TDI Rebreather Diver Course
Learn to dive silently and efficiently using a closed-circuit rebreather system
TDI Rebreather Diver Certification in Nanaimo
Your first step into silent diving and true CCR mastery.
Closed-circuit rebreathers open up an entirely different kind of diving. They offer long bottom times, warm moist breathing gas, and approaches to marine life that simply aren’t possible on open circuit. The TDI CCR Air Diluent Diver course introduces you to rebreather systems and teaches you how to safely conduct no-decompression CCR dives to a maximum depth of 30 metres, right here in Nanaimo’s cold-water environment.
Training with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters gives you hands-on experience with local conditions that demand precision, buoyancy control, and situational awareness. These skills transfer directly to CCR diving anywhere in the world.
Who should take the TDI Rebreather course?
The TDI CCR Air Diluent Diver course is designed for certified divers who want to:
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- Experience silent, bubble-free diving
- Approach wildlife more closely for photography or videography
- Improve comfort, gas efficiency, and environmental awareness
- Begin their path toward technical rebreather diving
You must be at least 18 years old, hold a TDI Nitrox Diver certification (or equivalent), and have a minimum of 20 logged dives before starting the course.
Inside your TDI Rebreather training experience
The course combines detailed knowledge development with confined-water skill sessions and multiple open-water CCR dives between 9 and 30 metres.
A typical training progression includes:
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- Unit assembly and familiarization
- Predive checklists, emergency drills, and electronic monitoring
- Confined-water practice with buoyancy and loop management
- Four to six open-water CCR dives, progressively increasing depth
Post-dive breakdown and unit maintenance
This structure ensures you gain confidence managing the loop, controlling buoyancy, and responding to CCR-specific emergencies before progressing to deeper dives.
What the TDI Rebreather course teaches you
The course is divided into three core phases.
#1. Knowledge development
You’ll learn:
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- How CCRs work and how they differ from open circuit and SCR units
- Gas physiology related to oxygen exposure, narcosis, and helium basics
- Proper scrubber packing and oxygen management
- Dive planning with set points, PPO2 limits, CNS/OTU tracking, and tables
- Rebreather failure modes and emergency procedures
- How checklists reduce risk and improve dive safety
#2. Confined-water training
You’ll practice:
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- Full unit assembly and predive checklists
- Loop volume control and proper breathing technique
- Maintaining buoyancy using the loop and drysuit/BCD
- Electronic handset monitoring and set-point switching
- Gas analysis, ADV function checks, and bailout readiness
#3. Open-water CCR dives
You’ll complete no-decompression dives between 9 and 30 metres, including:
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- At least two dives deeper than 20 metres
- One dive deeper than 27 metres
- Safety stops with stable loop/buoyancy control
- Real-world emergency drills such as gas loss, high PPO2, and bailout
- Deployment of SMB or lift bag from a CCR system
These dives teach you how to manage a full CCR dive plan safely and consistently.
The gear you’ll use in your TDI Rebreather Diver course
Gear is available through Nanaimo Dive Outfitters, including:
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- Your CCR unit (student-supplied or arranged through us)
- Mask, fins, and exposure protection
- Cylinders for oxygen and diluent
- Off-board bailout cylinder and regulator
- Dive computer compatible with CCR set-point planning
All training is completed in a drysuit due to local water temperatures (8°C to 10°C). Cold-water CCR training builds strong foundational habits that translate easily to warm-water destinations. If you do not own a rebreather, we will discuss unit options and availability prior to enrollment.
CCR training that builds real confidence
British Columbia is one of the best environments in the world for rebreather training. Our cold water, thermoclines, and variable visibility require attention to detail, buoyancy discipline, and precise monitoring of your set-points. Once you learn CCR diving here, diving a rebreather in warm tropical water feels simple.
Your TDI Rebreather Diver certification is recognized worldwide and is the gateway to advanced CCR pathways such as Helitrox, Trimix, and Cave CCR.
What’s included
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- TDI Rebreather Diver eLearning
- Confined-water training sessions
- All required CCR training dives
- Bailout cylinder and regulator rental
- Instructor-led unit workshops and maintenance practice
- Small class sizes for personalized coaching
Student perks: Graduates receive discounts on gear purchases and are welcome to join our regular club dives, including CCR-friendly sites around Nanaimo and Nanoose Bay.
Coming from out of town?
If you’ve already started your CCR training elsewhere, we may be able to complete your certification through a multi-agency referral, depending on unit type and training progress. Many divers travel to Nanaimo specifically for CCR workshops and cold-water experience. Whether you're visiting the island or planning a CCR-focused training trip, we can help you complete your dives with flexible scheduling and access to local sites suited for rebreather training. Contact us for availability and required equipment details.
TDI Rebreather Diver Course FAQ
How do I choose the right CCR unit before enrolling?
Most divers choose a unit based on local support, available parts, and what their instructor teaches on. Training on a unit that you can easily service and get consumables for is far more important than features alone.
Is the learning curve significantly harder than open circuit technical training?
It’s different rather than harder. CCR introduces more pre-dive preparation, more monitoring during the dive, and more emphasis on checklists. Most divers who are disciplined and methodical succeed.
How long does CCR setup actually take before a dive?
Most divers spend 20 to 30 minutes assembling, checking, and verifying their unit. This becomes faster with experience, but thoroughness remains essential.
What habits from open circuit diving do people need to unlearn?
Not monitoring PO₂ often enough is the biggest one. CCR diving requires consistent situational awareness and loop monitoring rather than relying solely on instinct.
Does CCR diving significantly extend gas supply on deep dives?
Yes. Because the unit recycles breathing gas, you use far less oxygen than on open circuit, which can make deep or long-duration dives more practical.
Will I need to buy additional tools or analyzers?
Yes. CCR divers usually own an oxygen analyzer, a CO₂ absorbent container, and basic tools for travel. You’ll also want a dedicated gear tote for keeping the unit clean and dry.
Is CCR better for underwater photography?
Yes. The silence helps you approach marine life much more closely, and extended bottom time allows patient positioning for shots.
Is sorb available locally year-round in Nanaimo?
Yes. Shops that train CCR divers typically carry sorb, oxygen fills, and consumables, but calling ahead is always smart.
What can I train for after the air-diluent level?
You can progress to Helitrox, Mixed Gas, Advanced Mixed Gas, or explore advanced wreck and cave pathways depending on your interests.
Ready to become a certified diver?
Scuba diving opens the door to new experiences, travel, and friendships. Training with Nanaimo Dive Outfitters gives you confidence in one of the richest cold-water ecosystems in the world.
Start your SDI eLearning today or contact us to reserve your spot in an upcoming class.
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