Rebreather Diver

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The PADI Rebreather Diver Course with ABCD DIVING

Who should take this course?

Rebreathers used to be only for technical diving, but not any more. New Type R (recreational) rebreathers are lightweight, easy-to-transport and have sophisticated electronics to simplify their use. Why dive a rebreather? You get longer no stop limits, reduced gas consumption because you reuse most of your exhaled gas, and unmatched wildlife encounters because you don’t release annoying bubbles. The PADI Rebreather Diver course introduces you to rebreather diving to a maximum depth of 18 metres/60 feet and lets you experience things you never imagined possible as a scuba diver.

To enroll in the PADI Rebreather Diver course, you must:

  • Be a PADI Open Water Diver
  • Be a PADI Enriched Air Diver
  • Have a minimum of 25 logged dives
  • Be at least 18 years old

Note that qualifying certifications from other diver training organizations may apply,ask your PADI Rebreather Instructor.

What will you learn?

Through self-study and instructor-guided sessions, you’ll learn how rebreathers work and the importance of proper setup and maintenance. Because rebreathers vary significantly, you will also study the manufacturer’s literature for the type of rebreather you will train on. During six dives, you will work on:

  • Performing proper predive checks
  • Developing the habit of keeping the loop closed when the mouthpiece is not in your mouth
  • Doing bubble checks, bailout drills and handling other potential problems
  • Fine-tuning buoyancy control
  • Monitoring displays and gauges
  • Post-dive procedures and disassembly

How can you start learning now?

Get the PADI Rebreather and Advanced Rebreather Diver Manual from your local PADI Dive Shop and start studying immediately. For this course, you need to read the manual introduction and first three chapters. You’ll also get a PADI Rebreather and Advanced Rebreather Diver Key Skills video and a PADI Type R Rebreather Predive Checklist Slate to help you prepare for your dives.

What scuba gear will you use?

You will want to have your mask,fins and exposure suit. Snorkels are optional, but a collapsible snorkel can be carried in your pocket. You will also need a Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) and reel. Your PADI Rebreather Instructor will advise you about the Type R rebreather you will learn to use.

After certification as a PADI Rebreather Diver, you’ll need to qualify if you want to use a different rebreather model because procedures vary with each model. However, you don’t need to repeat the entire course. Just take a PADI Rebreather Qualifier program that focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to use a different Type R rebreather model.

Your instructor will make sure that all Type R rebreathers used in PADI courses meet requirements, such as being third party tested and that manufacturers ensure their rebreathers meet a comprehensive list of requirements.

Next Step

Earn a recreational rebreather certification:

  • Enroll in a PADI Rebreather Diver course at a PADI Dive Center or Resort.
  • Visit the PADI TecRec Blog.
  • Download a Medical Statement and Questionnaire (pdf).
  • Download a PADI Standard Safe Technical Diving Practices Statement of Understanding.
  • Browse the PADI Course Catalog.