Dave Talks About Rebreathers – Part 3

Q: When did you start using a rebreather?

A: The key question that I had to answer before I began using a rebreather was,  “Why do divers die on a rebreather.” The short answer is rebreather divers die when they forget or stop believing that the laws of physics apply to them.
 
Q: But when the above mentioned have failed for one reason or another, the next law implied should be survival. Would not the presence of a partner/buddy in close proximity of you, help?
A: Rebreathers are not complex machines but they do require one to setup them properly. Most accidents can be traced to actions or inactions on the surface. Even that, most times does not kill divers, it then takes ignoring warning signs. Generally a rebreather setup properly just works. Monitor it and you will be fine. From the accidents I have been able to research 99% have been diver error. When I use my rebreather I always tell myself the laws of physics still apply to me and complacency and stupidity kills. The definition of an accident is the lost of control. Typically there is a series of events each of itself not causing a loss of control but together causes an accident. Breaking the chain of events prevents the accident. When using a rebreather this is done by paying attention and following your training.
Q; When I dive with my partner/buddy, I have to be honest, I feel as though I am somewhat responsible for his safety, and he mine.
A: When I dive with someone I tell them that no matter what, I am coming back safely. Implied by that is I will drag their sorry butt back also, but I need to know where they are at.