There are a variety of other different features that you will need to look into and research upon when buying a rebreather. Rebreathers are a complicated piece of technology. Interestingly, it doesnt appear to have been done before. When your diving progresses in line with your skill level, there is an option to upgrade the scrubber to a radial model. But features by themselves do not a rebreather make. Limited support and service options for divers outside Europe and the US. Semi-closed rebreathers (SCR) were the first purpose-built breathers for sport divers circa 1995Thank you Draeger! Drger FGT 5400 Bypass | Draeger You can find more info on the JJ CCRs specs and features here. If the temperature is greater than 15 C, then change only one scrubber per the scrubber replacement cycle. The upper limit is clear, but where does the 30% lower limit come from? Drger LAR 8000 The Drger LAR 8000 is a rebreather for tactical diving which can be used in either closed (CCR) or, at greater depths, in semi-closed (SCR) circuits. Though rebreathers all perform the same task: removing additional CO2 from the breathing loop while adding the necessary amount of oxygen or nitrox The way different models execute this task varies. Now Italian scuba maker Mares is convinced that theyve solved the problems with the Horizona smart eSCR designed for the masses. The founder and president of rEvo has been inventing and engineering some of the best rebreathers in the world for decades and now, in partnership with Mares, has created what he describes as a tremendously easy to use, natural to dive system designed for all levels of divers and utmost . No matter how hard the diver works, the machine will now maintain a breathable loop. Max depth was 40 m/130 ft, and dive time was two hours. That all said, theres an argument to be made that SCR units are becoming less popular, despite the efforts of some training agencies. Ho ho ho! Sport diving rebreathers have come a long way since storied explorer Bill Stone trialed his 80 kg/176lb fully-redundant Failsafe Rebreather For Exploration Diving (F.R.E.D. The really cool thing about this process is that it shows the FO2 its analysing as it goes, so you know if you put in the gases wrong or if you received the wrong gas from the fill station. There is one thing you have forgotten about, and that is the percentage of successful dives, or the numbver of dives lost to problems once on the boat and away from land. Currently only available through SSI, the prerequisites for training have been purposely made simple with 24 dives, Deep and Nitrox the only requirements for both the 30 m No Deco and 40 m Deco programs. These are just two of the options you have with the standard unit. The next logical step in the process was to use that same philosophy and dealer/training center base to increase their market share of rebreather training and unit sales. Discover the Thrill of Semi Closed Rebreather Diving with SSI - DiveSSI The Triton CCR is something a little different. But as the saying goes: in for a penny, in for a pound. Its kind of similar with rebreathers because if youre already spending around US$10,000 on a unit, an additional $200 cant break an already broken bank! Manual Closed Circuit Rebreathers require the diver to constantly check the PPO2 level in the breathing loop and manually inject more oxygen when necessary to keep the oxygen content at the correct level. How Does a Rebreather Work - Dive Aeris Though not every unit on the market has been third-party tested according to Conformit Europenne (CE) used for goods sold in the European Union, we decided to use CE test results for some of the common feature benchmarks such as the Work of Breathing (WOB), and scrubber duration. Determine what kind of dives youd like to do with your rebreather, talk to experts in that field and find out what their unit of choice is. Other brands had tried the recreational rebreather thing, and it wasnt all sunshine and rainbows. Many rebreather divers would argue that this means the chances of a failure are lower, and, should a failure occur, that its easier or more intuitive to remedy. It does not make the product pricier for you. Wrong, the migration never came, and the likes of Draeger, Fieno, and the Hollis Explorer ceased production. The Horizon is 3,999 and 4,500 for No Deco and Deco versions respectively. The plan was to focus on the feature sets of the various rebreathers to provide an objective means to compare various units. The maximum diving depth is determined by the pre-mix used. He or she will need to monitor the oxygen percentage in the breathing loop and inject more as needed to