dreamdive
Contributor
I am one of the negativity guys who has never used one (although I have done plenty of dives with people on rebreathers).
For me it is pretty simple. Most of the people who die whilst diving are rookies or idiots (or both). But when an experienced and skilled diver dies, then 95% of the time they are on rebreathers (the other 5% are either trying to set world depth records or are in caves - something else I won't do). I read an article once (I may try and find it to post a link) that said in risk adjusted terms you are 800 times more likely to die on a rebreather than on open circuit.
Yes, yes, I know - I am absolutely certain that there are thousands are divers using rebreathers happily and safely. But for me, the risks are proven on a statistical basis and I'll pay what I have to pay for extra gas, and live with the noise of my bubbles.
---------- Post added September 2nd, 2015 at 08:49 AM ----------
YMMV.
1. Ken, I agree that there are instances where OC may be more appropriate than CCR. My point was that even though everybody regards CCR to deep diving, I am perfectly content and even prefer CCR over OC in shallow water.
2. Regarding "statistics" - there aren't any. Or better, there aren't any good ones. The paper YMMV is thinking about is that BS study from Fock. There are so many things wrong with it and got, rightfully so, slapped around. So citing statistics to make the argument against CCR is not valid. At least not at this time.
3. The comment: "Most of the people who die whilst diving are rookies or idiots (or both)" should be reconsidered and stricken in light of that we just lost a very dear OC diver, Lynn Flaherty also known as TSandM and I would not call her a rookie or idiot by any means!
4. Nobody keeps count as to how many lives have been saved on CCR! The collapsed cave, the lost diver, heck the divers that ran out of gas in the cave....etc., etc., etc.
CCR is not for everyone and not for everything. But please stop bashing the rebreather!