CCR Considerations
Very few regular dive tourists will ever have the opportunity to witness this world-class national park in the bubble-free and quiet environment a rebreather provides. Trips like this have rarely been put together in the past and this amazing experience is now made available to a very limited and select group of divers.
SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT
When faced with mixing rip-your-face off currents and advanced life support systems, there are some important additional safety considerations that you must take seriously when diving in Galápagos.
DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE CURRENT
The dingy drivers that drop you off at the dive sites historically follow open circuit groups bubbles as they progress from the dive site and can easily identify if a person gets separated. This becomes impossible with rebreather divers and staying with your CCR guide is paramount.
Lift bags are deployed at the end of the dive to mark the pick-up spot for the dingy drivers. As an emergency backup, every diver carries a Nautilus Lifeline which transmits the GPS position of the missing diver directly to the liveaboard vessel, should you become separated. It is easy to underestimate how far away you can be separated from the group in a few minutes so take this step seriously.
CHECKLISTS, CHECKLISTS, AND MORE CHECKLISTS
In 2018 we implemented a crucial safety feature onboard all our expeditions. The SPLASH checklists are a standardized, thorough, predive safety procedure where the diver is asked a series of questions to make sure their rebreather is operating safely before leaving the boat and stepping onto the dingy.
Downloaded the SPLASH now, along with a customized packing checklist HERE.
WEAR APPROPRIATE BAILOUT
Another misconception in Galápagos is that since it’s “only” MOD 1 diving, divers only will need a 40cf/6L bailout. A minimum of a total 80 cu ft/12L of bailout is mandatory to provide safe diving operations when considering rebreather-specific emergency procedures at depth in a strong current.
NEW DAY, NEW SCRUBBER
A very firm rule onboard. A “CCR Tax” is applied on rebreather trips to Galapagos that includes all the finest sofnolime and O2 money can buy. A new day, new scrubber, and tank refills between dives is a very safe rhythm which is a topic that could be an article itself.
HOW TO INTERACT WITH MARINE LIFE
To help you get the best out of your dives stick to these rules:
FOLLOW YOUR GUIDE
Once you descend, your guide will show you a viewing area where you can spot the highlights of the dive site. It is simply impossible to swim against the current so hook yourself in or wedge yourself between some rocks (not coral). If after a while there is no “action”, the guide will take the group to a new spot.
BE A TEAM PLAYER
Good teamwork is imperative for a successful expedition. This is amongst the reasons warm-up dives are conducted en route to Darwin to ensure the highest chance for success for everybody involved. Many of these practices are specific to each dive site and will be briefed by your guide. One of the hardest practices for photographers to ignore is not swimming out to a school of hammerheads for the “money shot”.
Realize when this is done the marine life will back off accordingly and reduce that experience for everyone else. Honestly, if this rule is followed the marine life comes within a meter of everyone. Of course, don't forget the basics: be that diver; never touch or intimidate marine life.
CerTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICS
Certification prerequisites are MOD 1. A minimum of 50 dives on the unit you intend to bring is required.
TANKS
The following DIN cylinders are available for CCR divers on our vessel:
2L and 3L/7-23 cu ft rebreather cylinders
12L/80 cu ft bailout cylinders
OBS - During the trip you are required to carry a MINIMUM of total 80cu/12L ft bailout total.
*GUE CCR configurations: we can provide 6L/40 cu ft tanks but you need to bring your own LOLA vales.
*There are NO M26 valves or adapters on board, you must bring your own.
*Slings for deco/bailout are provided, but bring yours if you can to have it just right for you.
*Please specify the unit you will dive in when you book along with the tank sizes you need.
GASES
O2 is included
All Nitrox mixes will be provided
SOFNOLIME
Sofnolime will be provided to CCR divers