underwater. Then, move the boat to the second site, and everyone dives together for the “standard” time, or slightly extended time. From here, all divers travel back to the re- sort or liveaboard together. This option generally means that the boats will be out longer than on comparable days when there are no rebreather divers, usually about thirty minutes to an hour longer. If none of these options work, then place the rebreather divers in a separate group and allow them to follow the main body of divers at a distance behind the group so that they feel more isolated. You may also allow them an addi- tional 20-30 minutes underwater after the open circuit divers have surfaced. Economics: As can be seen, in some respects it can be costlier to support rebreather divers. Dedicated dive boats, space limitations that may reduce the overall number of divers you can carry, and increased operational time all con- tribute to that. Specialized infrastructure support, like oxy- gen cylinders or boosters, also play a factor in profitability. It is usually perceived as un- reasonable to charge a higher weekly rate because re- breathers are being used. However, many rebreather divers are willing to pay for services that they perceive as being “extraordinary” or “valet” service, such as paying a premium to have their own dedicated dive boat. Remem- ber that some of the in- creased cost may be recouped with use fees that are expected, such as special charges for absorbent or oxygen fills. One factor to keep in mind is that offering rebreather support may lead to increased profits from other sources. As I mentioned earlier, if a dive operation will not support rebreather divers, I immediately eliminate them from con- sideration. I might only have two or three other rebreather divers, but my group may be much larger than that. On one occasion, I had five total rebreather divers, but had an- other 47 open circuit divers and snorkelers in the group. Without the rebreather support, the entire group booking would have been lost. Staff Training: It is unrealistic to expect all of your staff RETAILING continued
to be trained and conversant with all manners and types of rebreathers. Not only is that impractical, rebreather divers do not expect it. Your staff should have some knowledge of re- breather basics, so that they know what to expect. They should be able fill oxygen cylinders, tri-mix cylinders (if supported) and how to support rebreather divers. Divers in Mixed Mode. Often the pre-dive, dive, and post-dive support is doing… nothing. Most rebreather divers prefer to do everything themselves, short of filling gas cylinders. That said, clients should be consulted on what support they de- sire or expect. Staff should ask about how rebreathers should be lifted, so they can be removed from the water if divers do not ascend a ladder with gear in place. How should the units be handled or stored between dives or
during transport? The ex- pected procedure for han- dling bailout cylinders should also be discussed… Do the divers prefer to don them on the surface, and then enter the water? Or put them on after they have entered? If af- terward, do they prefer the bottles to be pre-staged on a down line, or handed to them after they enter? Generally, because re- breather divers prefer not to dive with open circuit divers,
in-water dive guides may not be necessary. That may or may not be practical, depending on environmental condi- tions, client comfort levels with the local environment, and their familiarity with the dive conditions. Conclusion: Rebreather divers offer an increased cus- tomer base. Supporting rebreather divers often entails ad- ditional expense and support requirements. However, making the necessary effort to support these divers may differentiate you from other operators and competitors in
the area, bringing dive groups to your property that you would not otherwise have. In the next article in this series we will look at rebreathers from the instructor’s perspective.
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