Inspiration - Rebreather Diver 30m - 6 days

This is the entry-level certification course for recreational divers wishing to utilize the Inspiration Closed Circuit Rebreather. The objectives of the course is to train recreational divers in the benefits, hazards and proper procedures for rebreather diving on the Inspiration CCR and to develop basic rebreather diving skills appropriate to diving within recreational depth limits of 30 msw using an air diluents with no decompression.

We can also supply CCR units from new, cheaper than you buying direct sale and parts for all the Ambient Pressure Units through our trade department.

Course Description

The Professional Scuba Association International’s (PSAI) Re-breather Non Decompression Diver course is designed for those divers who wish to utilize either enriched air (Nitrox) in a Semi Closed Circuit Re-breather or oxygen concentrations up to and including 100% (+/- 1% by analysis) in a Closed Circuit Re-breather during their sport diving activities. The training and qualification depth is limited by the choice of equipment and in all cases to a maximum of 30m. This course and qualification does not include decompression diving.

This PSAI standard is designed to encompass many sport focused re-breathers in a generic format and is not a depth critical course. Depth qualification printed on the student certification is dictated by the student’s practical ability based on their recreational qualification, the chosen equipment and manufacturer’s guidelines for that equipment & the Instructor’s assessment of the student’s capability observed and discussed upon completion of the course. Should the diver be qualified beyond 30m it may be more advantageous to consider the Advanced CCR level.

Course Objectives

The PSAI Re-breather Non Decompression Diver Course student will be able to demonstrate proper re-breather care and maintenance, both pre and post dive. The student will also demonstrate proficiency in the skills outlined in Section X, Skill Requirements, of this outline.

Course Qualification

Apply the knowledge and skills outlined in this standard to plan and conduct non-decompression sport dives in environments and conditions similar to their training, when properly equipped and accompanied by another certified diver.

Prerequisites for Course Entry

The student shall be at least 18 years old at time of course entry.
The student shall have graduated from a minimum of an internationally recognized Open Water course or undertake an open water course where the re-breather is the primary scuba unit of choice and all skill conducted using the re-breather. A PSAI, PADI or similarly recognized Nitrox Diver qualification is also required.
No dives other than those required for Open Water and Nitrox Diver certification are required for entry into the PSAI Air Re-breather Non Decompression Diver course.

Course Minimums and Standards

Classroom Hours

A minimum of eight (8) classroom and practical demonstration (equipment assembly/disassembly) hours are required for the PSAI Re-breather Non Decompression Diver course.

Confined Water Dives

The first dive using a re-breather must be conducted in confined water. Progression to open water is to be undertaken when the student demonstrates control and ability indicating an improving awareness of re-breather monitoring.

Open Water Dives

Five (5) further dives at least 300 minutes total open water time during the course are required for the PSAI Rebreather Non-Decompression Diver course. All dives are to be conducted with a suitable bailout carried by the student. No dives are to require decompression to complete them. Safety stops of 1-3 minutes at 6 meters (20 feet) are not viewed as planned decompression stops. The qualification depth printed on the certification will be within 3 meters (10 feet) of the depth achieved on the course but will not exceed 30 meters.

Course Instructional Materials Requirements

A. All students will use the PSAI Re-breather Non Decompression Diver manual and PSAI EAD Tables for planning. Provided by us.

B. All students will use the manufacturers recommended documents or instruction manual for the chosen re-breather. Provided by us.

C. PSAI Non Decompression Re-breather Instructors will use this Standard, PowerPoint presentation and the PSAI Re-breather Non Decompression Diver Course Guide, as a minimum. An Instructor guide is also required.

Course Equipment Requirements

A. Each student is to have access to and full use of a re-breather for the duration of the course. PSAI do not recommend sharing re-breathers.

B. Exposure equipment suitable for use in the environment where the course is conducted.

C. Oxygen Analyzer equipped with flow restrictor assembly supplied by the Instructor. An additional oxygen analyzer that is hand held to the face of the valve may also be demonstrated, but only as an adjunct. The student must be familiar with the enclosed technique as a minimum.

D. Equipment suitable to conduct flow rate, full leak testing and absorbent changes throughout the course.

E. A separate bail out cylinder and regulator system is required.

Curriculum Requirements

The PSAI Re-breather Non Decompression Diver course requires the use of the PSAI Re-breather Non Decompression Diver manual. This manual will have all the necessary information to appropriately cover, in the detail necessary for this level of certification, the following areas of information:

A. History of Re-breather Diving.

Early uses of Re-breathers.
PSAI’s involvement in Re-breather Education.
Comparison with open circuit diving equipment.

