If you are a marine adventure enthusiast, sometimes you want to dive deeper and longer into the seabed. Indeed, this advanced exploration allows you to find shipwrecks, caves, or unique deep-sea creatures. As such, you need to use a rebreather mask diving setup to ensure that not only can you swim longer, but also recycle the exhaled gas.
It further scrubs carbon dioxide and replenishes the oxygen. Thus, you can swim in silence and bubble-free, making it comfortable to approach the sea creatures. A closed-circuit rebreather system is usually not for starters. To wear it properly, a professional diver needs to undergo special training.
Among the key lessons is knowing how to balance oxygen and remove carbon dioxide safely. The knowledge and practice are useful becausethis rebreather mask diving system does not function automatically like a traditional scuba tank. In this article, ‘rebreather mask diving’ refers to closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) diving systems used for advanced underwater exploration. Read more on the interesting facts about the mask diving category in the paragraphs that follow!
How long can you dive on a rebreather mask diving?
Typically, you can dive between two and four hours using a closed-circuit rebreather (CCR). Such a period is much longer than the conventional scuba diving, which is usually 45 to 60 minutes. As said above, this tool is popular among pro divers.
In addition, it is mainly used for military divers, technical or extreme recreational divers, and underwater photographers and videographers. Thus, this mask diving is an integral part of various purposes, such as recreation, filming, scientific research, and photography. Check the key components of the mask below!
- Mouthpiece and breathing loop: These components enable the users to breathe in and out the air and then store the exhaled air.
- Scrubber (CO₂ absorber): It chemically removes carbon dioxide from the exhaled gas using absorbent material like soda lime.
- Oxygen supply: Oxygen is added to the breathing loop to maintain a safe partial pressure level as monitored by sensors.
- Counterlungs: A sort of “air bellows” inside the loop that holds the recycled air and contracts as you breathe.
- Valves and sensors: These elements help control airflow, check oxygen levels, and inform the diver if the levels are too much or too little.
- Dive computer/monitor: It tracks oxygen percentage, depth, and diving time, hence the diver can stay within safe limits.
Three risks of rebreather mask diving
This equipment poses several risks, although it offers tremendous benefits for advanced diving activities. The risks are mostly related to oxygen, carbon dioxide buildup, equipment failure, and human error. If something goes wrong, serious accidents occur, which may cost the diver’s life. Once again, taking part in training is imperative, besides having a scuba certification beforehand.
Rebreather diving requires advanced certification and unit-specific training from recognized agencies such as PADI, SSI, TDI, or others. In this case, you will learn emergency and good buoyancy skills. Next, you can join the specific course in the mask category. With the proper practice, you can solve or anticipate the risks, such as:
Too much vs too little oxygen
The most dangerous risk is the oxygen level as you dive in the water. You need to monitor the oxygen condition all the time. If there’s too little oxygen or hypoxia, you can pass out without warning. Excess oxygen (hyperoxia) can trigger seizures underwater, which may lead to drowning if not managed properly.
Carbon dioxide buildup (Hypercapnia)
The condition can occur if the scrubber in the rebreather mask diving fails. For example, you incorrectly pack the scrubber, or it absorbs CO₂ too frequently. As a result, you can suffer from headaches, panic, shortness of breath, and even loss of consciousness. Your body has too much carbon dioxide.
Equipment failure
As said above, the rebreather mask diving consists of several important aspects. If one of them doesn’t work properly, the entire rebreather mask diving system may malfunction and potentially cause serious problems. For example, if the sensor stops working or reads incorrectly, the diver might think the oxygen is safe. Yet, the actual condition tells the other way around, meaning the diver may suffer from hypoxia or hyperoxia.
Let’s dive safely and enjoyably in Komodo with Diving First!
Komodo is widely recognized as one of the world’s top diving destinations due to its strong currents, biodiversity, and manta ray encounters. Batu Bolong, Manta Point, and Crystal Rocks will offer you memorable diving experiences you might not feel anywhere else. Diving First is here to boost your marine adventure.
We are a team of professional divers and tour guides with global recognition. We have handled a lot of clients, from amateurs to advanced ones. Our programmes consist of some training on rebreather mask diving to ensure you know how to enjoy the underwater world safely. Hurry up and join us! Book the package based on your holiday period and budget. Don’t hesitate to chat with us via WhatsApp for quick replies!