanks yourself (boat size compressors), or haver them filled at nearly any port now for cheap. Parts, batteries and service on rebreathers... Totally different barrel of monkeys there.

I dive nearly every day. Looked into getting one. WAY too much $ for what it offers. Even a hookah system is better.

[marcoh]

RB's are fantastic if you are diligent and pedantic enough to maintain them properly. An oxygen toxicity hit can hit with no warning and kill you.

Unless you are keen on deep diving from a yacht I would use normal open circuit gear which is simple and reliable and no parts such as O2 sensors or sorb that need to be regularly replaced.

If I was to get a rebreather is would get a KISS rebreather which is relatively simple (as far as RB are simple)

http://www.kissrebreathers.com/

[tropicalescape]

Originally Posted by steamgoat

Wow, 5 grand ! I used a rebreather back in the 60's, simple canvas bag with a cannister of co2 absorbing crystals and a small oxygen cylinder on top, when you had difficulty breathing you opened the valve for more oxygen, probably didnt cost $50, how things change !!

Really.. tell more please..DVC

[Marksman]

It's my opinion that anyone getting into diving should learn and become proficient on regular scuba before they ever even think about rebreathers. There are far too many skills and reflex reactions one needs to master as second nature before adding the complexity and limitations of the rebreather. For beginers? Not in my opinion.