Skipping open circuit and going straight to CCR

[takez0]

This is my first post here. I've learned a ton on this board and I'm grateful for the insights you all provide.

I'm getting into technical diving and I'd like to jump straight into a CCR. Does the group see any benefit or hindrance in skipping open circuit tech training costs and equipment costs and going straight into a CCR? CCR's are obviously an investment. I'd rather not spend money on a new BCD, manifold, tanks, etc., that would only be used specifically for dual-tank open circuit, considering I know where I want to end up already. Let me know your thoughts or if you think this is missed training opportunity.

 

[Whitrzac]

I and a few others I know have done exactly that.
Nothing wrong with it if you have the aptitude. Every skill you would learn in an oc tech course you learn in a ccr tech course.
The main drawback is that the learning curve is much steeper.

 

[Underwater Tourist]

Not a ccr diver myself

But remember that when you bail out, you become an oc tech diver, so it makes little sense to skip oc tech training

 

[grantctobin]

What is your motivation for CCR? What are your intended CCR dives? If you've gotten this far, what is your intended CCR?

Here's a thought without knowledge of where you're diving.
+Used 40lb wing
+Plate + Harness
+Pair of AL80s with Manifold plugs
Fundies / Intro to Tech / Whatever else
+1-2 AL40 or AL80 for 50% / 100%
Tec1 or Helitrox / whatever else
Experience
+CCR
-Sell used 40lb wing for whatever you paid for it
-Sell bands and manifold

Left with: experience, a pair of 80s as SM bailout (whether 18/45 50% in open water, same gas in cave), a pair of AL40s as deco bottles.

When the CCR shits the bed, I am glad for my training in things like stage management, gas identification protocol, bottle rotations, etc. One can learn these things in something like stage cave and not necessarily go through the "normoxic / hypoxic gas cost" on open circuit, but I think jumping straight to CCR is...improper. Has it been done? Yes. One of my primary dive partners did what you are suggesting. Should this be done? Eh. There are numerous threads on the topic, linked below:

Rebreather or not?

Ok Guys I'm looking for some input from experienced rebreather divers on whether or not you think its a good idea to get it rebreather diving or not? My situation currently (being honest). Please try not to judge me to badly :/. I have around 130 dives currently and have been diving about 1...

scubaboard.com

Recommendation on tech progression

Hi All, Here to ask for the opinion of the tech divers here on my progression towards full cave/rebreather. End goal would be full cave, which would require AN/DP. I almost certainly will want to do rebreather at some point as well. Currently have 125 dives; TDI intro to...

scubaboard.com

Etc.

As a sidenote, most agencies have some version of advanced nitrox or stage decompression as a prerequisite, and most of what I consider to be the top tier of CCR instructors have it as their own requirement.

 

[formernuke]

I would at least find a sidemount instructor and do a tutoring type thing with sidemount as that will help with some of the bailout stuff.

I'm new to tech and ccr but did find some of the tech skills to be useful in my ccr class, stuff like feathering, verify depth and such. Also you need to know your sac to plan bailout and how to calculate deco on OC.

 

[Whitrzac]

I would at least find a sidemount instructor and do a tutoring type thing with sidemount as that will help with some of the bailout stuff.

I'm new to tech and ccr but did find some of the tech skills to be useful in my ccr class, stuff like feathering, verify depth and such. Also you need to know your sac to plan bailout and how to calculate deco on OC.

All of that was covered in my ccr classes as well.

 

[formernuke]

All of that was covered in my ccr classes as well.

Yes but having done it already meant it was review for me and easier when I did my ccr class.

 

[Whitrzac]

Going through an an/dp level class first is a decent idea if you're not 100% set on a ccr. The only gear that doesn't transfer would be the bands/manifold for bm.

 

[takez0]

What is your motivation for CCR? What are your intended CCR dives? If you've gotten this far, what is your intended CCR?

Here's a thought without knowledge of where you're diving.
+Used 40lb wing
+Plate + Harness
+Pair of AL80s with Manifold plugs
Fundies / Intro to Tech / Whatever else
+1-2 AL40 or AL80 for 50% / 100%
Tec1 or Helitrox / whatever else
Experience
+CCR
-Sell used 40lb wing for whatever you paid for it
-Sell bands and manifold

Left with: experience, a pair of 80s as SM bailout (whether 18/45 50% in open water, same gas in cave), a pair of AL40s as deco bottles.

When the CCR shits the bed, I am glad for my training in things like stage management, gas identification protocol, bottle rotations, etc. One can learn these things in something like stage cave and not necessarily go through the "normoxic / hypoxic gas cost" on open circuit, but I think jumping straight to CCR is...improper. Has it been done? Yes. One of my primary dive partners did what you are suggesting. Should this be done? Eh. There are numerous threads on the topic, linked below:

Rebreather or not?

Ok Guys I'm looking for some input from experienced rebreather divers on whether or not you think its a good idea to get it rebreather diving or not? My situation currently (being honest). Please try not to judge me to badly :/. I have around 130 dives currently and have been diving about 1...

scubaboard.com

Recommendation on tech progression

Hi All, Here to ask for the opinion of the tech divers here on my progression towards full cave/rebreather. End goal would be full cave, which would require AN/DP. I almost certainly will want to do rebreather at some point as well. Currently have 125 dives; TDI intro to...

scubaboard.com

Etc.

As a sidenote, most agencies have some version of advanced nitrox or stage decompression as a prerequisite, and most of what I consider to be the top tier of CCR instructors have it as their own requirement.

I like this plan. I have a plate and harness and I own 4 AL80s. I do plan to take the "fundies" on OC...ADV Nitrox/DP/IntroTech/ExRange and Sidemount. That's just because I won't be in the rebreather until March. Now that I think about it I'll have to be some of that stuff anyway of I can't rent it. I'll look at a used 40lb wing. Great feedback, thanks!!!

 

[takez0]

I like this plan. I have a plate and harness and I own 4 AL80s. I do plan to take the "fundies" on OC...ADV Nitrox/DP/IntroTech/ExRange and Sidemount. That's just because I won't be in the rebreather until March. Now that I think about it I'll have to be some of that stuff anyway of I can't rent it. I'll look at a used 40lb wing. Great feedback, thanks!!!

I also forgot to answer your first questions...
I want to go deeper, farther, longer. Not being a tec diver I like the Dive Rite Choptima. Seems like it provides a lot of flexibility in configuration. Would like your thoughts on that. I also just moved to North Carolina and haven't spoken to my LDS yet.