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About the Course
Rebreathers used to be only for technical diving, but not anymore. New Type R (recreational) rebreathers are lightweight, easy-to-transport and have sophisticated electronics to simplify their use. Why dive a rebreather? You get longer no stop limits, reduced gas consumption because you reuse most of your exhaled gas, and unmatched wildlife encounters because you don't release annoying bubbles. The PADI Rebreather Diver course introduces you to rebreather diving to a maximum depth of 18 metres/60 feet and lets you experience things you never imagined possible as a scuba diver.
To enroll in the PADI Rebreather Diver course, you must:
- Be a PADI Open Water Diver
- Be a PADI Enriched Air Diver
- Have a minimum of 25 logged dives
- Be at least 18 years old
Note that qualifying certifications from other diver training organizations may apply - ask your PADI Rebreather Instructor.
Getting Started
Get your Rebreather and Advanced Rebreather Diver Manual from your local Dive Shop and start studying immediately. For this course, you need to read the manual introduction and the first three chapters. You'll also get a PADI Rebreather and Advanced Rebreather Diver Key Skills video and a PADI Type R Rebreather Predive Checklist Slate to help you prepare for your dives.
Academic
Through self-study and instructor-guided sessions, you'll learn how rebreathers work and the importance of proper setup and maintenance. Because rebreathers vary significantly, you'll also study the manufacturers' literature for the type of rebreather you'll train on. During six dives, you'll work on:
- Performing proper predive checks
- Developing the habit of keeping the loop closed when the mouthpiece is not in your mouth
- Doing bubble checks, bailout drills and handling other potential problems
- Fine-tuning buoyancy control
- Monitoring displays and gauges
- Post-dive procedures and disassembly
Equipment
You'll want to have your mask, fins and exposure suits. Snorkels are optional, but a collapsible snorkel can be carried in your pocket. You'll also need a Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) and reel. Your PADI Rebreather Instructor will advise you about the Type R rebreather you'll learn to use.
After certification as a PADI Rebreather Diver, you'll need to qualify if you want to use a different rebreather model because procedures vary with each model. However, you don't need to repeat the entire course. Just take a PADI Rebreather Qualifier program that focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to use a different Type R rebreather model.
Your instructor will make sure that all Type R rebreathers used in PADI courses meet requirements, such as being third party tested and that manufacturers ensure their rebreathers meet a comprehensive list of requirements.
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