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Exact content and limits vary by agency standards, CCR model, and site conditions, but a typical CCR Try Dive includes the following elements.
What a CCR is: closed-loop breathing, oxygen addition, and carbon dioxide removal via scrubber.
Key CCR risks and why procedures matter: hypoxia, hyperoxia, hypercapnia, flooding, and task loading.
Role of the instructor and supervision limits: this is a guided, instructor-controlled session, not independent diving.
Basic dive planning concepts: shallow depth limits, time limits, and a conservative approach to workload and temperature.
Major components and what they do: oxygen and diluent cylinders, first stages, solenoid/manual add valves, scrubber canister, counterlungs, mouthpiece and DSV/BOV (if fitted), over-pressure valves, and automatic diluent valve (ADV).
Electronics and monitoring: handset/head-up display (HUD), oxygen sensors, calibration concept (demonstration/overview), and what the displays mean during the dive.
Bailout concept: why an independent open-circuit bailout supply is used, how it is carried, and when you switch.
Checklist discipline: assembling the unit, verifying cylinder pressures, confirming gas analysis where applicable, and ensuring correct valves are open/closed in sequence.
Positive/negative loop checks (as appropriate to the unit) to identify leaks and confirm integrity.
Scrubber awareness: what “duration” means, why packing matters, and why you never exceed the scrubber plan.
Pre-breathe procedure to confirm oxygen addition and basic loop function before entering the water.
Breathing on the loop: relaxed breathing, maintaining a good mouthpiece seal, and recognising “work of breathing” changes.
Buoyancy and trim basics: using wing/BCD and CCR loop volume appropriately; avoiding large depth changes that can destabilise PO₂ and buoyancy.
Gas addition basics: instructor-led demonstration of adding oxygen/diluent (where appropriate) and understanding the effect on loop volume and PO₂.
Monitoring habits: regular display/HUD checks, maintaining situational awareness, and communicating with the instructor.
Simple problem responses: clearing minor water from the loop (as appropriate), identifying abnormal readings, and switching to bailout on instructor command.
Controlled descent/ascent with close supervision, maintaining shallow depth (commonly within 6–12 m / 20–40 ft) and low exertion.
Staying stable: gentle finning, careful buoyancy corrections, and maintaining consistent monitoring.
Practising one or two basic drills: bailout switch and return (if BOV/DSV configuration allows), or a simple loop management exercise.
Review of what went well and what to improve (buoyancy control, monitoring frequency, comfort level).
Overview of entry-level CCR training pathways with the chosen agency (PSAI, TDI, RAID, or IANTD), including typical prerequisites and progression.
Equipment considerations: rental vs owning, unit-specific training requirements, ongoing maintenance, and consumables (sorb, oxygen fills).
PSAI: Often emphasises disciplined procedures and may tailor the try experience around the specific unit the instructor teaches.
TDI: Commonly frames the try dive as an introduction to CCR concepts and habits that lead into entry-level CCR courses.
RAID: Typically aligns the experience with modern skills progression and strong emphasis on in-water control and awareness.
IANTD: Often connects the try experience to broader rebreather and technical pathways, while keeping the try dive conservative and closely supervised.
A Try Dive is an introductory experience, not a full CCR certification. Across PSAI, TDI, RAID, and IANTD, it typically enables you to:
It does not qualify you to rent a CCR, plan independent CCR dives, or exceed recreational no-decompression limits based on CCR capability. Any credit toward a full CCR course varies by instructor and agency policy, but the session is commonly used to confirm readiness and interest before committing to entry-level CCR training. Centres may also recommend further open-circuit skills practice or a buoyancy workshop first, and adventuro makes it easy to find those options alongside CCR try sessions.
Most CCR Try Dives run as a half-day to full-day experience (around 3–6 hours) including paperwork, a detailed briefing, equipment orientation, and at least one confined-water dive. Some centres add a short open-water dive (typically shallow, often within 6–12 m / 20–40 ft) if conditions and standards permit. Allow extra time if you need refresher coaching on buoyancy or if the centre is using a specific CCR model that requires longer setup.