B. Mechanical aspects of the re-breather.

The Loop configuration.
Gas addition methods.
Absorbent canisters and configuration.
Loop testing and servicing.

C. Physiological Principles of Re-breather Diving.

Review the benefits of Nitrox bailout in conjunction with re-breather use.
Hypoxia, Hyperoxia, Hypercapnea - avoidance and treatment.
Depth, gas density and workload considerations.
Contamination & loop cleanliness.

D. Equipment for Re-breather Diving.

Standard Equipment.
Additional equipment available.
Bailout Considerations.
Manufacturer’s Recommendations.

E. Dive Planning.

Equivalent Air Depth and Tables.
Formula work – Equivalent Air Depth, Metabolic oxygen calculations, jet/orifice calculations where a particular type of re-breather requires it.
Use of Dive Computers and programs.

F. Problem Solving.

Configuration for use, carrying bailout.
Loop floods, mouthpiece loss, bag rupture.
Use of electronic monitoring equipment.
Scrubber exhaustion.
Maintenance.

Theory Knowledge

By the end of the course the candidate shall have an appropriate knowledge of the following concepts (course content should include all the following concepts unless inapplicable for the rebreather model used:

1. Definition of a rebreather

a. Primary difference between a rebreather and open-circuit scuba
b. Two basic types of rebreathers, and how they differ (SCR/CCR)

2. Function of following components (if appropriate)

a. Loop
b. Counterlung
c. Inhalation and exhalation hoses
d. Mushroom (non-return) valves
e. Scrubber (CO2 absorbent)
f. Oxygen sensor (cell)
g. Oxygen supply
h. Diluent supply
i. ADV (automatic diluent valve)
j. OPV (overpressure valve)
k. Mouthpiece
I. BOV (bailout valve)
m. HUD
n. Handset
o. Gas cylinder(s)
p. Regulator(s)
q. Cylinder valve(s)
r. SPG(s)
s. Manual gas addition valves
t. CO2 monitoring system
u. eCCR
v. mCCR
w. eSCR
x. mSCR

3. Rebreather assembly (manufacturer checklists)
4 How/when to analyze gas(es)
5. Dive planning
6. Dive conduct
7. Definition of "minimum/optimum loop" and loop volume

8. Checks to be carried out prior to diving with unit (these may be during unit assembly or immediately prior to diving as specified by the training organization and manufacturer)

a. Battery power
b. O2 cells
c. Scrubber duration
d. Gas supplies
e. Bail out
f. Loop integrity checks
g. Control systems checks
h. Check all gas feeds to system
i. OPV setting
j. Pre-breathe rebreather

9. Counterlung placement, loading and rigging
10. Water entries
11. Surface swims with rebreather

12. Descents with rebreather

a. Bubble check and safety drill
b. ADV (automatic diluent or gas valve) function during descent

13. Ascents with rebreather and exits
14. Minimum/optimum loop volume
15. Functions of the mouthpiece of a rebreather
16. Use of the BOV
17. Alternative bail out options
18. Weight, buoyancy and trim when diving with a rebreather
19. Control system monitoring (use of displays and gauges)
20. Hand signals and communications
21. Circumstances when a diver might need to breathe from an alternate air source supplied by another diver Potential failures and actions to be taken

a. Oxygen sensor
b. O2 solenoid failure
c. Incorrect PO2 readout
d. Failed ADV
e. Water in the loop
f. Caustic cocktail
g. CO2 issues

I. scrubber malfunction/exhaustion
II. mushroom valve failure
III. diver breathing style
IV. CO2 monitoring systems
V. unit assembly errors

23. Battery depletion problem
24. Exhausted diluent (eCCR) or supply gas (eSCR)
25. Hypercapnia

a. definition
b. causes
c. signs and symptoms
d. system warnings or indications

e. why they are not reliable warnings of carbon dioxide problems

26. Hypoxia

a. definition
b. causes
c. signs and symptoms
d. system warnings or indications

27. Hyperoxia

a. definition
b. causes
c. signs and symptoms
d. system warnings or indications
e. system warnings or indications

28. Caustic Cocktail

a. definition
b. causes
c. signs and symptoms

29. When it is necessary to disinfect a rebreather and how to do so
30. What the main consumables are in a rebreather and when to replace them

a. Oxygen sensor
b. Scrubber
c. Battery
d. Gas

31. Factors affecting the work of breathing in a rebreather

a. Unit design
b. Diver positioning
c. Fit and placement of counterlungs
d. Loop volume

