Should I Try a Rebreather?

Paul Murphy   Jun 21, 2026

 

The short answer is, of course, yes.

A more detailed answer is probably required.

Why Use a Rebreather?

Quite simply, a rebreather, like any piece of scuba equipment, is a tool designed for a specific job.

What a rebreather immediately gives the diver is a much more immersive, almost zen-like experience underwater compared to traditional open circuit (OC) scuba. The silence of a rebreather helps you feel more connected to your surroundings. This becomes especially noticeable when marine life approaches rather than moves away from the constant stream of bubbles produced by open-circuit diving.

Combine that with significantly longer bottom times, and you have a truly special experience on every dive.

Which Rebreather Should I Choose?

Fortunately, you are in luck.

Tom's Dive & Swim has Try Rebreather events scheduled throughout the diving season. Conducted in Tom's pool, these events allow divers to experience firsthand both the enjoyment and the surprisingly simple operation of a rebreather.

Tom's has both Semi-Closed Rebreathers (SCR) and Closed-Circuit Rebreathers (CCR) available to try. During the session, we discuss the differences between the two systems and help you understand why one might be a better fit for your diving goals than the other.

Okay, But I Have Some Concerns...

Rebreathers Are Expensive

To a degree, that's true.

Then again, so is traditional open-circuit scuba equipment. The difference is that most divers purchase open circuit equipment one piece at a time and rarely consider the total investment all at once.

A rebreather includes virtually everything needed to dive in a single system. Once properly trained, you put it on and dive.

Rebreathers Are Complicated

Actually, not really.

In many ways, rebreathers are simpler than open-circuit systems. In fact, rebreathers were invented long before modern scuba regulators.

Setup and pre-dive checks take about as much time as preparing traditional scuba gear. Perhaps a minute or two longer, but certainly not the lengthy process many divers imagine.

Rebreathers Are Dangerous

Perhaps.

In the same way that driving a vehicle is dangerous. Or scuba diving itself is dangerous.

The equipment is not inherently dangerous. What matters is understanding how it works, receiving proper training, and using it correctly.

The same principles that apply to every form of diving apply here as well.

Advantages of Diving with a Rebreather

Silent and Stealthy Diving

Rebreathers produce almost no bubbles, allowing divers to move quietly through the water without disturbing marine life. This is especially valuable for underwater photography and for observing shy species that often avoid open circuit divers.

Extended Bottom Time

Because rebreathers recycle exhaled gas and deliver only the oxygen your body consumes, gas usage becomes remarkably efficient. Dive times often extend to three, four, or even six hours, compared to the typical duration of an open-circuit dive.

Reduced Fatigue

Rebreathers use gas more efficiently, reducing the amount of equipment required for long dives. Many divers report feeling less fatigued during and after extended dives.

Increased Comfort

The breathing gas inside a rebreather is warmed and humidified as it circulates through the system. This reduces dry mouth and throat discomfort while helping divers stay more comfortable, especially during longer or colder dives.

Improved Situational Awareness

The quiet operation, lack of bubbles, and efficient gas usage allow divers to focus more attention on marine life, the environment, and their dive buddy.

Flexible Gas Management

Rebreathers are often described as nitrox-making machines. They continuously optimize breathing gas throughout the dive, helping maximize efficiency and extending useful bottom time.

I'm in. What's Next?

Let the team at Tom's Dive & Swim know you're interested in a Try Rebreather event, and we'll invite you to the next available session.

Whether you're curious about SCR, CCR, technical diving, or simply experiencing a different side of the underwater world, a Try Rebreather event is the perfect place to start.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Paul Murphy

XR Instructor

Tom's Dive & Swim