maintain a set PPO2. Product details. At that time, Mares wasnt involved in technical diving, and they saw thatit would take a team with knowledge and experience to bring the Mares level of innovation to technical diving. At only 12 kg ready-to-travel and being very low profile, it can fit in the bottom of your dive bag comfortably. Lets take a closer look at five of the top rebreathers on the market in 2023. Learn more about standard rebreather components including what they do and how each part works. The unit features CO2 monitoring and high-pressure sensors that display both diluent and O2 info on the primary handset, something many CCR divers will appreciate. Divesofts CCR Liberty can be ordered in the following configurations: FMCL, BMCL, Sidemount, Light and Heavy. How do we know what we are breathing and that it is a safe gas? When you tie this together with a nice loop bungee set of side mounted tanks, even the worst divers trim out super nicely. Breathe It In: The Advantages of Closed Circuit Rebreather Diving All the added benefits of rebreather diving come at a cost for the unit itself, for consumables such as sorb (soda lime), and for any extra training you need. 17DEC2021: Ho Ho Ho! Amanda holds a Bachelors degree in Journalism, with an emphasis in Strategic Communications from the University of Nevada, Reno. Their high-fidelity testing and development approaches led Mares and Poseidon to become the only regulator suppliers to the US NAVY. The next part of the test requires 20 to 30 seconds of breathing (something we hope the diver is still doing) to mix the gas in the chamber. Even if you live in the US, look for CE compliance in a rebreather. At a moderate or high work rate, the loop FO2 would be far too low. While OC divers will be . This is why air cannot be a supply gas and the minimum oxygen content is set to 30%. What is a Semi-Recessed Fire Extinguisher Cabinet? - QRFS Harry, and the Wetmules made the first reported hydrogen (H2) rebreather dive Discovering The Longest Fresh Water Cave In Thailand, N=1: The Inside Story of the First-Ever Hydrogen CCR dive. A long battery life, air integration, defective solenoid detection, and in-built GPS are among the other new features. Whether youre currently researching your first rebreather or youre changing to a new unit, there are a few things youll need to think about. When in surface mode, the whole menu is visible so you can see which item will be selected next, a welcome feature for those used to Shearwater. The battery for E1 is conveniently located in the separate battery compartment for ease of access. iQsub is a Czech company and SubGravity, the US distributor, provides assistance when needed in the state. Let's look at the truth about reconditioned breakers, including when to use them and how to ensure reconditioning provides a safe and reliable breaker.Many facilities managers use reconditioned and retrofitted circuit breakers with complete confidence. In fact, semi-closed nitrox rebreathers are no more expensive than a top-quality scuba system, are easily used by recreational divers, and use basic technology that dates back to the 1800s. What is it like to live with? In short, super easy! The SDI Nitrox Diver certification may be combined with the Semi-Closed Circuit Rebreather class. To delve deeper into the Liberty CCR and all the available options, click here. You need to have an in-depth knowledge of how this machine works. Constant Volumetric Flow (CVF) Orifice Like the constant mass flow (CMF) valve in an mCCR orhybrid CCR, the CVFenables gas to flow at a fixed rate via a fixed orifice whenever the connected cylinder is open. Well that depends a little on the setpoint and how hard youre working, but in practice it is very efficient indeed. by Michael Menduno, Amanda White and Kenzie Potter, Holiday images by Jason Brown, BARDO CREATIVE, A Guide to Backmount, Sidemount and Frontmount Rebreathers. They are mounted partially-recessed into a four-inch (4) metal or wood studded standard wall. If you think the same thing might happen to you, consider skipping the SCR part and going directly to CCR. As a result, divers now have an abundance of rebreather brands to choose from. In addition, consider all the spare parts and accessories youll need to take with you. Also, dont be misled by single figures, like work of breathing or scrubber duration as they serve only as a kind of benchmarkthere is typically a lot more behind them. With this background and requisite caveats, we are pleased to offer you our Rebreather Holiday Shoppers Guide. always having niggly problems. Ll/min, RMV 40 L/min, 2 L tidal volume, 40 m, 4 C), > 80 minutes