32. Gas metabolism with rebreathers

a. Oxygen consumption
b. CO2 production

33. Factors affecting the gas supply duration of a:

a. CCR
b. SCR

34. O2 Setpoint
35. How to track your oxygen exposure with a rebreather
36. Maximum depth of the diluent (eCCR) or supply gas (eSCR)
37. Action to be taken in the case of rebreather malfunction

a. Switch to an open circuit bailout breathing supply
b. Alert team members/buddy
c. Abort the dive

38. Control of buoyancy when ascending while breathing from bailout source
39. How to help an unresponsive rebreather diver at the surface and underwater
40. How to dive with an open-circuit buddy

41. Importance of staying up to date with use of rebreather
42. Need for unit specific training for rebreathers

Skill Requirements

Land Based - A PSAI Re-breather Non Decompression Diver student shall:

Plan re-breather dives based on jet/orifice choice, specified gases and dive depths;
Properly analyze all gases and verify equipment suitability and markings.
Properly pack and repack (a minimum of two [2] times on the course) an absorbent canister using granular fill absorbent material. If pre-packed absorbent canisters such as “Extend-Air” are available or required, ensure these are fitted and used also.
Properly assemble and test a re-breather prior to every dive using checklists.
Properly conduct pre-dive checks and pre-breathe unit prior to every dive.
Properly conduct post-dive checks and record all values on checklists.

Confined Water - A PSAI Re-breather Non Decompression Diver student shall undertake skills required to enable the correct continued use of a re-breather:

Perform buoyancy control drills.
Perform loop clearance drills.
Perform bailout switch drills.
Perform block or mouthpiece switch skills where required by equipment.

Open Water - A PSAI Re-breather Non Decompression Diver student shall:

Conduct the dive according to their plan, as approved by the PSAI instructor.
Monitor gas pressures and surface with an acceptable safe margin.
Not exceed any Maximum Operating Depth limitations.
Not exceed any Oxygen Exposure limitations.
Perform buoyancy control drills both at depth greater than 20 meters (66.feet) and in shallow water 6-10 meters (20-33 feet)
Properly execute a recovery from a system failure to bailout whilst stationary on two (2) separate dives.
Properly execute a recovery from a system failure to bailout whilst hovering on two (2) separate dives.
Perform block switch and by-pass regulator operation skills where required by equipment on two (2) separate dives.
Deploy a reel and surface marker buoy from a stationary position.
Conduct accurate safety stops.

Pactical Skill Requirements

The student shall have experience of at least four open water dives/water sessions and at least 300 minutes total open water time during the course.
The diver's primary emergency action in the event of rebreather malfunction will be to switch to an open circuit breathing supply and then abort the dive.
A separate bail out cylinder and regulator system is required for any dives deeper than 21m/70 feet.
By the end of the course the candidate shall be able to perform the following skills (course content should include all the following items unless inapplicable for the rebreather model used):

1. Plan appropriate time, depth and supply (gas, scrubber, etc.) limits for the dive based on the rebreather manufacturer's specification, the
environment, rebreather, no stop limits, oxygen exposure, previous dives and other factors that may apply.
2. Assemble the rebreather in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, using a checklist (manual or digital).
3. Perform a complete rebreather pre-dive check, in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, using a checklist (manual or digital).
4. Don and adjust the rebreather for proper fit, including breathing hose, mouthpiece and counterlung placement.
5. Establish proper weighting and weight placement (trim) with the rebreather.
6. Enter the water using a technique appropriate for the environment.
7. Demonstrate awareness of system status by continuously monitoring the rebreather's displays frequently throughout the dive.
8. Demonstrate monitoring of gas CO2 absorbent as appropriate.
9. Demonstrate proper habits for retaining loop integrity.
10. Demonstrate clearing mask with a rebreather while maintaining neutral buoyancy.
11. Perform a proper descent in water too deep to stand, under control, with a buddy.
12. During descent, perform a bubble check and display check.
13. Change to appropriate set-point if not initiated automatically.
14. Check oxygen sensors are not current limited (linearity check) if not initiated automatically.
15. Demonstrate proper operation of mouthpiece closure mechanism.
16. On signal of a simulated emergency, bail out to an open circuit source, then return to the loop after the exercise following proper procedures.
17. Demonstrate the procedure for removing water and purging it from the loop through the OPV (or other valve) or into a water trap, as appropriate.
18. Swim in a horizontal position, maintaining neutral buoyancy.
19. Demonstrate buoyancy control ability by remaining at a single depth without rising or sinking more than 1 metre/3 feet and with minimum use of fins or sculling.
20. Demonstrate correct procedure for manual addition of oxygen (where appropriate).
21. Demonstrate correct procedure for manual addition of diluent (where appropriate).
22. Demonstrate correct procedure for diluent flush (where appropriate).
23. Deploy a DSMB and reel, inflate the DSMB and send it up on the line.

