Rebreathers are becoming more popular than ever. While more people are enjoying the freedom they offer, it’s important to remember that there are some specific hazards associated with rebreathers that must be overcome. Whether you’re just now considering becoming a rebreather certified diver or if you’re already certified, keep these tips for minimizing risk in mind as you enjoy the underwater world, sans bubbles.
Dive Only If Your Rebreather Is Functioning Perfectly
Never dive if there is something wrong with your rebreather unit, even if that “something” is minor. Your rebreather must be functioning perfectly when you start your dive, and you should abort if you notice that anything seems even slightly off. Diving with a faulty rebreather will start you down the slippery slope and an accident is almost guaranteed.
Carry Bailout Gas and Know How to Use It
Don’t fall into the trap of believing that diving with a rebreather amounts to invincibility. Carry some form of bailout gas and know how to use it. Practice using it regularly and never dive without it. If something happens to your rebreather at depth and you don’t have enough bailout gas to get you to the surface, your odds of dying are extremely high.
Configure Your Kit Consistently
Configure every bit of your kit – including your rebreather – consistently. Follow exactly the same practices each and every time you dive. Use fresh sorb on every deep dive. Professional divers often use checklists for their equipment. While this extra step does take a few minutes to complete, it can save your life. Rebreather divers have perished in the past because they haven’t switched their units / O2 on, and deaths have occurred for other seemingly simple reasons as well. Make testing your cells a regular part of your checkout routine.
Dive With a Buddy and Stick Together
Yes, solo diving can be fantastic and diving with a buddy is an individual choice in many cases. When it comes to rebreather diving, sticking with a buddy can save your life. There are numerous reports of rebreather divers surviving an accident because they had a buddy to bring them to the surface. Conversely, there are several reports of divers perishing following rebreather failure on solo dives. Be sure that you and your buddy know how to configure one another’s equipment and practice kitting and de-kitting together.
Prepare Your Mind for the Worst-Case Scenario
Panic kills divers. Think of potential accidents that could befall you while rebreather diving, and train your mind and body to live through them. Practice with your buddy, and consider how you would deal with emergencies. Some to consider include:
- The need to bail out
- Unconscious buddy
- Lost or trapped
Scenarios will vary depending on the type of diving that you do as well as on where you dive and what conditions you typically encounter. Putting your fears to rest and knowing what to do in an emergency can keep you alive.
These are just five tips for staying safe while rebreather diving. Review your coursework periodically and remember always to follow manufacturer’s recommendations for servicing and using your rebreather. When you take a cautious approach, your odds of becoming a statistic will be greatly reduced.