Diving with the Rebreather: The experience of silence and autonomy

Rebreather Diving

Open circuit diving is a fantastic adventure, but the sound of bubbles escaping from your regulator can disturb the silence of the seabed. The diving rebreather is the solution that will allow you to extend your dives and blend in with the aquatic environment. This comprehensive guide explains everything about this cutting-edge technology, from how it works to its benefits, including the necessary training.

History and Technological Evolution

The idea of the rebreather is not new. The first prototypes date back to the 18th century, but it was Henry Fleuss who developed the first functional closed-circuit device in 1878. The evolution of this technology was strongly influenced by military and industrial needs, such as mine rescue operations or military rebreather diving during wartime. These demands for robustness and reliability laid the foundations for the sophisticated civilian rebreathers we know today.

What Is a Rebreather? The Era of Silence and Autonomy

A diving rebreather is a sophisticated breathing apparatus that recycles the air you exhale. Instead of releasing your bubbles, it reuses them by eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) and reinjecting fresh oxygen (O2). This ingenious process offers two major advantages:

• Increased autonomy: By only replacing the oxygen consumed by your body, the rebreather optimizes gas usage. This allows you to stay underwater much longer than with a traditional cylinder, doubling or even quadrupling the duration of your dives.
• Silent immersion: Without bubbles, you become a discreet observer. This is ideal for underwater photography and for privileged encounters with marine life, which will no longer be scared away by the noise.
• Improved decompression: a rebreather allows you to perform decompression stops near the surface using pure oxygen.
• Reduces cold during the dive: the lime used to capture the CO2 generated by the body creates an exothermic reaction. The diver thus breathes warm air.

The Different Types of Rebreathers

There are two main families of rebreathers, adapted to different needs:

• Semi-Closed Circuit Rebreathers (SCR): These are simpler models that continuously inject a gas mixture. Some of the exhaled gas is released as bubbles, but the efficiency remains far superior to open-circuit diving. It's an excellent entry point into the world of rebreathers.
• Closed-Circuit Rebreathers (CCR): This is the pinnacle of technology. These systems release no bubbles.

There are three types:

• mCCR (Manual): The diver manually manages the oxygen injection based on readings from the oxygen sensors. This system requires great vigilance but is known for its reliability.

• eCCR (Electronic): An electronic system automatically injects oxygen to maintain a constant partial pressure of oxygen (PPO2), reducing the diver's workload.

• hCCR (Hybrid): These models combine manual oxygen supply with an electronic system, offering increased redundancy and enhanced safety.

The gas mixture is adjusted in real-time by the diver (mCCR) or by a computer (eCCR), offering maximum autonomy and flexibility. This is the type of rebreather used for military rebreather diving and deep explorations.

The Anatomy of a Rebreather: Key Components and Diveavenue Selection

A rebreather is a complex assembly of interdependent components:

• Counterlungs: Flexible bags that store the recycled gas. Like the Divesoft Liberty frontmount to backmount conversion kit available for sale to allow modification of the Divesoft Freedom rebreather.

• Scrubber or canister: The soda lime "filter" that absorbs the CO2. Discover the lime for rebreathers, SOFNOLIME 797 lime in a 20kg container, it is recommended by the biggest rebreather brands such as Triton, rEvo, AP Diving Inspiration, Megalodon etc...

• 1.5, 2 and 3 L Cylinders: One for pure oxygen and another for the diluent gas (air, Nitrox, or Trimix). Here are our essentials in terms of cylinders to accompany you on your rebreather outings: 3L 300bar galvanized diving cylinder for rebreather diving, 3L 300bar carbon diving cylinder bare, TECLINE aluminum argon cylinder set with regulator 1.5L, 2L, or 3L

• Oxygen Cells: Generally three independent sensors to continuously measure the oxygen level, ensuring the diver's safety. Discover our analyzers and cells now, an essential for rebreather dives.

• Electronics and Displays: A dive computer and a head-up display (HUD) monitor parameters and alert you in case of a problem. Diveavenue has selected the best-sellers for you: the DIVESOFT Freedom+ Full Trimix dive computer and the Ratio IX3M2 dive computer

Safety First: Training and Precautions

Rebreather diving is not without risks. Due to its complexity, it requires rigorous training and constant vigilance. It's a bit like moving from driving an automatic car to flying a plane.

To master these risks, it is essential to undergo rebreather diving training from certified organizations such as PADI, TDI, IANTD, FFESSM, or CMAS. The rebreather diving course is specific to each device model and emphasizes emergency protocols, particularly switching to a bailout cylinder in an open circuit. Contact us if you wish to do a rebreather course; we can provide you with the contact information of trainers we know.

Cost, Logistics, and Exploration

The price of a diving rebreather is a significant investment. For those looking for a more affordable option, it is possible to find a used diving rebreather.

However, in the long term, this technology can simplify your logistics. The diving rebreather is ideal for travel and distant explorations. Imagine yourself living unforgettable adventures, whether for a rebreather dive in Egypt or Corsica, where conditions are suitable for long immersions. Some front-mounted rebreathers like the Triton or the Fx CCR allow for very light travel carry.

Diveavenue and Rebreather Diving

Diveavenue is for technical diving enthusiasts, with a particular focus on rebreather diving.

On our site, you will find a wide selection of consumables and rebreather spare parts specially selected to accompany your rebreather outings. Learn more

Important: Diveavenue does not offer rebreather sales or rentals. We are not an approved center or a certified instructor, and therefore cannot provide this type of equipment.

Ready for Your First Rebreather Dive?

Rebreather diving is the logical evolution for any underwater exploration enthusiast. It opens up a new world of opportunities, offers you unprecedented autonomy, and allows you to rediscover the beauty of the underwater world in silence. If you are ready to take on this challenge and invest in specialized training, you can buy a diving rebreather and begin a new era in your practice.