RELATIVE COSTS OF CCR DIVING
Many readers ask me about the financial realities of owning a rebreather. Is it truly cost effective? It is difficult to render an exact cost comparison between open circuit scuba and rebreathers because of the relative variations in dive plans. Whether a diver uses a rebreather or standard open circuit scuba they should anticipate spending up to 10% of the value of their equipment in maintenance, shipping and repairs to keep it in a like-new condition ready for life support. The other end of the equation is the cost of what are known as “consumables.” They are outlined below based on average retail prices in scuba stores in the United States.
Operational Costs CCR:
Rebreather Purchase: $10,000
Sofnolime 8/12 Grade Absorbent - $2 - $3 per hour
Batteries - $1 per hour
Oxygen – 25¢ per hour
Air Diluent – 20¢ per hour
Average Helium Diluent for deep dives – 50¢ per hour (regardless of depth)
Service and Maintenance (cells): $1000 per year
Operational Costs Standard Technical Scuba:
Basic Tech Doubles Purchase: $3,500
Air cost per hour - $12
Deep/deco gases per hour - $100 - $150 (300 feet)
Service: $250 - $350 per year
Note: Bailout stages were not included in either equation, since they should be the same cost for purchase. The difference lies in the fills the open circuit diver must get for each dive.
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