under CE conditions for PCO2= 10 mbar, (CO2 1.6 L/min, RMV 40 L/min, 2 L tidal volume, 40 m, 4 C). A new breaker ensures electrical equipment is in compliance with the most current protocols and procedures helping provide employees with safer working conditions when operating the equipment. In contrast, MCCR units require input from the diver. If the temperature is less than 15 C, then change both scrubbers after 180 min. This is not ideal for decompression dives and is better suited for recreational depths. Hollis Explorer review - A Real World take - Blue Label Diving They also keep a constant percentage of oxygen, unlike fully closed units. For vendors that do not have CE testing, we suggested that they use the figures that they publicize in their marketing materials and asked that they specify the source of the data if possible. It is a chest-mounted mechanical CCR produced by M3S in France. This Valentines Day, Dr. Richard Harris, aka Dr. Youll constantly need to check things over and over again. These machines lose gas with every exhalation. Rebreathers arent small pieces of kit, and some are more suited to travel than others. Amanda White is the managing editor for InDepth. Before buying, find out where a given unit can be serviced. Key characteristics The Horizon offers incredibly extended dive time compared to open circuit dives, giving the diver ample time to take in the wonderful underwater environment. Confirm personally and with the team that you are above MOD and open the decompression gas cylinder valve, tell the onboard computer that you have switched gas, and thats it. For some cases, you also need to refill a cylinder of your bailout system. Tsk, tsk Leon Scamahorn, youve been a naughty boy! Once again, we have updated InDEPTHs Holiday Rebreather Guide adding two new rebreathers; the new Gemini sidemount, needle valve mCCR from Fathom Systems, and the Generic Breathing Machine (GBM) front mounted, needle valve mCCR, with a dive computer-compatible, solid state oxygen sensor from Scubatron. Liberty has been designed to be a complete fault-tolerant unit, meaning that even if one electronic part has an issue, it wont cause the whole unit to break down. This location of the counter lungs makes exhalation easier but inhalation harder. Failing to do so, you risk equipment malfunction which often leads to death. Happy holidays shoppers, here is our updated rebreather guide! Gonna find out which breathers are naughty or nice. The SE7EN+ is a CCR as this enables a much higher level of gas-efficiency. Mares Horizon However, part of the Mares model is that you might not need to travel with your unitin fact, you might not even own one. One of our goals here at The Adventure Junkies is to make your life easier when it comes to gear shopping. I was actually breathing 65%, slightly higher than my planned setpoint. Complete all open water requirements efficiently. Consider your budget, but dont try to save too much! Part 2: Rebreathers for Image Making by Nicolas Remy CCR units can be either electronic (ECCR) or manual (MCCR). Mares chose to build a line of technical products from the ground up. Explore open seas, caves, or wrecks with ease. This first test confirms the T sensor is accurate. (Upgrade at a later date is also possible by completing only the missing portions). Offering a special mention for the Drger LAR-V and a few other O2 rebreathers, let's discuss how this machine differs. In almost all instances, any error or failure of the Horizon will lead to a failsafe mode scenario where the EAVs power will be cut and will flow gas at its maximum rate of 25 L/min adding to the 5 L/min from the CVF orifice. Not all of these considerations apply to all divers, but weve tried to cover some essential bases. Question - SCR Semi Closed Rebreather | Page 7 | ScubaBoard Again, after analysing the benefits and drawbacks of the Shearwater products, a Horizon controller needed to be simple to use, with high quality feel and screen layout. Well, that depends on your metabolism (VO2) measured in liters of oxygen per minute. The EAV adds gas directly to the test sensor every 5 minutes during the dive; this process confirms that the correct cylinder is open, and it uses a known gas (analysed while the machine was at the surface) at a known depth (taken from depth sensor) to determine if the right FO2 is generated. As you can imagine, these high tech dive units are not cheap. This would seem obvious since you're . But while tekkies clearly needed mixed-gas units, many believed that recreational divers would quickly follow suit with SCRs. 1DEC 2022Ho ho ho! In that we have largely succeeded. So be prepared