Reefs and Rebreathers

Karen Stearns · Issue 84, May/Jun 2015 · pp. 59–63

Products mentioned: KISS Sport, Orca Spirit, AP Diving Evolution, Sofnolime 797, Sofnolime N2050, Pelagian

With more than 20 kilometers of protected reef to explore, most visitors to Wakatobi find they run out of bottom time long before they run out of things to see. Short of growing gills, one of the best ways to rack up a bit more underwater exploration is to dive with a rebreather. In recent years, the popularity of closed-circuit rebreathers, aka CCR, has continued to increase among the recreational diving community. There are a number of advantages rebreathers provide, including the possibility of increased no-stop bottom times, the unit’s ability to deliver warmer, moister breathing gas, and the benefits of silent operation, which may allow closer approaches to marine life. In many ways, Wakatobi is an ideal location for rebreather diving. The same high-relief reefs that allow open-circuit scuba divers to enjoy long multi-level dives are perfect for rebreather profiles, as divers can be…