Dive Rite Choptima Rebreather Training
There are many reasons an increasing number of cave and technical divers use CCRs.
- CCRs give you the ability to achieve bottom times of up to four hours or more.
- Because provide you with the “best mix,” regardless of depth, they help you keep decompression to a minimum — far less than if diving open circuit.
- Armed with just your CCR and two 11-liter AL80s for open-circuit bailout, you can make dives which would otherwise require massive main cylinders and up to three to four stage/deco cylinders.
- Despite the high cost of helium, CCRs can make diving Trimix affordable.
Cavemax specializes in training divers to use the immensely popular Dive Rite Choptima (Chest-Mount Optima) CCR. We can also provide training in the KISS Sidekick.
Who Can Take This Course?
Exact prerequisites may vary by agency but, in general, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Possess a minimum of Advanced Nitrox/Deco Procedures certification, or equivalent.
- Have logged at least 20 dives.
- Either be able to answer No to all of the questions on an industry-standard Medical History form or obtain a physician’s approval for diving before the start of the course. If you require a physician’s approval, the doctor must sign off on the standard Medical Exam form. Forms signed no more than twelve months before the start of the course are acceptable — provided you have had no change in medical history since then.
What is Involved?
This course typically consists of:
- Self-study.
- At least eight training dives and 480 minutes of Actual Bottom Time.
If you are a certified Cave Diver, there is an option to upgrade to CCR Cave Diver certification. If you are not yet a cave diver, there is yet another option to take your full Cave Diver course using a CCR. Requirements vary, depending on circumstances. Ask us for details.
Where Does the Course Take Place?
Assuming they already possess Cave Diver certification, most of our students do their training in north-central Florida’s freshwater springs — however, you are by no means limited to this. We regularly conduct courses in Russia’s famous Orda system, the world’s largest underwater gypsum cave, as well as do training in Mexico’s cenotes. The choice is up to you.
How Much Does it Cost?
The exact cost of this program will depend on a variety of factors, such are:
- Will you be taking this course by yourself or with one or two other friends or family members?
- Are there any prerequisite courses you need to take in conjunction with the course that will result in your desired certification?
- Where will you be taking the course? (Courses conducted in north-central Florida generally have the lowest cost.)
Once we determine your specific needs, we can give you a firm price for all the required training. Bear in mind, the course fees generally cover just the cost of instruction. You are responsible for:
- Transportation to and from the course location and dive sites.
- Any overnight accommodations and meals.
- Supplying all required equipment and gas fills.
If you want certification cards from multiple agencies, you will need to pay the associated card processing fees. Keep in mind organizations such as TDI and IANTD will require you purchase their specific textbook or eLearning materials, in addition to any materials supplied with the course.
What Equipment Will You Need?
The minimum equipment requirements for most courses include:
- Mask and adjustable fins.
- Backup mask.
- Adequate exposure protection for the environment.
- Dive Rite Choptima or KISS Sidekick CCR.
- At least two open-circuit bailout bottles.
- One primary and two backup lights.
- One primary reel/spool plus one backup per diver.
- Two cutting tools per diver.
- Two mission-capable dive computers per diver.
Some very specific requirements pertain to each of these items. Do not make any equipment purchases without first speaking to your instructor.
Note: if you will be traveling by air to the course site, we can help you to arrange the rental of heavier items such as tanks at your destination.
How Do You Sign Up?
The best way to get started is to simply contact us.