to service your rebreather after 12 months of use or 15 months after the date of production. October 1, 2013. [What You Need to Know], Unit weight of 47 pounds in standard configuration, Both front and back-mount counter lung configurations, Counter lung drains to easily remove water during a dive, All gas lines external to the breathing loop, Options for back, front and side-mount counter lung configurations, Used in conjunction with other dive systems, QuickLoc attachments on all hoses and BOV, Manual Addition Valves (MAVs) for O2 and diluent. . We get it. Discover the Mares Horizon SCR - DiveSSI The counter lungs on a rebreather are the bag like features on the breathing loop. The academics are short and concise and do not include lots of complicated math as the diver does not need to know this information; these are delivered through SSIs unique, high-quality digital training platform MySSI and include digital student and instructor manuals, review questions, checklists, skills videos and final exam. 8 watching SPONSORED Hollis Scrubber Pack for the Hollis Explorer Rebreather. The steps for build up, failure drills, and general diving were in part specified by instructors and trainers at the point of design. In a radial-shaped scrubber, the gas passes in a radial direction from the middle of the canister towards the outer sides. If you are the lazy diver type who enjoys taking naps between dives and kitting up as late as possible, then rebreather diving is not for you. For more of our top scuba gear recommendations, check out the, Rebreathers also come in different designs, and some designs are more suited for certain types of diving. In addition to these roles, Adam is an active member of the dive community through various organisations and professional bodies, including as Rebreather Training Council representative for SSI, CCR ISO committee member, Santi brand ambassador, Reel Diving Ambassador, product design and tester for many manufacturers, BBC safety and support diver, and more. Paul Raymaehers is very enthusiastic when describing the new Horizon semi-closed rebreather (SCR).. Ed. However, the joy of hearing the sounds of the underwater world and getting up close . We may have to sell a kidney to purchase this version. #61. You will note an apparent mistake in the above paragraph: How could I have a flow rate of 3.6 L/min when the minimum the Horizon can supply even with the EAV shut is 5 L/min? Perhaps the best way to think of a semi-closed rebreather is as an efficient gas extender, which gives the diver the ability to extend the duration of a given gas supply by as much as a factor of three, compared to open circuit use. With the proper training, any diver worthy of his open-water C-card can handle a semi-closed rebreather--no voodoo or advanced degree required. You might not like the APD machines, but from my experience, there are far more of them out there than the others, and theyre about the most reliable that there are available, theyre there, getting the job done. great when they work. Training will cost between 700 and 1,000 depending on the instructor and course. You need to have an in-depth knowledge of how this machine works. Scratch last years coal, Xmas cookies for you Mr. Scamahorn! Familiarize yourself with the different options and the differences. One of the best things about a fully closed circuit rebreather is the extended no decompression times from breathing optimal partial pressures of oxygen at all phases of the dive. My goal is to inspire people to get out and experience the ocean the way I do. There are very few O-rings in the system, and these are inspected every buildup so will be replaced as required making the unit service interval every 5 years! Consequently, almost all currently do not have CE certification; the T-Reb has a CE certification with exceptions. As there is a good amount of self study . That's is how we pay ourselves. The increased depth and bottom time can really take your diving experiences to a whole new level. For example, if you could do the same dives on a twinset and two deco stages, then the total cost of the rebreather should be comparable. It then repeats at 45 min and 30 min. Plus there are a few options for divers, such as choosing between electronic or manual control options and back-mount or front-mount counter lungs. The handset can be disconnected, the HUD can be replaced, and all batteries are replaceable and not potted. It does not make the product pricier for you. Gas and deco efficiency (especially with expensive helium! For more of our top scuba gear recommendations, check out the Best Underwater Scooters. You can equip the JJ with up to 4 tanks of 2 to 12 liters of different gas mixtures and it comes with APEKS first stages. 