Progression to rebreather diving?

[Nesher]

I just completed the NAUI Intro to Tech, but I feel I missed out on the real substance. Was that due to my instructor (I can't deny I was a bit concerned about my Instructors focus) or was it because this was only an Intro Course?

My primary desire for Tech is to improve my skill sets and to gain the valuable knowledge that seems only to be attained through Technical Training.

For example: my intuitive understanding of Buddy Diving is articulated in the concepts and demands of Technical Team Management. Eureka!! Why was that not introduced or taught at the Recreational Level?

When it comes to cave or wreck penetration presently I'm not that interested.

However I am aware that I very well may be ready to take that step in the next year or so when I plan a trip to Truk Lagoon or to Island Royal in Northern Michigan.

What I really want is to dive a rebreather with mixed gas in the 100 - 250 fsw

Hey, I wouldn't mind diving a rebreather above 100 fsw all the time.

Would those goal qualify for tech training? And what is the progression to do what I want to do?

I'd like to get at least 70 - 100 dives each year on a rebreather.

There really isn't any one to ask these questions to, so it's good to have a forum like this one.

 

[Gill Envy]

I'm having a little trouble figuring out what the focus of your post is, so bear with me.

- I can't tell you anything about the competence of your instructor, it's really for you to decide.
- The main questions seem to be something like, "when is it time to make the transition" and "is it worth getting a rebreather/going tec even if I don't dive deep all the time?"

My short answer is that in the grand scheme of things, all diving is technical diving... shades of gray between basic "C card OC" and things like very advanced, deep trimix and Cave/wreck penetration with a rebreather.

Once you know you love diving, it comes down to figuring out what cost/benefit/risk equation you are interested in.

As far as a rebreather, trimix or not, for the avid diver, it opens up whole new worlds of possibility, radically expanding your options at any depth. They are expensive, a lot of work compared to the simple single tank OC dive, but for those willing to make the investment in time and money, they are wonderful tools.

Chances are you have already slipped across the line into dabbling in "tec diving" and if you are asking the question, it's probably a good time to continue down the path of getting more education from an instructor you like. I've begun seeing instruction as an endless process, something to keep getting periodically to stay fine tuned.

g

 

[TechBlue]

I'm having a little trouble figuring out what the focus of your post is, so bear with me.

- I can't tell you anything about the competence of your instructor, it's really for you to decide.
- The main questions seem to be something like, "when is it time to make the transition" and "is it worth getting a rebreather/going tec even if I don't dive deep all the time?"

My short answer is that in the grand scheme of things, all diving is technical diving... shades of gray between basic "C card OC" and things like very advanced, deep trimix and Cave/wreck penetration with a rebreather.

Once you know you love diving, it comes down to figuring out what cost/benefit/risk equation you are interested in.

As far as a rebreather, trimix or not, for the avid diver, it opens up whole new worlds of possibility, radically expanding your options at any depth. They are expensive, a lot of work compared to the simple single tank OC dive, but for those willing to make the investment in time and money, they are wonderful tools.

Chances are you have already slipped across the line into dabbling in "tec diving" and if you are asking the question, it's probably a good time to continue down the path of getting more education from an instructor you like. I've begun seeing instruction as an endless process, something to keep getting periodically to stay fine tuned.

g

Couldn't have said it better myself

 

[Scott L]

Solicit opinions on the best local instructor for advanced nitrox/decompression procedures instruction which is required for CCR training and the answers will start falling into place....

 

[sea2summit]

I just completed the NAUI Intro to Tech, but I feel I missed out on the real substance. Was that due to my instructor (I can't deny I was a bit concerned about my Instructors focus) or was it because this was only an Intro Course?

If you have to ask this question of a "technical" instructor run away, don't walk. Any "tech" course should be a great learning experiance no matter what level of training.

As for CCR I'd recommend doing some research, your going to get as many different opinions as there are CCR divers. I'd recommend picking up a copy of Dr. Mel Clark's book "Rebreathers Simplified" and check out rebreatherworld.com to get the ball rolling. There's a lot more than just deciding to get a rebreather, there's configuration issues, computer issues, sorb vs. canister

Best of luck

 

[Thalassamania]

Order:

Read it. Call Jeff and set up a private course, you will not be sorry. Are the plenty of other instructors out there? Sure there are, but I know Jeff will do right by you, he's one of the very few that I'd trust to train my son.

 

[Nesher]

Actually this thread was a part of another thread and the Mod moved it so that I could get some answers specific to the questions raised.

I was addressing issues that only members of that thread would understand the context.

Thanks for your comments. What I was alluding to was my ultimate goal to dive a rebreather at all times within the limits of either rec or tech diving.

The question was What is the most efficient as well as effective pathway towards accomplishing that?

I believe that I received very good answers from each of you and I know it's going to be a process.

I'm happy to report that I've recently made contact with a person who is mentoring me in the direction I seek to go.

So there is NOW a focus, direction, and guidance to get me there.

So in the next couple of years I'll be back to give a report on my progression and experiences along the way.

Thanks again to each of you