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Bailout CCR Course Standards Outlined

Rebreathers are great pieces of kit that do away with the need to carry an excessive amount of dive cylinders on deeper dives. However, this advantage is offset by the need to also carry additional open circuit cylinders on which a diver can bail out in case of a rebreather malfunction. Using another rebreather could be a better solution and to that end, a bailout rebreather course has been developed.

Words:
Peter Symes
Images:
Gabriele Paparo
Diver wearing a sidemounted bailout rebreather
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Tech and Training

So, why can’t you just strap on another rebreather and switch to it, if need be? Well, it is not quite that simple.

Rebreathers are quite bulky pieces of equipment, so two rebreathers take up a lot of space. They also demand a lot of a diver’s attention, providing a degree of task loading.

Further info

Matthew Jevon has posted some further advice on choosing a sidemount rebreather on his website.

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Getting Lined Up: Troubleshooting Sidemount Tank Configuration

I like sidemount. I will frequent­ly, jokingly, disparage the configuration, but I do like it. It can be comfortable and streamlined. It can be very flexible. There is an argument to be made for completely isolated redundancy. Mostly, it is good for moving through places no bigger than the space below your coffee table.

Words:
Robert Williams
Images:
Roger Williams
Cave photo by S.J. Alice Bennet
Download the full article as pdf ⬇︎
Tech and Training

What it is not—as has been lamentably sold with such popularity—is it being just as easy as buying a new harness and putting two tanks on your sides.

There are a ton of harnesses on the market, each of which have their benefits and drawbacks. Some are more heavily weighted on the benefits side; some are complete crap. For all of them, it is going to depend pretty heavily on your body type, philosophies, preferred tanks and diving style. Most importantly, contrary to what anyone might tell you, there is no perfect system.

Dive Rite Nomad LS Sidemount System

Dive Rite has probably has put more research and development into sidemount equipment than any other company on this planet.

BCD's, Wings & Sidemounts
Technical gear
Dive Rite

They have devoted over two decades of in-water and manufacturing experience to this style of diving. Consequently when this Floridian brand unveils a new sidemount product, 'divers in-the-know' sit up and take notice.

Dive Rite's latest evolution of their popular 'Nomad' sidemount system was unveiled at DEMA.2016 in Las Vegas.

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Sidemount Workshop – a matter of comfort

When I started scuba diving, I became aware of the limitations of an injured body. Every time I carried a scuba tank, the acute pain in my lower back and shoulders increased, and it took a long time for the pain to go away. I did not want to give up scuba diving, so I looked for a solution and found one—diving sidemount.

Words:
Olga Torrey
Images:
Larry Cohen
Download the full article as pdf ⬇︎
Equipment
Tech and Training

The best time of my life was when I competed in track and field as a teenager, in college and as a young adult. I continue to engage in sports today, including cross-country skiing, snowboarding, table tennis, basketball and many other sports. Injuries I sustained through sports stopped me from fully enjoying these activities. Since 1999, I have suffered from a back injury and have had both my shoulders operated on. 

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