What Can We Learn…
When most think about technical diving, the visions that spring to mind are deep dives, perhaps an overhead environment, always gear intensive, and with complex gas switches as part of a slow journey from depth back to the surface; but the mindset, the philosophy supporting all that paraphernalia, is 100 percent about risk management and following a proper set plan with skilful precision. However remote and distanced all that may seem from a recreational open water dive, there’s common ground and everyday open water divers, even rank beginners, will benefit from adopting some of the techniques and core habits that technical divers use to stay safe and happy. 1. Rigorous Gas Management (The Rule of Thirds) Rather than relying on
Bailout Gas Limits
HOW DO YOU KNOW ENOUGH IS ENOUGH? The gap between textbook theory and real-world Closed Circuit Rebreather (CCR) cave diving is a critical topic in technical diving. The tension between neat agency formulas and the messy reality of physical gas management highlights several core takeaways for safe diving execution: Key Disconnects in CCR Bailout Planning Best Practices for Closing the Gap But all of this can be summarised easily: TEST YOUR CALCULATIONS. PRACTICE BAILING OUT EVERY CHANCE YOU GET. PRACTICE WITH A BUDDY IN A FAMILIAR CAVE, AND TRACK ACTUAL AGAINST BUDGET.
CESA, Simply Not a Good Solution…
You may have noticed during Open Water training with RAID that we do not emphasize or promote CESA (Controlled-Ascent Emergency Swimming Ascent). The simple reason is that executing a CESA is inherently hazardous, and relying on it as anything but a last resort is foolish. In an actual out-of-air emergency, there are much better options… and those we teach. But first, let’s look at what’s wrong with the mindset that suggests CESA works. The issue is a basic human failing: the Psychological and Physiological Panic Loop. An out-of-air emergency triggers an immediate adrenaline surge. This triggers a natural but undesirable human instinct: suddenly deprived of air, a common reaction is to hold one’s breath and kick frantically
The Non-Negotiable Physical Checklist
A WORD ABOUT CHECKLISTS FOR CCR CAVE STUDENTS Although a RAID CCR overhead course is not about learning the basic operations of a rebreather (just how to cavern and cave dive using one), it does give us a chance to remember this. Please adopt this practice in your diving both inside and outside of your training. A closed-circuit rebreather is an ingenious life-support machine, but it is fundamentally a machine—and machines operate with cold indifference to human error and oversight. Relying on memory, habit, or a quick mental scan while standing at the water’s edge is an invitation to systemic failure. Using a physical checklist is not an administrative burden or an entry-level crutch; it is a core competency of
A Word To New CCR Divers
The primary concern for new closed-circuit rebreather divers must be to fast-track the habits that manage life-support systems, monitor gas mixtures manually and electronically, and avoid the complacency that leads to critical human errors. These risk management and operational skills are foundational. So much so that they form the bedrock of entry-level CCR training… and should be part of ongoing CCR diving. Although the traditional pathway is transitioning from an open-circuit mindset into a loop environment, it often has shortcomings. In some regards, this is tougher than starting rebreather diving without any OC experience. The traditional OC-to-CCR progression calls for a complete rewiring of the diver’s approach to gas management, monitoring personal checks and balances, and pre-dive disciplines. When introducing students or
Could Explorer 30 Be Your Best Next Step?
Taking the RAID Explorer 30 course is one of the smartest ways to build on everything you learned in your RAID Open Water program. But it’s much more than that, and a fun way to push your diving to the next level. RAID Explorer 30 is a “dive-intense and textbook-light” two-day program that bridges the gap between being a supervised beginner shepherded around by a divemaster or guide, and becoming a truly confident, adaptable, and self-aware diver. If you are looking to expand your underwater horizons, here is why the Explorer 30 program is your gateway to excellence: Access Deeper, More Exciting Sites A bunch of the world’s most spectacular coral gardens, marine ecosystems, fish hangouts, wall dives, and challenging