Diver one of sixteen to die using high-tech gear

[DiverDude]

Hello to list,

I own both a Dolphin SCR and Inspiration CCR. Both have advantages and disadvantages. I would compare them as the SCR is more for recreational diving and the CCR is more for technical diving. That is a generalization and how each is used and how safe they are depends upon your training and how you apply the training.

I prefer the Inspiration as it offers more options to emergency situations and can be used with mixed gas technical diving. It is truly a deep diving rig. It is also a technical machine that requires training and discipline. Diving the Dolphin is like driving a car whereas the Inspiration is more like flying an airplane. The Inspiration requires more training and more pre-dive checks.

I love rebreathers for the silence, warm moist air and near ambient breathing at depth. I only use open circuit with students or when there is no way to use a rebreather. Traveling with a rebreather does add weight and gas and scrub is not always available but things are improving and will continue to improve.

Rebreathers are not for everyone and deciding to move to a rebreather is a personal choice. Personally, I like the challenge and as life itself is a risk, I am willing to do the training and practice that is required to dive a rebreather in a safe method. This choice however should be based on fact and from experience.

If you don't like dive planning, equipment maintenance, emergency drills then just stay with open circuit as it is much easier. As for me, I love rebreathers and believe it is the future of diving. For now rebreathers should only be used by people whom are willing to commit to the training and discipline it requires. Once trained diving on a rebreather is a breeze and I really dislike OC in comparison.

Dive on!