This article was written by Vikki Batten and originally published on the TecRec blog on October 6, 2015.

A Member reached out with the titular question for this article, so I thought I would share the answer here more publicly. We have had similar questions in the past, so hopefully this will help other Members as well.

For PADI Pros

PADI Instructors and Assistant Instructors may equip themselves with rebreathers when conducting PADI course training dives where indirect supervision is permitted. Follow these guidelines:

Carry out a risk assessment prior to the dive to decide whether it is appropriate for you to use a rebreather. In particular, ensure that at least one other diver (e.g. your certified assistant) could assist you and is familiar with the rebreather controls. Consider whether you may need to provide any course-related demonstrations for your class, and, if so, whether your gear configuration will interfere with student diver learning.
Have certification specific to the rebreather you are using and dive you plan and have logged at least 50 hours with that unit.
Use a rebreather that is registered for use on PADI courses.
Maintain and operate the rebreather according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Carry a separate cylinder of open circuit gas that is safe to breathe at any depth encountered on the dive. The second stage should be fitted with a hose of a suitable length for sharing with another diver, accessible to them and within the normal “activity triangle”. The cylinder should have a capacity of at least 850 litres free gas/30 cf.
Follow any local regulations that may apply to the use of rebreathers, particularly if you may be classified as a working diver. NOTE: Units must meet CE to be used within areas that require this certification.

For PADI Divers

Can rebreathers be used in PADI courses other than rebreather courses?

Yes, so long as the following criteria are met:

In most courses, as long as the course performance requirements can be met when using the unit, and
If the rebreather is listed on the register (see above), and
If divers have appropriate rebreather credentials.

Rebreathers may not be used in PADI Discover Scuba Diving programs, PADI Scuba Diver, PADI Open Water Diver, Instructor Development Courses, or courses with specific equipment requirements (it would not meet the performance requirements), e.g. Sidemount or Open Circuit TecRec courses.

You may also like to read/share the Rebreather Informer which is designed to familiarize non-rebreather divers with rebreather diving and buddying rebreather divers.

If you have any other questions about rebreathers, please email rebreather@padi.com

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