1DEC 2022Ho ho ho! Not letting any grass grow under her feet, she has also taken on a second major in biochemistry in order to create a deeper understanding of our planets unique ecosystems as well as the effect of diving on human physiology. Adam also owns Divemaster Scuba, a full-service SSIDive Centre in the UK with two arms: one specialising in training recreational diving from Kids Scuba to Instructor and another focused on CCR. But if youre paying more than US$10,000 for a rebreather, it only makes sense to know what youre buying and how it operates. Happy Holidays!! Would you prefer a machine with a head-up display and audible alarms? Because of this, CCR units are considered more flexible. KISS REBREATHER VIEW AT KISS REBREATHERS 6. With rebreathers you can have good work of breathing on a breathing machine only to find it completely ruined by its hydrostatic imbalance or elastance.. Absent are US-based Innerspace Systems, which makes the Megalodon and other models, as well as Submatix, based in Germany, which manufactures the Quantum and sidemount SMS 200, neither of which returned our communications. After diving, you remove the loop, back cover, two scrubber caps, and both scrubbers. In addition,Rebreathers Simplified, a 140-plus page guide to choosing a unit, will be helpful to new rebreather divers. The downside is that it may lack gas monitoring capabilities and increase the risk of something going . Keep It Simple Despite repeated requests, the only major closed circuit rebreather we are missing is Innerspace Systems Megalodon and its siblings. The Horizon is equipped with two galvanic oxygen sensors to monitor the gas in the loop. A return to the FO2 formula confirms this: During the automated pre-dive sequence, the Horizon will analyse the FO2 of both the bottom and decompression gases to determine if they are in range, +/- 1% for bottom gas and +/-5% for decompression gas. The Mares rebreather had to tick a lot of boxes: It needed to be simple, lightweight, quick to assemble and disassemble, easy to train with, redundant and failsafe without adding complexity and, above all else, it needed to be cheap! There are two (double end sealed) quick gas connectors (QGC) for gas on the Horizon: one on the left for bottom gas, and one on the right for decompression gas. 1 Best Overall: JJ CCR 2 Most for Customization: Hollis Prism 2 CCR 3 Best for Travel: Divesoft Liberty CCR All the Rebreathers We've tested Best Overall JJ CCR The ever-popular JJ CCR can be seen wherever rebreather divers are. Technology has advanced significantly since recreational divers were introduced to rebreather diving by Drger. To work out what you are breathing on the Horizon (Loop fraction of oxygen, orFO2), remember that whatever gas is vented from the OPV is the same gas that is entering your body since youre breathing from the same bag: Loop FO2 = [(Flow Rate * Cylinder FO2) VO2] / (Flow Rate VO2). The entire internal system is open to fresh air and you can see the insides of the counterlungs, so drying is much faster than other rebreathers. Rebreathers are ideal for divers who conduct long or deep technical dives using mixed gas. I used 60 bar from my S80 of bottom gas and 30 bar from S80 of decompression gas. The sheer number of bells and whistles may be too much for new and/or inexperienced CCR divers, Excellent for travel, no excess baggage fees here, A color-coded system means its near impossible to make a mistake setting this up, Its diminutive stature naturally means the Triton lacks the functionalities and range of other CCR units, Secondary handset (Petrel 2 or Wiekamp OTSC) acts as a redundant PO2 display and provides decompression info, Plenty of customization options, both with the standard units options and as after-sale add-ons. When in its open state, the flow rate is 25 L/min. To enroll in the Semi-Closed Circuit Rebreather course you must be minimum age of 18 (15 with parental consent) and process a minimum certification of SDI Nitrox Diver or equivalent.. Request a Quote. For scrubber durations, the diver has two options based on temperature. Assess whether it can be broken down into parts that will fit inside bags or cases that match the airlines size and weight requirements. For the Horizon, the minimum oxygen content for supply gas is 30%, and the maximum is 100%. JJ CCR REBREATHER Semi-closed rebreathers (SCR) were the first purpose-built breathers for sport divers circa 1995Thank you Draeger! As with most major purchases, your budget will, to an extent, dictate the unit you can purchase.