24. In water too deep to stand, make a normal, controlled ascent maintaining buddy contact, looking up and ascending at the appropriate rate.
25. At the surface in water too deep in which to stand, demonstrate proper procedures by establishing buoyancy with the BCD, then closing the mouthpiece before removing the mouthpiece from the mouth.
26. At the surface in water too deep in which to demonstrate oral inflation of the BCD stand,
27. Respond to a simulated rebreather emergency by bailing out to the BOV and/or switching to the off-board bailout cylinder and ascending to the surface at an appropriate controlled rate accompanied by a buddy.
28. Exit the water using a technique appropriate for the environment.
29. Demonstrate appropriate post-dive care and disassembly for the rebreather, in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines.
30. *Don and off-board bailout cylinder at the surface.
31. *Remove and replace an off-board bailout cylinder while underwater.
32. *Remove an off-board bailout cylinder at the surface.
33. *On signal of a simulated emergency, demonstrate proper procedure for switching to the off-board bailout cylinder, then return to the loop after the exercise.
34. *On signal of a simulated emergency, as both a donor and a receiver, use an off-board bailout cylinder to share gas with another diver.
* When a separate bail out cylinder and regulator system is used

Course Completion Performance Requirements

To be awarded the Professional Scuba Association International’s Re-breather Non Decompression Diver certification, the student must:

Attend all academic sessions.
Correctly analyze the oxygen content of two (2) different cylinders.
Correctly perform all dry land based checks and maintenance.
Complete the PSAI Re-breather Non Decompression Diver written examination with a score of at least 80%. All questions shall be correctly answered or remediated and explained.
Conduct the open water dives with appropriate skill and attention to all dive parameters.
Successfully conduct a dive to within 3 meters (10 feet) of the final qualification depth.
Conduct correct post-dive cleaning and maintenance procedures.
Correctly plan, execute, and log the required dives.

The PSAI Instructor is responsible for ensuring that the Re-breather Diver student has demonstrated the appropriate respect and understanding for diving with a re-breather. If the student fails to maintain proper depth control, gas management awareness, etc., the instructor may require additional training or diving prior to certification.

All levels of PSAI Rebreather certification cards are Brand & Model specific. The Brand and Model the student was trained on will be listed on the certification card. No “generic” rebreather certification cards will be issued by PSAI at any level.

Course Options for Club Members

£1046 - Course with own unit, Extras are all Gas, Sofnolime and lake fees, and sea dives
£300 - Rebreather hire unit (Evo+ or Inspiration). Extras are all Gas, Sofnolime, lake fees, sea dives
£8195 - *Brand new Rebreather from us and Rebreather Course package plus delivery

Course Options for Non Club Members

£1137 - Course with own unit. Extras are all Gas, Sofnolime and lake fees
£400 - Rebreather hire unit (Evo+ or Inspiration). Extras are all Gas, Sofnolime and lake fees
£8285 - *Brand new Rebreather from us and Rebreather Course package plus delivery

*Rebreather & Course Package includes

Personal course
Integrated weight harness
Counter Lungs either OTSC or BMC
16Kg or 22kg Wing with Auto Air
ADV
Flowstop
Temp Stick
Nitrox Software
Trimix Software
3L DIL Cylinder and 02 Cylinder M26 or M25 Fitting
Fitted with 2020 Vision Colour Display electronics
Black or Yellow Handset Cover
Rechargeable batteries
Head-Up-Display (HUD)
PC Download and Logviewer software.
All delivered in a large reuseable sturdy plastic crate with manuals, interstage pressure guage, cables and 3 x 02 Sensors.

Other Optional Extras on New Unit from factory

OCB £698.48 + £59.84 for Gas Connector System (GCS) #GC1/24
Black Case - £58.21
Lift Bar - £116.41

Each student is to provide their own other diving equipment, pay for gas bills, Sofnolime which can be supplied by use in and lake/boat fees.

Please contact us for further information

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