Tech Diving on CCR

Once you have tried bubble-free, silent diving it’s hard to go back. But is it possible to start tech diving on CCR rebreather? 

The short answer is yes. Divers can go directly from diving within no-stop limits to CCR diving. The scope of their initial rebreather diving qualification, generally called ‘Mod 1’, will also be limited to diving within no-stop limits. Having gained some experience, this can then be upgraded to a qualification including decompression diving. 

Alternatively, completing entry level technical / decompression diving training allows divers to apply those principles to CCR diving. It’s a two-step transition from no-stop diving, which allows for knowledge to be consolidated. 

But let’s take a step back and look at what makes CCR so alluring to tech divers … 

CCR what and why?

Basically …

  • Closed circuit rebreathers recycle your breathing gas
  • Their ‘scrubber’ eliminates CO2 as you breathe out, and O2 is added (electronically or manually) as your body metabolises it
  • CCR divers still carry open circuit gas (bailout gas) in case things go wrong

Why dive CCR:

  • Spending more time underwater: eventually, your CO2 scrubber becomes your main limitation
  • How much time can be spent will depend on the dive profile, CCR design and diving conditions
  • Rebreathers are an investment, for sure. However, especially when diving Trimix, the cost per dive will become lower because of the saving in helium
  • Don’t take our word for it: here are AP Diving’s reasons for choosing CCR

A few considerations

What it’s like …

  • Different: everything you know about buoyancy is about to change
  • Breathing in and out will no longer affect your buoyancy. Instead you are controlling this with your wing and counterlungs

Is it for you?

  • Try it out: many CCR instructors offer CCR try dives which you can do before committing to a full course
  • Check your facts: CCR training is unit-specific. If you later want to dive another unit, a crossover is required
More info:
Back to Transitioning to Tech Diving
Reasons for Tech Diving