Rebreather Courses and Training
What is a rebreather?
A rebreather takes your exhaled breath, retains it in a loop, filters it, refreshes it and delivers it back to you for you to breathe again. So what does that give you in real terms, well firstly massive gains in air consumption. A rebreather can offer you atleast 3.5 hours bottom time regardless of depth!
Another major advantage of rebreathers - decompression efficiency - stems from these devices' ability to deliver the optimum gas mixture for a given depth. A semi-closed system (e.g. Draeger Dolphin), will provide nitrox or mixed-gases that can be custom-blended for the intended depth of the dive. Fully-closed rebreather systems (e.g. APD Inspiration/Evolution, Poseidon Discovery MVI) are often computer controlled and can actually change the gas mixture based on depth and the nature of the dive.
These characteristics allow rebreather divers to dramatically extend their bottom time or to shorten decompression obligations when engaged in extended range diving. For example, a fully-closed rebreather diver can perform a dive profile of 20m for over 3 hours with NO DECOMPRSSION requirements!
Also, in contrast to traditional scuba systems, which emit noisy streams of bubbles with each breath, rebreathers offer the advantage of quiet operation. Making it great for getting up close and personal to all that amazing fish life down there.
Dive HQ Hibiscus Coast offers a full range of rebreather courses for Draeger semi-closed, Poseidon Discovery MVI and APD fully closed units. We are the ONLY Dive Center in New Zealand that has Poseidon Discovery MVI, Inspiration and Evolution Rebreathers in store for use on courses and for rental once qualified. This allows people interested in learning to dive on CCR rebreathers the opportunity to train and gain experience without having to outlay a large investment by purchasing a rebreather.
Please find below a list of rebreather courses available at Dive HQ Hibiscus Coast. These courses are run on demand, please contact us with your preferred dates.
Draeger SCR Rebreather Diver Course (TDI)
This is the entry-level certification course for recreational divers wishing to utilise the Draeger Nitrox semi-closed circuit Rebreathers. The objective of this course is to train recreational divers in the benefits, hazards and proper procedures for using any of the Draeger SCR Rebreather Series. Upon completion of this course, graduates may engage in diving activities utilising the Atlantis I Rebreather/Dolphin I to a maximum depth of 40m, or 22m if trained on the Ray.
What do I need to start?
- Minimum age: 15 years
- TDI Nitrox Diver (may be combined in program), or equivalent
How long will it take?
Two days with four open water dives (minimum of 100 accumulated minutes).