A CCR Try Dive is typically assessed as an instructor-led experience rather than a pass/fail course. Instructors from PSAI, TDI, RAID or IANTD normally evaluate you continuously for safe behaviour: listening to briefings, following checklists, maintaining calm breathing, and showing basic buoyancy and trim while the instructor closely supervises the unit. You can expect skills such as fitting the loop and mouthpiece, correct breathing on a closed-circuit loop, mask clearing, bailout awareness (switching to open-circuit if needed), and controlled ascents with frequent status checks (PO2/handsets explained by the instructor). Depth and time limits vary by centre and local standards, and the instructor may stop the dive early if comfort or conditions are not suitable. You can browse adventuro’s extensive pages to compare centres and book a session.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesA CCR (Closed Circuit Rebreather) Try Dive is a supervised introduction designed to let you experience breathing from a rebreather without committing to full training. Across PSAI, TDI, RAID and IANTD, it is usually not a certification level that qualifies you to dive independently. Instead, it’s a tightly controlled session where the instructor manages the rebreather setup and the dive plan, and you focus on comfort, basic procedures, and understanding key concepts like the breathing loop and bailout.
Typically yes: most centres require at least an entry-level open-water certification (or equivalent) and recent diving experience, because buoyancy control and basic emergency skills are assumed. Some locations may offer pool-only introductions with different prerequisites, but the common expectation across agencies is that you already know core scuba skills (mask clearing, regulator recovery, controlled ascent). Always check the specific centre’s prerequisites and medical requirements before booking.
Typical skills include a detailed pre-dive briefing, fitting the unit and breathing loop, correct mouthpiece use, maintaining a good seal, and staying relaxed while breathing on the loop. In-water, instructors commonly cover buoyancy and trim, basic hand signals and status checks, awareness of PO2 displays (explained in simple terms), and bailout procedures (how you would switch to open-circuit if needed). The exact skill list varies by agency standards, instructor, and environment (pool vs open water).
Depth and duration vary by agency standards, local regulations, and the training environment. Many centres keep try dives shallow and conservative, often in confined water or very calm open water, with the instructor staying close and managing task loading. Time is usually long enough for you to settle into the breathing pattern and do a few basic drills, rather than to “tour” a site. Your instructor will adapt the plan to conditions and your comfort level.
Most CCR Try Dives are not structured as a formal certification with a final exam. Instead, the instructor assesses your comfort, situational awareness, and ability to follow procedures safely. Some agencies may issue a participation record or allow credit toward later training, but you should not expect a qualification that permits independent CCR diving. If your goal is to dive CCR on your own, you’ll need a full entry-level CCR course for a specific rebreather model.
Rebreathers introduce hazards that are different from open-circuit scuba, including oxygen control issues (hypoxia/hyperoxia), carbon dioxide buildup, and equipment or procedural errors. To manage this, try dives are highly supervised: instructors use checklists, conservative profiles, close positioning, and clear bailout plans. You’ll be taught simple rules such as “never hold your breath,” “breathe normally,” and “follow the instructor’s prompts.” Centres may also require medical declarations and may refuse participation if conditions aren’t suitable.
Centres typically provide the CCR unit, cylinders, absorbent (sorb), and any required open-circuit bailout, plus weights and often a BCD/drysuit depending on the setup. You usually bring personal items like mask, fins, exposure protection that fits well, and a logbook/certification proof if required. Because CCRs are model-specific, the instructor will brief you on the exact unit you’ll use. Booking through adventuro makes it easier to compare what each centre includes.
Not necessarily. CCR training and experiences are commonly delivered on specific rebreather models that the centre is equipped to maintain and teach. PSAI, TDI, RAID and IANTD all recognise that CCRs are not “one size fits all,” so the try dive will be tied to the unit available (and the instructor’s ratings). If you’re interested in a particular model long-term, ask the centre what they use and whether it aligns with future entry-level CCR training options.
If you enjoy the experience, the usual next step is an entry-level CCR course (often called “CCR Diver” or similar) on a specific unit, including academics, confined-water skills, and open-water dives. Your instructor will advise on prerequisites (minimum dives, nitrox knowledge, medical fitness) and whether you should build more open-circuit experience first. Centres may offer a pathway where the try dive helps you decide before investing in full training, but standards and credit vary.