Overview
Perhaps you have considered learning to dive with a rebreather but have been deterred by the apparent complexities of the equipment. Rebreather diving is not as difficult to master as it might appear. Voyager is a remarkable system that will allow you to explore environments some divers only dream about.
The modular approach
The Voyager system is a modular approach to rebreather training.
The semi-closed configuration is controlled and operated differently to the closed-circuit configuration. It is important therefore to have a clear concept of how both these configurations work.
A closed-circuit system is the optimal way to dive with any rebreather. Yet the semi-closed-circuit system has the operational advantage of being able to dive without an oxygen monitor. There are times in emergency situations when being able to switch over to the semi-closed mode would be a better option than switching to open-circuit. For example if one oxygen sensor has completely failed the diver must immediately switch to an alternate air source or semi-closed mode to avoid potential hypoxia or hyperoxia. The Voyager can be switched between closed-circuit and semi-closed modes during the course of a dive. This is unlike any other rebreather system and is extremely useful if your oxygen partial pressure monitoring device should suddenly malfunction. The option of switching between closed-circuit and semi-closed modes enables you to continue breathing from the loop and dramatically improves your gas efficiency.
The optimal way to operate the Voyager as a closed-circuit system is to be comfortable diving the unit in its semi-closed set-up. The semi-closed configuration does not demand perfect knowledge of how to operate the unit but requires a good level of practical experience in rebreather buoyancy control which is easily mastered with proper training and in-water experience.
Some agencies offer a single rebreather course, not IATA. Students begin by learning the semi-closed configuration and progress on to the closed-circuit configuration. This allows a skilled diver, with a good understanding of theoretical and practical diving techniques, to develop basic abilities and operating limits gradually with each of the system configurations. Ultimately with the Voyager modular-approach you will appreciate not having to buy an entirely different rebreather as your operating level progresses. |