PADI SEMI - CLOSED REBREATHER SPECIALTY DIVER COURSE

The PADI Dolphin Semi-Closed Rebreather Specialty Diver Course is a specialized program designed to teach divers how to safely and effectively use the Dolphin semi-closed rebreather system. Unlike traditional open-circuit scuba, where you exhale bubbles and waste gas into the water, a rebreather recycles the exhaled gas by removing carbon dioxide and adding oxygen as needed. This allows for longer dive times, quieter underwater movement, and less gas consumption.

During the course, you learn the unique principles of rebreather diving, including how the system works, how to properly prepare and maintain the equipment, and how to monitor and manage oxygen levels throughout the dive. You will also gain skills in performing pre-dive checks, troubleshooting common problems, and understanding the specific safety considerations related to rebreather use.

The training includes both theory sessions and practical in-water training dives, where you practice handling the Dolphin rebreather under the supervision of a certified instructor. This specialty is suitable for certified divers who want to experience the advantages of rebreather diving and expand their skills beyond traditional scuba.

Upon completing the course, you will be certified to dive with the Dolphin semi-closed rebreather, enabling longer, more efficient dives with reduced gas consumption and minimal bubble disturbance—ideal for underwater photography, research, and recreational diving where stealth and extended bottom time are beneficial.

The PADI Semi-Closed Rebreather Specialty Diver Course teaches certified divers how to use the Dolphin semi-closed rebreather, a special scuba system that recycles your breath. This lets you stay underwater longer and use less gas compared to regular scuba.

The course includes some classroom or online learning to explain how the rebreather works and how to set it up safely. Then, you’ll practice using the equipment in a pool or confined water, learning how to check the system and handle it underwater. Finally, you do a few open water dives with an instructor to practice in real conditions.

You’ll learn how to manage your breathing gas, perform safety checks, and respond if something goes wrong. After completing the course, you’ll be certified to dive with the Dolphin semi-closed rebreather, which lets you enjoy longer, quieter dives with less gas use.

For the PADI Semi-Closed Rebreather Specialty Diver Course, having an Enriched Air (Nitrox) certification is often recommended but not always strictly required. This is because the Dolphin semi-closed rebreather uses gas mixes with higher oxygen content than regular air, similar to enriched air diving.

Many dive centers prefer or require that you already have some experience diving with enriched air to ensure you understand how higher oxygen levels affect dive planning and safety. If you don’t have the Enriched Air certification yet, some instructors might ask you to complete the Enriched Air Diver course before or alongside the rebreather training.

In short, while it may not be an official prerequisite everywhere, having your Enriched Air Diver certification is a good idea and sometimes expected before taking the Semi-Closed Rebreather Specialty course. It helps prepare you for managing oxygen exposure and dive planning with higher oxygen mixes.

To take the PADI Semi-Closed Rebreather Specialty Diver Course, you must be a certified scuba diver, typically holding at least a PADI Open Water Diver certification or an equivalent from another recognized agency. You should be comfortable and confident with your basic diving skills since this course builds on that foundation.

There’s usually a minimum age requirement of 15 years old, but this can vary depending on the dive center or local regulations. You’ll also need to have a recent medical clearance to dive, as rebreather diving can be more demanding than regular scuba.

Because this is a specialty course that involves more complex equipment and procedures, some prior diving experience is recommended to ensure you can handle the training safely and effectively.

 Upon certification as a PADI Semi-Closed Rebreather Specialty Diver, you will be qualified to dive using the Dolphin semi-closed rebreather system. This means you’ll have the skills and knowledge to safely prepare, operate, and manage this advanced breathing apparatus, allowing you to enjoy longer dives with less gas consumption compared to traditional scuba.

You’ll be able to confidently perform pre-dive checks, monitor oxygen levels, handle equipment malfunctions, and follow safety procedures specific to rebreather diving. This certification opens up new diving possibilities, including quieter, more efficient dives that are ideal for underwater photography, exploration, and research.

Overall, being certified expands your diving skills and experience, giving you access to more advanced equipment and diving techniques that go beyond open-circuit scuba.