My PADI Divemaster course was the most thorough training I have ever received. In the Bay Islands I got to know Divemaster trainees at other schools, and no one elses program compared .
There are two types of PADI rebreather courses, recreational and technical, that correspond to specific rebreather units classified as either Type R or Type T.
Recreational rebreather diving is limited to 30 meters/100ft and no stop times, and has the option for immediate bail out to open circuit scuba carried on board the unit.
Technical rebreather diving, is on more complex units, requiring own packing of sofnolime and manual operation of controls and beyond limits of recreational diving, with decompression stops involved.
PADI have classified closed circuit rebreathers into 2 categories, Type R (recreational) and Type T (technical). Some of these units can have an overlap in both categories.
• Typically Type R units have pre-packed scrubber cartridges and do not require diver to pack cartridge, no manual addition of O2 and automated start up checks.
• Type R rebreathers can be electronic closed circuit, or electronic semi-closed circuit. The PADI rebreather courses are generic and are adapted to specific approved units, currently for recreational purposes the Poseidon MK6 and AP Valves Inspiration 'rec'.
The manufacturer's literature and manuals are also to be used to support the course.
At Utila Dive Centre, we are currently offering training on the Poseidon MK6 (Type R) unit, at both diver and Instructor level, and the following courses are available;