Written by Aron Arngrimsson, expedition leader and founder of The Dirty Dozen Expeditions, Header Image by Bruce Parkinson
Embarking on your first rebreather liveaboard trip is an exhilarating experience. It offers a unique opportunity to meet and learn from like-minded travelers and explore remote dive sites that are often inaccessible on open circuit or recreational itineraries. To ensure you make the most of your adventure, we’ve teamed up with The Dirty Dozen Expeditions to offer you some essential tips for first-time CCR liveaboard divers:
1. Choose the Right Operator
Selecting the right operator that understands your needs as a rebreather diver is crucial for a successful trip. Consider the following factors:
- Destination: Diving closed circuit opens up a whole new world of potential dive sites. Research the best destinations for CCR divers, be it wrecks beyond recreational dive limits or easier access to marine life.
- Boat Facilities: Look for an operation that supports CCR divers. They should provide oxygen fills and scrubber at a minimum, but most rebreather-friendly boats will also offer onboard cylinder rental so you don’t have to bring your own. Also take into account the itinerary – not all boats offer technical diving.
- Duration: Trips can range from a few days to several weeks. Choose a duration that suits your schedule and stamina.
- Diving Experience: Some operators cater to all levels of divers, while others offer ‘tech-only’ trips. Ensure the trip and itinerary matches your experience level. Consider joining a trip aimed exclusively at CCR divers to give you peace of mind that all bases are covered.
2. Plan Ahead
Some basic preparation can make a big difference to the success of your trip:
- Service Equipment: Several months before departure have your rebreather and regulators serviced, change the cells, and do a test dive to make sure everything is working. Decide what configuration you will dive during the trip and make any necessary upgrades or adjustments well ahead of time.
- Get Wet: You don’t want to waste your time onboard doing check-dives or warm-up dives. If you’re not diving regularly, get some refresher dives in before you leave and work yourself back up into dive mode.
- Smart Travel: Plan to arrive at your destination a couple of days before your liveaboard trip departs. This will give you time to recover from the journey and also allow some wiggle room if you or your bags are delayed.
- Research: Spend some time learning about the destination and what you can expect from the dives you will be doing. There is a huge wealth of online resources starting with Dirty Dozen Expeditions’ Knowledge Base here.
3. Pack Smart and Light
Space is often limited on liveaboards, so pack efficiently:
- Dive Gear: Bring your own gear as this ensures a better fit and familiarity. Don’t rely on renting stage regs, rigging kits, or cylinders unless you have confirmation from the boat that these items are available.
- Spares: Bring spares and back-ups wherever possible as well as some extra service kits and consumables such as batteries and cells. If you are traveling with other CCR divers, consider clubbing together to share the cost of buying and traveling with extra gear.
- Clothing: Pack light, breathable clothing, sun protection, and a light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings.
- Medical Supplies: Rebreather-specific trips are often in remote destinations where medical facilities are limited. As well as any regular medications, try to get hold of some broad-spectrum antibiotics, antibiotic cream, ear drops, seasickness tablets, and painkillers.
- Baggage Tracking: Add a locator tag such as an iTag or Tile to each of your checked and carry-on bags so that you can locate it if the airline doesn’t deliver it on time. In addition, consider using bright tape to mark your final destination airport code on the outside of each checked bag as an easy cue for baggage handlers.
This Dive Packing List is a great resource.
4. Stay Safe and Follow Dive Briefings
Safety should always be your top priority:
- Insurance: Don’t dive without comprehensive dive insurance coverage. At a minimum, a good dive insurance policy should include chamber coverage and emergency evacuation.
- Briefings: Pay close attention to the dive and safety briefings and follow the agreed dive plan for your team.
- Emergency Procedures: Familiarize yourself with the boat’s emergency procedures and equipment, first aid supplies, and emergency O2.
- Buoyancy Control: Perfect your buoyancy skills and consider your configuration to avoid silting. Not only is silting unpleasant for any divers entering a wreck behind you, it can very quickly turn into a life-threatening situation.
- Overhead Certifications: Any diver carrying out wreck penetrations should hold an overhead certification, specifically Full Cave or Advanced/Technical Wreck.
- Checklist: Follow manufacturer guidelines when building and running through start-up checks on your unit. Many operators will also run through their own checklist before allowing you in the water.
You can see an example here of a comprehensive Splash Checklist which The Dirty Dozen Expeditions runs with every rebreather diver before they descend.
5. Socialize and Enjoy the Experience
A liveaboard trip is a great opportunity to meet like-minded divers and make new friends:
- Engage: Join group activities, share your dive experiences, and participate in discussions.
- Learn: Ask about the various configurations and set-ups you encounter and take the opportunity to practice new skills.
- Relax: Enjoy the downtime between dives, soak in the scenery, and take time to relax and unwind.
Final Thoughts
Your first rebreather liveaboard diving trip will be an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, learning, and camaraderie. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your journey and create lasting memories. Safe diving!
