IANTD Open Water Closed Circuit Rebreather Diver

Purpose

This Program is designed to train competent divers in the safer use and technology of basic CCR diving with no decompression, up to 1.2 PO2 and to depths up to 70 fsw (21 msw). This course may be used as an entry-level course to SCUBA diving if combined with the OW program in which case OC dives will be substituted with CCR dives. The diver can dive to a maximum depth of 100 fsw (30 msw) if they are guided or supervised dive by a rebreather supervisor or instructor. The training requirements here in are IANTD minimums. Other manufacturer’s requirements MAY APPLY for specific rebreathers so consult manufacturers literature prior to teaching.

Prerequisites

Must be either an IANTD EANx Diver or equivalent or it may be taken in conjunction with the EANx Diver class.
Must be a minimum of 17 years of age.

Program Content

All lectures completed with IANTD Course-specific Slides pertaining to the theory in the IANTD OW CCR-specific Diver Student Kit.
This program must include a confined water session, followed by 4 OW dives with a minimum of 300 minutes of in-water training time on the specific rebreather for which the diver is being trained.
Students must pass the specific OW CCR test with a minimum score of 80%.
The student and instructor must carry sufficient gas to ascend safely to the surface in the event of a bailout to OC is required and to adequately support the OC bailout practices.

Equipment Requirements

IANTD OW CCR-specific Diver Student Kit.
Approved specific Rebreather suitable for the training exposure. If the student does not take possession of, or have access to a CCR within 3 months of completion of training a refresher course will be required on the CCR that must include review of operations of that CCR, and two dives on the CCR.
Instructors must have the IANTD Waterproof Skills Sheets on all confined and OW dives.

Program Limits

There may be no more than 4 students per Instructor, except for when a CCR qualified Dive Supervisor is used at which time the ratio may be increased to 6 students.
No dives may be conducted to depths greater than 70 fsw (21 msw).
The set point of the CCR must not exceed 1.0 PO2 for all dives within the class - All dives must be completed within the IANTD oxygen CNS% limits with air or EANx (not to exceed 1.0 PO2 at max depth of dive) as the only diluents.
The instructor may use a Rebreather or OC during training sessions however it is recommended that the instructor use a rebreather at all times to better demonstrate skills and monitor the student.

Water Skills Development - Open Water Training must include the following skills:

Complete all in water skills for OW diver if not already qualified as a diver
Pre-dive checks including a pre-breathe.
Switch to low set point for descent and monitor the PO2 to ensure it remains within the planned PO2 range
Switch to planned set point once the diver is at the planned dive depth or set point change depth
In water leak and buddy leak check. If conditions prohibit this after entry this then immediately upon arrival at a stable depth. Where practical this may be accomplished between just below the surface to 20 fsw (6 msw) deep.
Descend and ensure gas addition is made.
Open Circuit bailout practice for Hyperoxia, Hypoxia, Flooded loop, and Hypercapnia (including at least two OC ascents from approximately 60 fsw (18 msw).
Adjust buoyancy and trim.
Proper operation of computer controlling and secondary equipment.
PO2 gauge monitoring to be done no more frequently that once a minute and no less often than once every four minutes
Buoyancy and trim on the bottom during ascent and at safety stops.
Safety Stop practice.
Post dive briefing.
At least two times on each dive, Instructor is to signal to student(s) that they have an emergency. On the last two dives, present the following situations. The student is to perform appropriate actions and write down the suspected problem. At least once per dive perform complex (multi-part) scenarios such as Hypoxia or Hyperoxia drill for donor while gas sharing by handing bailout cylinder or other bailout mechanism to an out of gas diver ascend.
Inhalation counterlung inflating rapidly Suspect solenoid failure open ; switch to OC
Feeling unusual Switch to OC
Buoyancy has changed to very negative Switch to OC
Difficult breathing counterlung at correct volume Switch to OC
Weakness in legs Switch to OC
Shortness of breath Switch to OC
Feeling of well being Switch to OC
Feel like you are about to blackout Switch to OC
Muscle twitching Switch to OC
Nausea Switch to OC
Ears ringing Switch to OC
Hearing or visual abnormalities Switch to OC
Feeling dizzy Switch to OC
Extreme quietness (absence of solenoid noise) Suspect electronics off, or solenoid defective
Solenoid fires but no oxygen injected Suspect oxygen supply empty or cylinder off (valve closed) or inline valve closed
Diluent not being added Suspect diluent cylinder empty or cylinder off (valve closed) or inline valve closed
2 cells read high but low cell checks with diluent PO2 Switch to OC
2 cells read high and check with diluent PO2 Switch to OC