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There's a lot of discussion on the tech list right now about how to pick a rebreather, or how to get trained, or even who should do training. I'll add my perspective about what I think the right way to get into rebreathers should be. Clearly, you have to start by picking a rebreather you want to train on. There's so much confusion in today's market regarding the right rebreather for you. Fully closed or semi-closed? Electronics and PO2 sensors or not? Is the price right or should I wait until later? Is this really the best one? It's difficult to answer these questions based purely on what you read or hear. There's nothing like placing a unit on your back and diving it. Wouldn't you test drive a car before buying it? Why not a rebreather? It is a confusing market whenever ideas enter as firsts into the sports diving community. We all need to remember that we're all on the same side - the side of development and progress. Learning from one another is how this very small market and sport industry has evolved. Industry secrets have not promoted growth. I first became familiar with the BMD/SCR-4 in December of 1994. I was trained on the unit and certified by BMD Undersea Equipment Inc., and by I.A.N.T.D., as rebreather instructor no. 001, and no. 13, respectively. I have assisted in and conducted many diver experiences on the unit, from "TEK 95" to the present. Recently I underwent training from BMD's Chief Engineer to service the units, as well. The many changes that have occurred within this unit have been a direct result of the many hours of dive time I have personally placed on the unit. Other pioneering diver's opinions have also developed this unit from its initial starting point - remember, learning from one another is a key. As you may already know, the BMD was a first on the market. Its evolution is the result of significant alternations and improvements made to the earlier unit. Extensive re-engineering by BMD has resulted in superior performance over the previous engineering concepts. Items such as new counterlungs, Biomarine hoses and mouthpieces, and low pressure supply cylinders have greatly improved diver ease and ability. There was yet another cry heard from the dive industry - the price! And BMD has effectively decreased its price to the target. I have extensive bottom time on this unit - well over 100 hours logged - at a variety of depths and decompressions, with different gas mixtures used along the way. I find, still, that I become more in tune with the unit on every dive. For me, learning to be a rebreather diver has taken practice. (Sounds a lot like what I said when first learning open-circuit -"Every dive gets a little better; hang in there, kid - it will come.") The latest BMD/SCR-4 series 2B has a sticker price of only $7,500/U.S. currency, with a three-year written warranty. It is slightly positive with no gas in the BCD, and with both counterlungs full. I am so excited with this new unit that, although I have access to three or four units at any given time, I recently purchased one for myself in order that it be a permanent addition to my equipment. A very close friend and fellow instructor has purchased a unit; we are both extremely pleased with them. Variety is the spice of life, and this is no exception. This may or may not be the rebreather for you, but now you have a chance to try it on for size. Anyone who is interested in a semi-closed rebreather should not overlook this one. HYDRA EXPLORATIONS INC. is offering experiences daily, as well as a variety of other extended range diving services. I may be contacted at 407/881-0174, or 407/457-6937, or write to: HYDRA EXPLORATIONS, INC. "Progressive Diving Adventures for the Palm Beaches" 404 49th Street West Palm Beach, FL 33407 E-Mail Address: aec@ga*.ne* Captain Todd Ives
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